A passport holder might seem like a simple object—an accessory designed to keep essentials in place—but when design is approached with intention, even the smallest details carry meaning. The Belmont Vegan Leather Passport Holder reflects that philosophy, balancing form and function with a thoughtful approach to everyday travel. Behind its creation are two women whose influence extends beyond design itself—Gladys Phan, Senior Product Designer, and Krystle Koo, Brand Strategist. Together, they shape not just the physical product, but the entire experience surrounding it. On International Women’s Day, we take a deep dive into how they brought their unique perspectives together to create the Belmont Passport Holder.
Gladys understands that good design can’t be limited to merely aesthetics—it’s about how it works in real life. With the Belmont, she focuses on practicality without sacrificing aesthetics, ensuring that every detail serves a purpose. The structured compartments provide easy access to travel documents, while the vegan leather adds durability and a refined feel. Every stitch, pocket, and fold is thoughtfully designed for a product that feels as intuitive as it looks refined. Nothing is included without reason, and that level of precision is what sets her work apart.
Designers: Gladys Phan / Krystle Koo
Gladys Phan and Krystle Koo
Krystle’s role builds on that foundation, ensuring that the Belmont isn’t just a one-off SKU but part of a larger story. Travel is about movement, identity, and the objects we take with us along the way. She shapes the way the passport holder connects with people, emphasizing values like conscious craftsmanship and intentional design. The product exists not in isolation but as an extension of a broader vision, where utility and meaning are intertwined. The messaging, branding, and identity surrounding the Belmont carry the same level of care as its physical design, creating a cohesive experience from start to finish.
Gladys and Krystle’s collaboration brings together two distinct but deeply connected skill sets—one shaping the physical product, the other defining its meaning in the world. Gladys’ design decisions weren’t made in isolation; they were informed by the broader narrative Krystle was crafting. The intuitive layout of the passport holder wasn’t just about storage—it was about anticipating how travelers move, how they reach for documents in transit, how an item can become second nature in their hands. Krystle’s strategic insight ensured that these choices weren’t just functional but aligned with a vision of purposeful, conscious design. Their process wasn’t linear—ideas moved back and forth, evolving with each refinement, proving that when women collaborate, the result reflects that through a combined experience shaped by lived understanding and intention.
The result is a passport holder that feels effortless to use, yet carries layers of thoughtfulness beneath its surface. Its minimalist design is intentional, removing clutter while ensuring that the essentials are exactly where they need to be. Vegan leather was chosen not just for its ethical considerations, but for its tactile quality and durability. Even the stitching speaks to longevity, reinforcing the idea that well-designed objects should withstand time and use.
Beyond the product itself, this campaign highlights the broader impact of women in design. Their contributions extend across disciplines, shaping not only what we use but how we engage with the world around us. Gladys and Krystle’s work demonstrates that design is broadly about problem-solving, storytelling, and creating products that seamlessly fit into everyday life. The Belmont Passport Holder embodies that philosophy, proving that when design is approached with intention, even the smallest objects carry significance.
