Olbrish

In a Kreuzberg factory floor from the Wilhelminian era, every bag is created from start to finish by the same bag maker, without piecework or a piece-rate wage. Nappa leather, nubuck, woven horsehair, and fish leather are processed. Almost every model can be customized in color, internal layout, and strap length. The manufacturer also accepts repairs years later.

Bag Manufactory on Bergmannstraße, around the corner from the Market Hall

Bergmannstraße is one of Kreuzberg’s busiest streets, and anyone walking past Marheineke Market Hall will almost inevitably pass house number 68. Behind it is not a boutique in the usual sense, but a Kreuzberg factory floor from the Wilhelminian era, where Olbrish develops and manufactures its bags. The story began in 1971 when Wolfgang Olbrisch sold handmade belts and hair clips on Kurfürstendamm; three years later, the first bags made of vegetable-tanned leather were added. Production has been in Berlin since 1983, and the brand has carried its current name since 2007. The founder studied free painting at the University of the Arts, and this is evident in the designs: geometric shapes have characterized the collection to this day. The address is accessible via the Gneisenaustraße subway station, Südstern is also within walking distance, and several bus lines stop in the immediate vicinity. Since it is a manufactory with sales and not a walk-in shop, it is worth calling ahead.

Nappa Leather, Horsehair, and Bags Designed to Last Ten Years

What distinguishes Olbrish from most bag suppliers is the method of production. Each bag or each bag series is crafted from start to finish by one bag maker, without piecework or a piece-rate wage. Cutting has been done with computer-controlled cutting heads since 2006; everything else is manual labor. Materials range from classic and vegetable-tanned Nappa leather to nubuck, woven horsehair, and fish leather, sourced within Germany to keep supply routes short. The assortment includes handbags, backpacks, business bags, wallets, and belts, as well as shoulder bags, cross-body models, and limited special editions. A handbag starts at 290 Euros, with more elaborate models costing 620 Euros. Almost every piece can be individually customized: color combination, material, internal layout, compartments, and strap length are determined in consultation; an online configurator is deliberately not offered. The bags are designed to last at least ten years; the company provides a two-year warranty on workmanship and function, and even after many years, items can be sent in for refurbishment. The work has been recognized with awards including the Red Dot Design Award and the German Design Award.