Inspired by Italy, Realized in Hamburg: The Story of ELBHAVN

How often can a place not only leave an impression but change everything? For me, Italy was more than just a country – it was a feeling, a rhythm of aesthetic beauty deeply woven into everyday life.

“Un altro caffè?” The barista at my favorite café near Milano Centrale asked with a knowing smile. “Grazie, mi piacerebbe, ma devo prendere il treno,” I replied, savoring my last sip of espresso before boarding the train. Minutes later, I was leaving the city behind, heading into the narrow streets of Florence.

I remember wandering through those streets, the scent of leather in the air and the gentle tapping of tools drawing me into various workshops.

“Are you looking for something specific?” asked an older man, clearly the shop owner, as he held a piece of leather up to the light for inspection. “Not really – just someone to show me how this works,” I answered. He chuckled, motioned me closer, and said, “Then watch closely. Here, the material speaks first.”

The leather workshop was small and brimming with details: tools scattered everywhere, leather pieces in different hues, and small sketches hinting at upcoming projects. The man took a hand-stitching needle and demonstrated a technique that made the seams almost invisible. I watched, asked questions, and paused to absorb every movement he made. The conversations were profound, often filled with warmth.
“Il valore della pelle fatta a mano è prezioso, non costoso,” he said. (“The value of handcrafted leather is precious, not expensive.”)

It wasn’t just about techniques or materials; it was about life, values, and the passion behind every leather product. Over time, these encounters evolved into something deeper, something akin to friendship.

Returning to Hamburg – and Turning a Dream Into Reality

After spending an enriching five and a half years in Milan, I returned home to Hamburg. Yet, this passion didn’t fade. I began deepening my knowledge, studying materials and their properties: Which tanning agents are sustainable? How does the thickness of leather affect durability? These questions drove me into the depths of material science.

I discovered that plant-based tanning agents like valonea extract or mimosa bark are not only environmentally friendly but also enhance the leather’s natural patina. Every detail became a conscious decision.


Sustainability That Resonates

In the fall of 2021, I founded ELBHAVN. My goal was to create timeless pieces that unite Italian craftsmanship with Nordic minimalism. One example is the hand-stitched shopper tote bag from vegetable-tanned Vacchetta leather – a design so timeless and durable that it becomes a companion for decades.

Vegetable-tanned Vacchetta leather from Tuscany, waxed threads from Germany, and every piece handmade in Hamburg.

Each item I craft by hand in my studio is a tribute to everything I’ve learned – no machines, just honest work with my hands for people who appreciate quality and natural materials.

Tags: Brand Corporate ELBHAVN