Leather Bags & Belts

Format Brigitte Hürzeler – Basel

Leather bags, belts, backpacks, toiletry bags, make-up bags, wallets, spectacle cases, bracelets

Interview with Brigitte Hürzeler, Managing Director of Format Brigitte Hürzeler

What should never be missing in your suitcase?

My U-bag. The practical everyday companion is clearly one of my favourites. In this little space-saving miracle, everything has its place. In only two separate compartments, the bag offers enough space for mobile phone, wallet and make-up case.

How long has your studio been around?

Almost 24 years. Since May 1995. Back then, with three young children, everything was a bit more difficult than today. I almost had to do some magic to find enough time for my studio. In addition, tailoring was not my original profession and thus, the first years were intensive training years. Over all this time, I was able to acquire extensive know-how.

What makes your studio something very special?

I have developed my collection myself, and customers can choose the colour and quality of the leather themselves. I run a basic collection, a collection that I sell for years to come. I extend this collection annually by up to five articles. These new articles then remain in the assortment. That way, customers can buy their favourite bag in a different colour several years later, or a lost item can be bought again even after five years.

What are your wishes for the future of your studio?

The innovative „Backside Shopper“ is by far the favourite of many customers. It is a bag and a backpack at the same time. Many women would like to do something good for their bodies and don’t want to burden their back with a conventional bag. A backpack would solve the problem; however, it fails in terms of aesthetics for many women. The flexible „Backside Shopper“ can be turned into a backpack in an instant and back, according to your desire.

Are there any items in your product range that are particularly popular as gifts?

The make-up case. It belongs in almost every woman’s bag. The great thing about this piece is the variety of colours as well as the colourful lining. With such a colourful little bag, a woman can show her character in everyday life without having to walk through the streets like a colourful chameleon.

What are your wishes for the future of your studio?

I wish for many people to appreciate my product range and its variety. I hope that customers will come into contact with my leather, feel its sensuality and find their favourite piece in my studio.

What are you often asked by your customers?

Does the leather need to be protected? No, leather is not sensitive to water. Actually, this is quite logical because it is the skin of an animal. We would have a really big problem if our skin was not water-repellent. Every rain would be life-threatening. Nevertheless, leather should be treated with great care. If the leather has dried out a bit, it should be treated with leather balm, for example.

Interview: MyCityShops, csh, 2019

Tips from the expert

To keep your leather bag in good condition, make sure you do not expose it too much to the sun. Us humans turn red or brown in the sun; leather, however, fades. Our skin can regenerate, leather cannot and thus, colour spots remain.

From the Collection

Shopping Basel, Beste Shops Basel, Ledertasche, Ledergürtel, Leder, Gürtel, Silber, Format Brigitte Hürzeler

Shopping Basel, Beste Shops Basel, Ledertasche, Ledergürtel, Leder, Nähmaschine, Format Brigitte Hürzeler

Shopping Basel, Beste Shops Basel, Ledertasche, Ledergürtel, Leder, Beuteltasche, Format Brigitte Hürzeler

Shopping Basel, Beste Shops Basel, Ledertasche, Ledergürtel, Leder, Schminketui, Format Brigitte Hürzeler

About Format Brigitte Hürzeler

The entire collection is manufactured in Switzerland – in Schönenwerd, Solothurn. In our own workshop, the products are handmade, either in small quantities or according to the customer’s wishes in the selected colour. As material, we only use the best quality cowhide leather from Italy, France and Germany, lamb Nappa leather from Germany and Portugal and robust cowhide leather with a vintage look from North America.

The result is a product that you will enjoy for a long time. High-quality leather is durable and with age, individual traces of use intensify creating a beautiful patina.