GDS/GLS 2007: Portraits: 'German Bag Designers'

Gretchen – The Little Pearl What makes Gretchen accessories so special is their unusually clear, minimalist design. The bags are manufactured in Europe, where they are made with care and attention to detail according to traditional bag-making craftsmanship. Only the best materials from Italy and other exclusive locations are used. In this way, Gretchen bags combine modern design with excellent quality and craftsmanship, allowing the brand to be positioned with selected dealers not only in Germany, but also internationally, for example in Japan, Italy, England and the USA. Gretchen presents itself as a luxury object—a little pearl with a unique, timeless style for demanding customers. Behind the label is designer Anne-Christin Hofmann, who had already designed accessories for luxury labels such as Hugo Boss, Escada and Burberry. www.mygretchen.com

Nicole Pietag
The success recipe for Nicole Pietag's accessories is based on the passion for creating new things and years of experience with bags and other accessories. The designer not only has a good nose for trends, but also bases her collections on permanence and timeless design. Unique and practical details, convincing design and highest-quality materials combine the demands on innovation and divisibility. The hand and travel bags, purses, key rings and cosmetic bags are perfectly coordinated and can be combined to sets in multiple ways. Made of leathers such as Napa or suede, canvas and linen, the products demonstrate top-class workmanship and are taken from everyday life—as accompaniment for daytime, travel and evenings.
www.nicolepietag.de

OWA
Bernd M. Ostwald, designer for OWA, remains true to his most important statement in this season: all styles are handmade in the proprietary workshop, either individual pieces or limited editions. The summer collection can be divided into three groups: 1) Bag sculptures—unusual shapes independent of trends, made as individual structures that are developed exclusively for their owners, uncompromising in handiwork. 2) Purist, functional styles—leathers that exude a casual naturalness, bags that inconspicuously serve their owners, understated luxury. 3) Fashionable, decorative bags—colourful and sensual yet always subtle, unique and always a challenge to craftsmanship. OWA is a concept for individualists. Whatever excites a customer always influences the design. Numerous materials, colours and unique ideas join to create unique pieces that are inimitable and exude true exclusivity.

Sequenza
The South German label Sequenza sees itself as a manufacture and produces its styles in limited numbers. "Transforming form and standards into individuality" is the credo of designer Tina Karl, who puts her money on truly exclusive materials with her bag compositions. From ostrich leather to crocodile tail to python skin, the materials all radiate luxurious charm. In this way bags are created that oppose the arbitrary and display an obvious passion for detail. The exclusive designs were honoured with the German Shoe and Leather Goods Award 2006.
www.sequenza.biz