2_4_DiscoverBenelux_13_Januar_2014_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 17/12/2014 15:24 Page 62
Discover Benelux | Fashion | Philomijn
Timeless and honest designs Leather products that are artisanal, timeless and made with love and attention. Everything is produced as sustainably as possible, and with a sharp eye for quality. Atelier PHILOMIJN designs it all: bags, wallets, belts, tablet covers and cushions. “The design must be original but timeless, so it is still fashionable in ten years,” says Philomijn Eijssen, founder of PHILOMIJN. TEXT: BERTHE VAN DEN HURK | PHOTOS: PHILOMIJN
PHILOMIJN is a company that creates luxurious leather (unisex) bags and interior accessories, but it all started with the creation of a scarf. Philomijn: “I still was a student, I had no money at all, and had nothing else than a piece of wool. I created a scarf which I wore myself. The stores I went to, to sell my products, wanted to buy the scarf immediately. From that point on I started PHILOMIJN. Later on, I created a leather version of that scarf.”
Honest and sustainable designs According to Philomijn, simplicity and functionality should go hand in hand. “We like fashion but we are not in fashion,” she says. This means that PHILOMIJN does not participate in the trends and seasons of the fashion world. This enables her to supply the products all year round, which 62 | Issue 13 | January 2015
is different from other fashion companies. “The designs are timeless and honest. All our products are produced as authentically and sustainably as possible. Everything is manufactured in-house. We can switch and deliver quickly because we have a great network of craftsmen.”
Philomijn: “We want to create honest products. Most of our craftsmen are locals or located in the Netherlands.” Leather becomes more beautiful over time and when used. “At fairs, we often bring along used bags, so people can see how beautifully the leather ages.”
The collection is sold in high-end fashion boutiques and interior stores in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Hong Kong. Philomijn: “Our goal is to grow in Europe. Our bags love traveling, so we also want to go overseas.”
www.philomijn.com
Luxurious leather PHILOMIJN only uses the best leather from Italy. All the leather is as sustainably produced as possible; they even have leather which is 100% ecological.