# Leather-Cloaked Carafes The Mate Craft Cup Was Inspired by a Traditional Drinking Vessel By Amelia Roblin | Published 2014-01-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mate-craft-cup References: [agustinabottoni](http://agustinabottoni.com/post/61032290167/mate-craft-is-a-carafe-made-of-dried-calabash-a) The distinctive look of the Mate Craft Cup was inspired by the organically derived drinking vessels of South America. The thick skin of the bulbous calabash fruit makes an effective container for liquids like yerba, and its shape was mimicked here with a beautiful [turned wood amphora](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gourd-project). To enhance the earthiness of the elegant lumber mug, Agustina Buttoni swathed it in a [thick piece of leather](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puffin-drinkware) and tailored it tightly with cotton yarn stitching. The folds around the base of the material give it a stable footing and a flap was left projecting from one side. This gives the Mate Craft Cup a [convenient handle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinch-hold), enabling the user to pour beverages into glasses quite easily. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 11% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Organic-inspired Design:** There is potential for disruptive innovation in creating more products inspired by the natural world. - **Multi-functional Products:** Designing products with multiple uses, such as the Mate Craft Cup's handle and stable footing, could be a disruptive innovation opportunity. - **Sustainable Materials:** Using sustainable and eco-friendly materials, like the leather and wood used in the Mate Craft Cup, could be a disruptive innovation opportunity. ### Who This Affects Most - **Home Decor:** Innovations in organic-inspired design, multi-functional products, and sustainable materials could enhance home decor. - **Hospitality:** Hotels and restaurants could use similar organic-inspired and sustainable products to enhance their decor and add to their commitment to sustainability. - **Luxury Goods:** Organic-inspired and multi-functional products made with high-end, sustainable materials can create a niche in the luxury goods market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Captivating Tonal Drinking Glassware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/podio-cup.md) - [Designer Glass Coffee Carriers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ember-cold-tumbler.md) - [Eco Abstract Vase Covers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leather-vase.md) - [Desk Thermo Tumblers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alessi-buri-tumbler.md) - [Cultural Heritage-Inspired Vacuum Flasks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heirloom-thermos.md) - [Modern Stainless Steel Carafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/standard-carafe.md) - [Twisting Coffee Brewing Mugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qterra-craft-travel-brewer.md) - [Cube Aluminium Espresso Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unavela.md) - [Effortless Tea Brewing Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cuptone-teacup.md)