Richtmann: Craftsmanship and devotion, sewn into every seam

New Swedish brand Richtmann designs premium leather bags, each handmade with careful consideration for craftsmanship, style and functionality. Nominated as one of the Formex Design Talents earlier this year, Richtmann’s bags will soon also be available at Artipelag in Stockholm.

In just over a year, Markus Richtmann has achieved fantastic success with his new brand of premium leather bags. With a background as a restaurateur, currently one of three co-owners of Stadskällaren Brewpub in Skellefteå, Richtmann also has a passion for true craftsmanship.

“Arts and crafts have always interested me, but the idea of making bags was pure coincidence,” reflects the designer. “I was working on some hunting gear for myself when my wife asked if I could make her a bag – this was the first Everyday Carrie bag.”

Selected for Formex Design Talents

In his first year of business, Markus was selected as one of the nominees for Formex Design Talents. The largest trade event for design and interior design in the Nordics, the fair presents products, the latest trends, exciting speakers and influential exhibitions. A jury also selects promising designers and artists who get the chance to show their creations and build a network.

“Design Talents is an exciting part of Formex, enabling exhibitors, visitors and media to spot new talent,” says Richtmann. “I could never have imagined this in my wildest dreams. It was such an honour to be one of the design talents and have the opportunity to show my bags to people in the industry so early on,” he beams.

Markus Richtmann, founder and designer.

Reflecting the soul of the North

Richtmann’s bags do not follow trends. Instead, they are classic and timeless – a winning combination of style and function. The bags can be described as rare pieces of craftsmanship, reflecting the soul of the North. “In my designs, I take inspiration from shapes in nature, for instance when out fishing,” muses the designer. “And I find the simplicity in Asian craftsmanship to be amazing. This is how I feel when creating; I don’t want to mess up a clean look.”

Everyday Carrie is the first bag and the bestseller so far. A staple that echoes ocean waves and sculptured stones scatted across untamed meadows, this model is available in a range of different colours and types of leather, including embossed crocodile.

Mailman is the unisex messenger bag, small but with a big heart. ”This bag is inspired by my childhood memories when I was often waiting for the local mailman – a mysterious figure with a bag full of secrets,” says Richtmann. “It’s both nostalgic and practical.” Mailman is available in a large version as well, suitable for laptops. Other products in the line-up include card holders and accessories such as dog collars.

Artipelag and studio in Skellefteå

All bags are meticulously handmade with around 2,000 stitches for a premium look and feel. Richtmann creates the bags in his studio in Skellefteå, using vegetable-tanned Swedish leather, resulting in a beautiful patina over time, and details in solid brass that give an elegant expression. Sustainability is key, as the bags should last for years and, if possible, generations.

The journey for Richtmann has just started, but the achievements so far are impressive. A large amount of bags has been ordered by Artipelag. Comprising an art gallery, a shop for design products, and a large space for events, this is an international destination for art, located in the Stockholm Archipelago. “I’m so excited to be working with Artipelag,” the talented designer adds. “My bags will be available in its shop, which is a fantastic opportunity. To be able to make something that people are interested in, what a privilege!”

Richtmann’s bags are available in the brand’s web shop in limited numbers, with an expected waiting time of up to six months.

Web: www.richtmann.se
Instagram: @richtmann_leather_goods