Lutz Morris what you might call an ‘anti-it bag’ accessories brand – that is, it’s an if-you-know-you-know label amongst fashion insiders.
Founder Tina Lutz was known as a cashmere and knitwear designer for much of her career, and also designed for the likes of Issey Miyake and Calvin Klein – but it was moving from New York back to her home city of Berlin that inspired her to create the Lutz Morris line of German-made handbags, with a specific focus on slow fashion and traceability.
In an age when quiet luxury is having its moment, Lutz Morris shies away from brash logos and trending silhouettes, though it does possess a number of brand signatures that speak clearly to those in the know.
Made using a classic frame construction reminiscent of vintage bags, the Lutz Morris common denominator is sleek lines and practical design – with each piece containing functional compartments for cash or cards, and varying adjustable straps for ease.
But at the heart of the brand is a desire to produce responsibly. So much so, that Lutz wouldn’t describe her company as ‘sustainable’, since frankly, it is impossible to create anything truly sustainable within the consumption-fueled fashion world.
“We believe that producing things will inevitably leave a footprint and therefore is not sustainable. This is why we prefer to call what we do ‘responsible production’. To us, this feels more honest,” the website states.
In keeping with its founder’s heritage, Lutz Morris is proudly made in Germany – its leathers are even tanned in a Leather Working Group gold-certified tannery just outside of Dusseldorf, in order to support local industry.
Lutz recently told Pashion magazine: “After 24 years in New York, I returned to Germany and discovered the local leather artisans and centuries-old family run businesses. I was impressed by their quality, which is on par with Italy, France or Spain. Since Germany is not known for its leather goods, the artisans are slowly disappearing. I decided to produce Lutz Morris exclusively in Germany to allow the next generation to see a future for themselves in learning the craft and the value of keeping this expertise and heritage alive.”
Ever transparent, the brand is clear on the suppliers of all its components – from recycled sewing thread sourced in southern Germany to gold-plated brass chains from a jeweller in the Black Forest. A small portion of materials, including the brand’s embossed leather, are sourced from slightly further afield in Italy or Spain.
Lutz Morris has defiantly stuck to its principles since launching in 2017, and it doesn’t look like that will be changing any time soon. Available exclusively via its website or by appointment at the flagship store in Milan, the brand continues to do things its own way.
The Lutz Morris mission statement is even refreshingly discouraging of excess.
“This collection is for the woman or man who doesn’t want everything. They want a few of the right things, made consciously and with purpose. They are looking for a connection with the things they choose to bring into their life. They are buying less and buying better.”
To view the Lutz Morris website click here.
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