NO/AN

Production locations

• Portugal 

Working Conditions & Living Wages

The bags are handmade in Portugal in a specialised family business. As a European production country, Portugal offers the advantage of complying with EU labour and environmental standards. The Fair Wear Foundation classifies Portugal as a ​‘low-risk’ country.

NO/AN maintains a friendly relationship with the family business that manufactures the products by hand and visits the atelier regularly to strengthen the close collaboration.

Fair working conditions prevail in the atelier, characterised by social interaction and respect for the craftspeople.

Materials

• Leather
• Cotton from Portugal (Lining)
• Metal-Zipper (Switzerland) 
• Metal-Hardware (Italy)

Leather is a durable and long-lasting material that will last for generations if cared for properly. If you want to find out more about the tradition of leather, read our article. 
All materials used by NO/AN are sourced from Europe and processed in Portugal. 
The minimalist hardware, including nickel-free metal zips from RIRI, guarantee the highest quality.

Packaging

The bags are delivered in a robust cotton jute bag, which is suitable for storing the leather bags as well as for everyday use. NO/AN uses paper labels from Portugal and relies on reusable cardboard boxes for shipping to conserve resources and minimise waste.

Water usage & chemicals

NO/AN currently uses chrome-tanned leather, but is looking into more sustainable alternatives such as vegetable-tanned leather. The leather remains in its natural state, it is only dyed, making each bag unique. 

The longevity of the bags is a central element of the brand. By consciously deciding not to tie her designs to seasonal trends, the designer creates products that are timeless and versatile. The combination of handmade craftsmanship and high-quality materials makes NO/AN’s bags reliable companions for everyday life and special occasions.

Circular product design

The grained leather bags are recyclable and biodegradable, as long as the metal components are removed beforehand.

Circular business models

NO/AN is convinced of the durability of its products and therefore expects rare damage. Should a repair nevertheless be necessary, the company encourages its customers to contact local shoemakers. If there are minor blemishes in the leather, NO/AN offers to touch them up with self-mixed colours and is happy to help customers with care and repair tips. 

Distance & complexity of the supply chain

• Portugal
• The NO/AN STUDIO is located in Brussels. 

Transportation

• The products are transported by truck and shipped from Brussels to the end customers. Care is taken to ensure that the products are dispatched in bundles. 

• Grained cowhide
• NO/AN uses leather that is a by-product of the meat industry. This emphasises the company’s commitment to more sustainability.

The leather remains in its natural state, it is only dyed. 
NO/AN currently uses chrome-tanned leather, but is investigating more sustainable alternatives, such as vegetable-tanned leather.

Product design

NO/AN specialises in high-quality, minimalist leather bags that impress with their seasonless and timeless design. Made from robust, durable leather, these bags are designed to last for many years and retain their elegant style.

Slow fashion processes

NO/AN works with a permanent collection to which individual products are deliberately added. Anna Lehmusniemi works against the seasonal collections. 
Each person is dedicated to making one bag, which emphasises the craftsmanship and luxury character of the product.
Each product comes with a card containing care instructions, including tips on cleaning and caring for the leather. NO/AN does not offer its products on sale and places great importance on working with partners who share its values and cultivate a slow fashion mentality.

Transparency on product

On the product page of the web shop, customers can find out where the bags are made, what material they are made of, recommendations for care and maintenance and how to use them. 
Transparency plays a central role at NO/AN and is particularly evident in the way the bags are made. Each bag is made in a small family business in Portugal with great care and craftsmanship. The craftspeople behind each bag sign it personally – a gesture that shows who created the bag and gives it an individual character.
Each bag is a unique piece that reflects the passion and personality of its creator.

Transparency on processes

NO/AN attaches great importance to transparency and shares information about the materials used, the production location and the internal supply chain on its website. In dialogue with COSH!, the brand is particularly honest and accessible, which promotes a trustworthy and authentic exchange.