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Cologne leather factory: Hope by choice, customers return!
Maren Dessel reports on the challenges of her leather factory at Eigelstein and the effects of the Federal Chancellor election on sales.
Cologne leather factory: Hope by choice, customers return!
Maren Dessel's leather factory on Lübecker Straße am Eigelstein has mastered many a challenge in recent years. For 14 years, everything here has revolved around handmade bags, wallets and belts. But since January 2023, demand has fallen sharply - the slump in sales led Dessel to speak of “shock paralysis”. The quiet time was like a desert, which not only affected sales but also the mood. But the last few weeks have brought hope: “Things have improved,” says Dessel. The election of the Chancellor in May may have contributed to people becoming more courageous to spend their money again. Dessel suspects that the uncertainty caused by the coalition crisis and international crises has led many to hold on to the money.
Dessel offers basic shapes of bags that are individually designed according to customer requirements. Not only practical but also emotional connections are created: a customer needed a special shoulder bag for her start in her career, while a Spanish director requested photos of the shop window over a period of five years. Stories like these make the craft special for Dessel. She reports touching moments, such as when Chinese customers burst into tears over a bag that she associated with memories.
Sustainable materials and handcraft
In addition, Dessel attaches great importance to the quality of their products. The materials mostly come from organic tanneries in Germany, and the leather manufacturer proves that sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the fashion industry. HR Leder has also responded to the trend by making these practical and durable materials its focus. Sustainable materials such as organic cotton and linen are increasingly valued in the fashion industry to minimize harmful environmental impacts. In this regard, the focus is on fair working conditions and ecological integrity. Yogreen reports that more and more brands are using high-quality, sustainable materials to minimize their ecological footprint.
With prices starting at 500 euros for small handbags and going up to 5000 euros for briefcases, Dessel's offering is not suitable for every budget, but the attention to detail and individual design justify the price. Last but not least, Dessel also offers private workshops in which she teaches the psychology of bag making and helps participants to live out their own ideas.
From “Ross und Rind” to “Maren Dessel Leder Design”
The name of their factory is also new: “Ross und Rind” became “Maren Dessel Leder Design”, which was not only a clever marketing move, but also sounds more understandable internationally. Dessel herself shows a certain hesitation when it comes to vegan leather: she has only received a few inquiries in this direction and she is not convinced by this material. This shows once again that she has clearly defined her philosophy as an artisan. Handcraft and high-quality raw materials are the focus, which underlines the uniqueness of their products.
Finally, we can only hope that the positive development at Dessel continues and that the people of Cologne continue to value something special. After all, the fashion industry has the potential to create positive change through sustainable practices while keeping the stories behind each piece alive. The future will be exciting, and Maren Dessel has the right ingredients to survive in the fashion business - with heart, craftsmanship and a healthy dose of passion.