From saddles to handbags: 120 years of craftsmanship in Stockholm The exclusive Stockholm-based accessories brand Palmgrens is built on a proud design heritage, and the company is still located in the same street as it was in 1896. Get a glimpse of the journey from saddles to handbags and beyond. By Ellinor Thunberg | Photos: Palmgrens
Swedish saddler Johannes Palmgren launched his business making horse and riding equipment in 1896 and quickly gained a strong reputation. He became a royal warrant of appointment to the King of Sweden in 1903. Over the years, Palmgrens developed new designs for private homes and public spaces such as cinema foyers, airplane fittings and more.
development with a firm starting point in history. The design archive offers a great foundation to be combined with new innovation. A good example of this is the iconic 1950s signature rattan bag, still a best seller, and the use of new materials has brought about new designs. “The timeless and distinct design has lived through generations of women and is still going strong more than 65 years later. The combination of rattan and leather has since been developed into designs for desk accessories and bracelets,” Herré explains.
Today, Palmgrens is still found in Sibyllegatan in central Stockholm, just a stone’s throw from the Royal Dramatic Theatre. The collection now covers everything from briefcases and handbags through to interior items and accessories. But it has all been developed with the material, craftsmanship Palmgrens always work in close collaband history in mind. oration with saddlers and craftsmen in a constant exchange of ideas and knowl“We work almost exclusively with vegeta- edge. “It is a very creative and inspiring ble tanned calf’s leather, which holds high process,” says the CEO. “One type of quality and ages beautifully,” says Catharina leather might not work in the same way Herré, owner and CEO of Palmgrens. as the other and it is all about finding the best solution. It should work well in Heritage meets design innovation terms of functionality, but also visualInstead of releasing new collections annu- ly look good and inspire you to wear the ally, Palmgrens work with ongoing product item or put it in your home.” 16 | Issue 87 | April 2016
Over the years, Palmgrens has collaborated with established Swedish designers such as House of Dagmar, Maria Nilsdotter, Tomas Sandell and most recently Monica Förster. “We have chosen to work with Swedish designers who have their own strong design style in their respective fields,” says Herré. The shop in Stockholm has always been the base of the brand, but with the launch of the new webshop and a stronger digital presence the first step has now been taken towards becoming more accessible internationally. “We enjoy and value the personal meeting and hope that our new digital presence will inspire people to visit the shop in Stockholm,” says Herré. In other words, if you find yourself in Stockholm, make sure to swing by Palmgrens at Sibyllegatan 7 to meet the team in person.
Catharina Herré, CEO and owner of Palmgrens.
For more information, please visit: www.palmgrens.se