QUAMA is particularly proud to present the Blackbird leather jacket in collaboration with Europe's only Saoman tattoo artist.
It is a symbol of culture, craftsmanship and the journey of an artist. It is a highly complex combination of experiences and impressions from the life of its creator.
But to understand the essence of the jacket, we must first get to know the man behind the masterpiece, Tomasi Sulu`ape.
At the heart of the Blackbird Leather Jacket lies a story of culture, art and craftsmanship. Created from the visionary perspective of Thomas Suluape, a master of traditional Samoan tattoo art, this extraordinary garment embodies more than meets the unwitting eye. It is a symbol of the journey of an artist who has traversed the world to explore his roots and artistic heritage.
Thomas Suluape's journey and his adoption into the Sulu'ape family are at the heart of the Blackbird leather jacket. This connection between personal discovery and family heritage is manifested in every element of the jacket. By fusing traditional Samoan patterns with modern design, the Blackbird represents a bridge between worlds. It is a physical symbol of the recognition of community, cultural tradition and the deep respect for nature that are the cornerstones of Suluape's art and philosophy of life.
Tomasi's journey and inspiration
The time in Trinidad was a turning point in his artistic career and had a decisive influence on his later work.
Tomasi's travels then took him further around the world. He visited Africa and South America, where he learned from local artists and craftsmen. His enthusiasm for Polynesian ornamentation grew even more through these encounters. In Asia and New Zealand he deepened his knowledge and discovered new forms of expression. These diverse cultural influences shaped his artistic vision and had a significant impact on the creation of the Blackbird leather jacket. Each stop on his journey helped to expand his skills and deepen his love for Polynesian art.
Tomasi's next destination was Samoa, where he was adopted into the Sulu'ape family and learned the art of Samoan tattooing. Under the guidance of Sua Sulu'ape Petelo, his adoptive father, he mastered traditional techniques and deepened his understanding of the spiritual meaning of tattoos. This experience profoundly shaped Tomasi's understanding of art and inspired him to create the Blackbird leather jacket, which combines traditional Samoan motifs with modern design.
Every line, every pattern in his tattoos and the jacket tells a story - of community, connection to nature and spiritual depth. This cultural richness, combined with Tomasi's own artistic vision, gives the Blackbird a distinctive identity and a deeper meaning that goes far beyond the external. It reflects not only Tomasi's personal journey and artistic development, but also the deep connection and respect he has for Samoan culture and its traditions.
Tomasi Sulu`ape began his journey in southern Germany. His passion for art was evident at a young age. He began drawing at the age of 5 and soon became fascinated by technical and geometric drawings. This early inclination laid the foundation for his later artistic journey, which took him all over the world.
In his youth, Tomasi began an apprenticeship as a carpenter, where he learned traditional wood carving. His fascination with Polynesian drawings sparked a deep passion for the culture of the Pacific. This curiosity drove him to travel to Europe, Africa, South America, the West Indies, Asia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Along the way, he encountered different cultures and artists, learned from African wood carvers and South American painters, and thus continually expanded his artistic understanding and repertoire.
During an extended stay in Trinidad, Tomasi formed a significant friendship with fisherman Elton Pouchet. Elton taught him to understand the inspiring power of nature and helped him deepen his artistic skills. He learned to capture the beauty of nature in his works. This experience led Tomasi back to art and further increased his interest in Polynesian culture.
Cultural significance and
design elements of the Blackbird
The central element of the design, the braided mat pattern on the shoulder and chest area, is deeply rooted in Samoan tradition. These patterns are decorative elements that also function as a symbol of the close connection between people and their environment, a representation of family community, an expression of hospitality and social cohesion. In the Blackbird, this cultural heritage is captured in the form of artfully braided leather strips that replicate the traditional pattern of the mats.
The Blackbird sign, the Samoan frigate bird on the inside of the back yoke, represents leadership and guidance, emphasizing the wearer's role as a scout and protector in his community.
The black satin lining conveys luxury and comfort and the classic stand-up collar represents protection and strength, a tribute to the durability and perseverance of Samoan culture.
The carefully stitched zippers and piped pockets symbolize the combination of functionality and elegance and represent the harmony between practical use and aesthetic design.
The individual serial number of each piece underlines the uniqueness and exclusivity, making each Blackbird a distinctive work of art.
production of the Blackbird
The production of the Blackbird leather jacket is a process that requires both craftsmanship and care. The series is strictly limited to 10 jackets per production.
Each jacket is made from high-quality Kobe cowhide leather, known as Japan Black or Japan Vachett. This leather is tanned in a renowned Japanese factory and permanently dyed using a traditional dipping process, giving it its unique quality and durability.
After tanning, the leather is transported to Freiburg in Germany, where it is further processed in a traditional leather factory. There, each piece of leather is carefully inspected and cut by hand.
In the next step, the individual pieces of leather are worked into the characteristic braiding patterns. This part of the process requires a particularly high level of precision and patience, as each strip of leather is individually fitted, reinforced and carefully braided by hand. This braiding not only pays homage to the Samoan tradition, but also gives each jacket its unique texture and feel. The craftsmen who work on making the Blackbird are experts in their field, and every step of the manufacturing process, from the first cuts to the final sewing, is carried out with the utmost care and attention.
After the braid pattern has been integrated into the Blackbird leather jacket, further steps follow, such as adding the welt pockets, zippers and stand-up collar.
Finally, the Blackbird sign, a symbol of strength and protection, is applied to the inside of the back yoke and each jacket is given an individual serial number that guarantees its uniqueness.
In summary
The exclusivity of the Blackbird leather jacket is deeply rooted in the uniqueness of Thomas Suluape, an outstanding artist and tattoo master. His extraordinary life story and deep connection to Samoan culture enrich every element of the jacket.
The limitation to only ten pieces of each generation, the careful selection of the high-quality Kobe cow leather and the artistic design, inspired by traditional Samoan braiding patterns, make each Blackbird an incomparable work of art.
Tomasi's personal influence and artistic vision give the Blackbird a meaning that goes far beyond the material.
Learn more about the unique Blackbird in our shop and how it changes the lives of our customers
