O* olga korstanje

The bags are made by Olga herself in her workshop that doubles as a shop in Rotterdam. They are produced using artisan leather techniques. So you can be sure your purchase has been created with great care and love. Moreover, you can visit the atelier in the Zaagmolenkade in Rotterdam to see first-hand how the bags are made. 

The bags are made of leather, mainly cowhide leather. For this, the brand buys leather through wholesale surplus lots. These are leather surpluses from other producers and brands collected and sold. This allows O*olga korstanje to purchase quality leather at an affordable price, but in doing so, the origin of the material cannot be traced. 

The bag brand uses different types of cowhide leather. One of these types is chrome-tanned leather, a tanning process that involves chemicals and heavy metals. This strong and supple leather is more resistant to scratches or other signs of use yet is detrimental to the environment if manufacturing legislation is in place.

In addition, O* olga korstanje also uses vegetal-tanned leather. This leather was processed without chemicals with vegetable tanning agents, e.g., from tree bark. This more sustainably manufactured leather often comes with a higher cost, and the range of colours is more limited.

Finally, Olga Korstanje chooses not to use a lining in several designs. This makes the bags easier to repair and limits the number of materials in a design. When a lining is needed, the brand opts for cotton.

Leather is a natural material, yet this does not make the bags necessarily biodegradable. This is because many harmful chemicals and dyes are used in the tanning process. Even though the bags are no longer biodegradable, leather is still a strong and durable material. Leather has a long lifespan and, therefore, with the proper care, remains beautiful for a very long time. Moreover, Olga Korstanje works with cotton lining in the bags or even without lining, so no synthetic materials are involved.

To ensure the bags’ longevity, Olga also does repairs where necessary. You can visit the studio store for repairs if you have a loose stitching, stain or other defect. 

How long O* olga korstanje’s supply chain is unclear. Olga makes the bags in Rotterdam, but the leather’s origin is unknown. This is because Olga buys the leather through overstock from wholesalers and tanneries. This way, the brand cannot trace the exact origin of the materials.

Because O* olga korstanje uses leather as the primary material for its bags, the brand scores low for animal welfare. Because Olga Korstanje works mainly with surplus materials, the origin of the materials is also unknown, so COSH! cannot form a picture of animal welfare.

O* olga korstanje bags are made in a minimalist and practical style. Despite the robust strength of the leather, the bags look soft and malleable. In the collection, you will find both larger shoppers and small clutches.

Moreover, it is possible to have a bag made to your specifications! Visit the shop/​atelier to choose the leather and model together with designer Olga, after which she sets to create the bag of your dreams.

Finally, you can also learn how to make your own bag with Olga Korstanje. You can attend a workshop with a friend to make your own bag! You will learn the techniques thanks to personal guidance and go home with a self-made handbag or shopper!

O* olga korstanje is a transparent brand. COSH! I spoke to the founder, Olga herself. She gave us a lot of information about the production process and the materials she uses. Unfortunately, it is not possible to trace the origin of the materials. 

The brand realises transparency and sustainability are very important and is committed to improving this. One of the steps she is taking in this regard is to use more vegetal-tanned leather.