An Interview with Viktor Kondratenko, Leather Artisan and MeiSi Threads Ambassador
Conversation led by Liudmyla S., representative of Ming Lang Threads in Ukraine.
Our meeting with Viktor takes place in his spacious, open-plan loft studio.
A panoramic view unfolds through the windows, revealing the Dnipro River from what feels like a sky-high terrace. The air is filled with the dense scent of leather and freshly ground coffee, creating a space that feels both focused and welcoming.
The studio is curated with close attention to detail: custom-made wooden furniture and handcrafted tools designed to order. Everything here reflects the aesthetic of craftsmanship and the master’s personal taste.
This space is more than just a workshop. Here, craft becomes a meditation, and every stitch is an intentional act of dialogue with the material.
We met with Viktor not only to talk about thread and its role in his work, but also to explore what lies behind each of his creations.
Liudmyla S.:
Viktor, we’ve been in touch and collaborating for quite some time. I’m glad we now have the opportunity to shape our conversation into an interview format. I think it will be interesting and helpful not only for those already familiar with you and your work, but also for artisans just starting their journey. Let me begin with a simple question. How did you come into leathercraft?
Viktor Kondratenko:
My path began with the need to solve a personal problem. I was looking for non-standard watch straps that simply weren’t available at the time. Over time, finding solutions for myself turned into a skill, and then into a craft. That experience now helps me find solutions for my clients.
Fairly quickly, I became fascinated with the material itself. I was drawn to leather — its scent, texture, and the way it changes over time. I wanted to understand how it behaves in the hand, how it responds to treatment, how it reveals itself in a finished piece.
Eventually, this grew from a hobby into a way of life. I’ve always paid attention to the details — the smell, the texture, the atmosphere of the workshop, the choice of tools and materials. All of this influences not only the result, but the experience of the process itself. I’m more drawn to depth than to scale.
Liudmyla S.:
Have you been working with MeiSi since the beginning? How did that connection come about?
Viktor Kondratenko:
At the start of my journey, I didn’t have a clear understanding of what I needed from thread. In fact, I hardly gave it much importance. I was looking for accessibility, a range of options, and ease of stitching. I just wanted to avoid the constant battle with loops, twists, and other inconveniences.
I tried everything I could find — different types of threads from various producers. But with time and consistent practice came the realization that what really matters is often hidden in the small things.
In 2017, my search led me to a young, rapidly growing manufacturer — Ming Lang — and I placed a trial order of various thread types. That’s when I first discovered MeiSi linen thread. I still remember my first impressions — it was a real wow moment, and that feeling didn’t fade with time.
But true understanding of how good that thread is didn’t come immediately. Only through constant use did its strengths become more and more evident. It’s like a good wine that leaves a long and pleasant aftertaste.
Liudmyla S.:
In your studio, it’s hard not to notice the sheer variety of threads — every color, every thickness. Why is that so important to you?
Viktor Kondratenko:
For me, having a wide selection of threads isn’t just a matter of convenience. It’s the foundation of confidence in the process. When you create custom pieces, especially for discerning clients, it’s essential to have everything you need close at hand.
I clearly remember one case. In 2017, a client from Saudi Arabia approached me with a request to make a strap that would perfectly match the color of his car. He even sent a paint sample so I could find the closest possible materials. Back then, I didn’t have a broad selection of threads or reliable suppliers. Assignments like that turned into long searches and constant compromises.
That experience changed a lot for me. I realized that without a wide range and stable supply, it’s impossible to approach such tasks with confidence. Since then, I’ve consciously built a collection of thread types, colors, and thicknesses. It gives me not only creative freedom, but also peace of mind.
I know that at any given moment, I can choose exactly what fits the task. That brings precision to my work — and allows the client to feel that their request will be fulfilled without compromise.
Liudmyla S.:
You’ve often said that thread isn’t just a technical component but a full-fledged expressive element — a tool for conveying your intent. What do you mean by that?
Viktor Kondratenko:
Yes, I really do see thread as a means of expression, equal in importance to the shape of the piece or the choice of leather. Thread can set the tone, emphasize character, enhance the impression — or it can recede, letting other details speak louder.
Thread is the voice of the project. Sometimes it whispers quietly, barely noticeable. Other times it speaks clearly and confidently, with intention. What matters isn’t just choosing the color or thickness. It’s about understanding the role the thread is meant to play in that specific piece. Sometimes it’s about knowing when to place a full stop. And sometimes it’s about knowing when not to.
Liudmyla S.:
You clearly prefer hand stitching. Why is that approach so essential for you?
Viktor Kondratenko:
Hand-stitching leather is a tradition that dates back centuries. Long before the first sewing machines, it was the only way to make strong and durable leather goods.
The range of threads available for hand stitching is far more diverse than for machine sewing — not just in color and thickness, but also in texture, structure, and special effects. Many of these are simply not compatible with machines. That opens up incredible opportunities for creativity and lets me choose thread that perfectly fits the specific character of each piece.
Liudmyla S.:
You often say that craft is more than just working with leather. What do you mean when you talk about the “philosophy of craftsmanship”?
Viktor Kondratenko:
For me, craft is not just about creating objects. It’s a way of interacting with the world — a dialogue between the maker and the material. It requires not only hands, but vision, attention, and honesty.
I believe craft begins where curiosity awakens. The desire to learn more, to do better, to try something new. It’s important not to be afraid of experimenting, of questioning habits — whether it’s a tool, a material, or simply how you look at familiar things.
I appreciate that craft demands time and thoughtfulness. It’s not about rushing. It’s about paying attention. And when you’re fully present in that process, the result feels more honest and calm.
Liudmyla S.:
In your Facebook and Instagram accounts, you often show not only the finished products but the process itself, with detailed commentary. What does that mean for you?
Viktor Kondratenko:
I believe there is strength in openness. For me, showing the process is more than just sharing how something is made. It’s a way to start conversations — with beginners who might feel shy about asking questions, with fellow artisans who might learn something new or share in return, and with clients who want to understand the work behind the result.
I know that many craftsmen see their knowledge as personal capital, something to protect. I respect that. But I’ve always been drawn to a different approach. My experience is the result of trial and error, of long hours and hard lessons.
I believe craft becomes stronger when people share — even when it goes against conventional thinking. For me, openness is not a threat. It’s an opportunity. An opportunity to grow with those around me.
It’s important to me not only to show the final product, but to help others see that behind every piece is a story — of searching, of thinking, of making choices.
Liudmyla S.:
Viktor, there’s something I’d like to touch on. When clients come to us with more technical or practical questions, we often recommend you as someone with deep hands-on experience. How do you feel about that kind of trust? What does it mean for you to help others not just through your products, but through your knowledge?
Viktor Kondratenko:
It means a lot to me when my knowledge and experience can be helpful to others. Of course, sales consultants are professionals — they know the range and help clients make a choice. But practical application is a little different.
When you work with materials every day, when you see how a thread behaves in different situations, and you learn how to avoid common mistakes — that gives you a different kind of understanding.
For me, these are not just tips. It’s a way of sharing experience, of helping colleagues and clients make more precise decisions and improve their own work. Because thread is not only about color and code. It’s about how it performs in real life.
And that, I believe, is what makes craft truly alive — when every choice is backed by knowledge, care, and openness.
Liudmyla S.:
Thank you, Viktor, for such a thoughtful and sincere conversation. I hope it inspires many artisans the same way your work continues to inspire us.