Stiebich & Rieth

Stiebich & Rieth – From the North German workbench to the international concept stores

Stiebich & Rieth sounds like a long-established manufacturer, but it's actually the passion project of Hamburg-based designers Julia Rieth and Detlef Stiebich, founded in 2012. Both worked for major fashion companies for decades before deciding to return to the core of their discipline: working with their hands. In their Altona workshop, the first prototypes were created not on a screen, but directly in leather, "because we only understand form when we feel it," as the duo explains.

From the very beginning, the brand's claim was "Handmade Luxury. Made in Germany." Every seam, every cut, even the fine sanding of the edges is performed in the company's own studio or at a few partner saddleries in the surrounding area. The production focus on Germany has two reasons: absolute quality control and short transport routes that minimize the ecological footprint. Stiebich & Rieth sources leather primarily from southern Germany; it is tanned using minerals but under strict environmental regulations, allowing the hides to age with minimal pollutants and develop a fine patina.

The design process resembles an architect's 3D sketch: Instead of sewing countless pattern pieces together, Julia Rieth and Detlef Stiebich focus on large surfaces that become purist shapes with barely visible hand stitches and clever folds. They reject computer renderings; each model is created as a tactile experiment. This consistent reduction makes the label the antipode of large-scale logo mania. A Stiebich & Rieth bag is not recognized by its logo—there is none—but by the tranquility of its form: smooth surfaces, precise edges, almost sacred symmetry.

The brand's craftsmanship distinguishes itself through its consistently hand-stitched saddle stitch. Instead of machine stitching, skilled leather craftsmen create each hole with an awl, thread waxed linen thread through it, and tie an invisibly knotted seam. This takes up to 20 hours per bag, but gives the stitching a tensile strength that will last for decades. The craftsmanship is reflected in the price: pieces like the "Loop Large" cost around €1,750, while the "Caddy" is priced at €1,900. Nevertheless, the print runs are small; dealers often receive only three to five copies per color, which further increases the exclusivity.

Stylistically, Stiebich & Rieth positions itself between Bauhaus austerity and Nordic serenity. Campaigns show the bags against the brick facades of Hamburg's harbor, under foggy light that makes the leather glow dully. The image tells a story: Here comes luxury without noise, determined by proportion, material, and time. No wonder the label has long been a regular at Berlin Salons and premium awards—in 2014, it won the "Premium Young Designers Award" for accessories.

The founders themselves define their success in three key words: quality, continuity, and responsibility . This means no collection explosions, but rather a gradual evolution. Since the launch, only eight basic silhouettes have been created, which are revived annually in new leather types or shades. This creates a calm, collectible portfolio that doesn't overwhelm customers, but rather accompanies them.

Stiebich and Rieth bag – leather sculpture for everyday life and exhibition

Anyone who touches a Stiebich and Rieth bag for the first time will notice the tension between solidity and lightness. This stems from the basic principle of using as few seams as possible. Take the classic "Mono": It essentially consists of two generous rectangles, folded in the middle and riveted at precisely calculated points. This construction creates a seamless volume reminiscent of origami. The hand-stitched details – visible only on the side edges – are precise to the millimeter and appear almost ornamental, although in reality they serve a purely functional purpose.

The leather qualities range from robust cowhide to velvety velour. Semi-rigid box calf is used for the loop-like "Loop" series; it holds the sculptural oval shape even when empty. For the "Caddy," however, the studio relies on soft-touch nubuck that wraps around the contents, creating a subtle dynamic. In all versions, the finish remains natural—no artificial graining, no high-gloss seals. Scratches or water marks are part of the DNA and tell the story of the wearer.

The same purism prevails inside: undyed suede, the occasional removable lambskin pouch for small items, nothing more. No lining, no plastic inserts. There's a reason for this: it allows leather to breathe, regulate moisture, and age authentically. Each Stiebich und Rieth bag is thus both a functional object and an aging experiment – like a pair of high-quality brogues that improves with every hour of wear.

The everyday practicality is evident in the details. Magnetic closure tabs are invisibly sewn in; handles are laminated from three layers of leather so they won't deform even under a 5 kg load. An inconspicuous D-ring on the side panel allows you to clip on a cross-body strap without disrupting the minimalist design. And for those who want to transport their notebook, the "Loop Large" features a sewn-in leather slat that separates the device from the rest of the interior – a kind of invisible organizer, but one that doesn't impose any lines on the smooth interior.

