Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Swedish Fashion Brands 2018
Passion for leather With a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern-day requirements, Saddler Scandinavia creates leather bags, belts and wallets – stylish yet durable, for every day. By Malin Norman | Photos: Saddler Scandinavia
Set up in 1986, Saddler Scandinavia is one of the leaders in leather accessories. With genuine craftsmanship and a love for leather, the company designs, produces and sells high-quality accessories such as modern belts, bags, wallets and bracelets for men and women, for own brand SDLR as well as bespoke collections for fashion brands Oscar Jacobson, J.Lindeberg and Morris. Even though the company has been in the business for more than 30 years, it still has the same passion for leather and genuine craftsmanship, and is renowned for its high-quality materials and sleek Scandinavian look. “Our products make the owner look good, but they also have to feel good,” says assortment and PR manager Anne Ljungsvik. “We try to find practical solutions. For instance, in urban environments our consumers might want a bag that can be easily attached to their bike and fit a laptop and lunch box. They are functional, but all designs also have a modern twist.” Own brand SDLR introduces new designs twice per year, adding to its core range of 48 | Issue 111 | April 2018
popular products. The all-time bestseller is the tote bag Paris, which is available in five colours. “Everybody loves Paris, and yes, it’s really lovely!” Ljungsvik smiles.
Standing on three pillars
duction. All accessories are designed in Kungsbacka and produced by loyal partners. Saddler works closely with its suppliers and finds ways to continue the collaboration through careful processes and certifications. For instance, the belts are made with vegetable-tanned leather and the brand’s tannery in India has achieved certification from the Leather Working Group, LWG.
The company stands firmly on three value pillars. First and foremost, the genuine passion for leather runs through everything. “You can’t control leather,” says Ljungsvik. “All pieces of this material are different and look different, which makes it exciting to work with and also makes for more personal products. Leather ages beautifully, if you care for it properly.” The second pillar is fashion, or rather, slow fashion. Not religiously following the latest trends, Saddler creates timeless pieces that will look good in five or ten years’ time. The style is typical Scandinavian with sleek elegance, yet with elaborate details such as seams and buttons, adding value and giving the distinct feeling of an SDLR product. And finally, sustainability is key, and integrated into the responsible pro-
Web: saddler.com Facebook: SaddlerScandinavia Instagram: @saddlercom