Buying premium and luxury products allow us to purchase special craftsmanship, radical attention to detail, well sourced materials and authenticity. We are also paying for the delicious audacity of the designers and makers to continue to do what they are doing. So far, so good. Though, often, by the time the finished product passes through the various middle men and handlers (sometimes, quite literally) we are paying price mark-up upon mark-up. What's the real price that also allows a decent profit? What exactly are we paying for? How much do the craftsmen, craftswomen and artisans actually receive in all of this? How much?
I like Oppermann London's approach. The leather goods brand's primary focus is on producing Grade A premium and luxury products. Applying swedish minimalist design and using the best leathers, the products are hand-crafted in leading factories in Italy and Europe. Then, with German precision, from their London base, the brothers Mattis and Niklas Oppermann sell directly to customers via their website
www.oppermann-london.com. No retail mark-up. No large department store and bright retail lighting. To increase access to the product range, it is now possible to arrange a visit to Library London, the private members club on St Martin's Lane to experience the products at first hand, before you buy. Premium and luxury products at smart and transparent prices, direct to you. A good idea, whose time has come. I asked the brothers how they sum up their approach. It is simple, they say, luxury leather goods without the retail mark-up.
Nic Horne (NH)