For these reasons, Stiebich und Rieth models are increasingly appearing in museum shops: In 2024, the Hamburger Kunsthalle presented a special edition of the "Caddy" in ultramarine blue leather, matching the Caspar David Friedrich retrospective—a dialogue between modern form and romantic color symbolism. Collectors value the bags as a "wearable design object" that also has a sculptural effect on a side table.

Small-batch production also allows for special orders. In 2025, a limited-edition "Loop Mini" made of vegetable-tanned chestnut leather was developed for the Dittrich Minden boutique, numbered to 25 pieces. The pieces sold out online within 48 hours—a testament to the magnetic appeal of a brand that defines luxury through craftsmanship, not logos.

Stiebich & Rieth Bags – Collection, sustainability and the quiet luxury of the future

The entire Stiebich & Rieth bag collection reads like a choreographed design language: "Mono," "Loop," "Caddy," "Frame," "Wave," "Bin," and "Cube." Each silhouette has a clear geometric pattern, scaled to various sizes. Natural tones dominate the color scheme: cognac, stone, black, and taupe. Seasonally, an accent color is added—for 2024, for example, "Amber," inspired by North German amber.

In terms of materials, the studio relies on two pillars: mineral-tanned upper leather from German tanneries with strict wastewater management, and vegetable-tanned cowhide from Italy, whose tannins come from chestnuts, mimosa bark, and quebracho shells. The latter is used primarily for limited editions.  The company emphasizes that all suppliers meet the LWG Gold Standard.

Sustainability, however, goes beyond the material itself. Since each model is manufactured in Germany, transport distances are kept to a minimum. Surpluses are virtually nonexistent – offcuts under 15 x 15 cm are collected and processed into keychains or card holders, which are available in the online shop as "Zero Waste Objects." Packaging is in FSC-certified paper printed with linseed oil ink. Customers can also take advantage of a re-dye service: If the bag has faded after years, it is sanded, re-dyed, and re-waxed in the studio – a premium-level recycling process.

In terms of pricing, the label remains confident but not pretentious. Beginners choose the "Mono Mini" starting at €1,250, while collectors choose the "Frame Large" for €2,250. On the secondhand market, well-preserved pieces continue to fetch 60–70 percent of their new price—figures from platforms like Vestiaire Collective confirm this.

Stylists recommend "quiet luxury pairings": The loop bag pairs well with wide-leg wool, a cashmere coat, and loafers; the mono clutch harmonizes with a cropped blazer and satin slip skirt. Influencers like Caro Daur also show the bag with an oversized hoodie—a contrast that ironically reflects purism.

Vision of the future? The founding duo is working on a line made from locally tanned deerskin, sourced from game management in northern Germany. The goal is to incorporate even more regionality and upcycling. A collaboration with a Hamburg glassblower is also in the works: a sculptural glass cube that will allow the Loop Bag to float like a museum exhibit.

Stiebich & Rieth bags prove that German stylistic luxury doesn't have to be loud. Wearing a bag carries a narrative of patience, craftsmanship, minimalism, and North German honesty—values that seem almost rebellious in an accelerated fashion world.

FAQ about Stiebich & Rieth?

Who founded Stiebich & Rieth?

The label was founded in Hamburg in 2012 by designers Julia Rieth and Detlef Stiebich. Both previously worked for major fashion companies and wanted to return to their artisanal roots with their own project.

Where are Stiebich & Rieth bags produced?

All models are made in Hamburg and the surrounding area; some work steps are carried out by specialized saddlers in northern Germany.

Which leather does the label use?

Mainly mineral-tanned upper leather from Germany with high environmental standards as well as vegetable-tanned cowhide from Italy for limited editions.

Are there logos on the bags?

No. The brand deliberately avoids visible branding elements. Its distinguishing features are its minimalist shape and hand-stitched saddle stitching.

How do I care for a Stiebich & Rieth bag?

Remove dust with a brush, occasionally apply a thin layer of colorless leather wax, and protect from direct sunlight. For heavy signs of wear, the studio offers a re-dye and refresh service.

Why are the bags so expensive?

Each piece requires up to 20 hours of handcrafting, uses leather from certified tanneries, and is made in Germany. Prices reflect the craftsmanship, material quality, and limited edition.

With Stiebich & Rieth you choose uncompromising leather craftsmanship “Made in Germany” – a quiet but powerful response to fast-moving luxury.