Brian Kutsch 'be kind darling' MSDC

be kind darling is a design-led brand founded by Brian Kutsch and his wife, Yen Foong rooted in the belief that objects should serve the quiet rituals of daily life. Brian leads the creative direction - drawing on his multidisciplinary background to create sculptural, modular bags and accessories made to be held, worn, and lived with. Each object is designed to evolve through touch, time, and use.

His first collection, collection0001 is grounded in material honesty. Raw edges, natural finishes, and subtle imperfections are left visible to honour how materials live and change. Texture is functional - smooth curves, burnished edges, and contrasting surfaces invite touch and reward long-term use.

Materials are sourced from British producers with strong craft heritage and environmental responsibility, including oak bark tanned leather from the last tannery of its kind in Devon, innovative recycled marine rope from a rope maker of 200 years history, hand-cast brass, and waxed cotton - all chosen for their traceability, longevity, and historical significance.

The palette balances restraint and energy: soft, un-dyed bridle leather and warm brass sit alongside bold primary colours of the marine rope and waxed canvas - adding rhythm, contrast, and joy to the collection.

Each piece is crafted using traditional methods like wet-moulding, saddle-stitching, and beeswax burnishing. The textile range is developed in collaboration with a London atelier - two complementary ranges that lend modularity and dynamism to this collection.

Through be kind darling, Brian brings together British craft, materials, culture, and contemporary design - shaping purposeful goods made to last in both form and feeling.

Please visit their website to discover the full range of collection001.

Education

• Bachelor of Fine Art and Industrial Design major at College for Creative Studies, Detroit, USA

Professional career

• Founder and co-owner of bkd studios (be kind darling), UK
• Founder, co-owner and creative director at Locol Design, UK
• Founder and owner of Brian Kutsch Design, UK
• Global design lead at Pentland Brands, UK
• Global design lead at Lacoste Chaussures, UK
• Lead industrial designer at Converse Inc/ (Nike, Inc), USA

Affiliations

• Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, UK
• Member of the Heritage Crafts
• Member of the Crafts Council

Achievements

• Judge and mentor - Cordwainers Footwear Awards 2025
• Panel expert - London College of Fashion curriculum for footwear and accessories
• Mentor - Cordwainers Footwear Awards student qualifiers (2023 - 2024), UK
• New Designers Judge representing Pentland (2016), UK
• BREAKING IN® ‘Product Design’: One of 100 international design luminaries featured (2014), USA
• Pentland Chairman's Award for 'Performance Improvement' (2014), UK
• Northumbria University x Lacoste Chaussures annual project (2013 - 2016), UK
• College for Creative Studies featured alumni (2011), USA
• Converse Star Player EVO: ‘Voted Best Shoe Of 2010 by Crooked Tongues, UK/USA
• Converse signature performance basketball shoe (EB3) for NBA athlete Elton Brand (2010), US
• First prize: INTERZINC Challenge Competition: (2003), USA
• First prize: NITTO Ultra High Performance Tire Competition (2003), USA

• One of two individuals in Michigan, USA awarded full scholarship to College of Creative Studies, Detroit