vlà is made out of passion and conviction
vlà is not based on a business plan, but on a Swiss entrepreneur’s fascination with Mexican culture and sustainable design. In this interview, Rolf Hartmann explains how his passion turned into his first collection.
Rolf, you are at home in graphic design and have entered the fashion world with vlà. Paper and leather, do they go well together?
Paper and cactus leather for sure (laughs). Whether it’s graphics, art or fashion, I’ve always been a fan of beautiful things, including bags and accessories. Thanks to vlà, I can now live out this passion. And I’m investing in sustainability, a field I’m also very interested in.
The idea for vlà was born in Mexico – a coincidence?
I have felt a deep connection with the country and its people since my first visit. I am particularly fond of the Guadalajara region, which I was able to get to know better on my travels. Friends of ours have family there and emigrated to the region ten years ago.
And how did you discover the cactus leather there?
The tip about the Desserto® material came from friends on site. I was immediately hooked and had product samples sent to me. Right from the start, my idea was to turn this innovative natural product into a bag collection. The samples met all my expectations, so I ordered four running meters to make the first prototypes. During my research, I also took a closer look at conventional leather production, which is very problematic from an environmental point of view. It also motivated me to implement the idea for animal welfare.
How was the design created?
A designer friend of ours, who makes clothes and accessories, created two bags from the cactus leather. We then presented them to family and friends and explained the vision of vegan accessories to them. The feedback was extremely positive and encouraged me to start production.
What makes the vlà bag collection so special?
At first glance, the timeless, simple and functional design. Then, of course, the fact that they are made from a vegan and sustainable material that is renewable in the truest sense of the word. Cactus leather is surprisingly soft and very pleasant to the touch – an excellent alternative to animal leather. What’s more, each bag is handmade and therefore unique.
The bags are made in a small atelier in Italy. How did this come about?
Here, too, the personal touch was crucial. My sister has lived in Italy for decades and was therefore able to establish contact with the most suitable manufacturer. She also supports me with communication and quality control, but has also contributed valuable ideas for improving the products. Without her, the collection would not have been possible.
How did you experience the product development process?
It’s a challenge, but a very satisfying one. The multicultural dialog between Mexico, Italy and Switzerland is the best thing for me, although it takes patience to develop a common understanding of design, quality and timing. The production of the bags is also challenging because the material is softer than animal leather. So it’s all the nicer when you hold the finished product in your hands. And the process never ends. We already have lots of ideas for new colors and shapes.
One final question – why the name vlà?
The answer is ingeniously banal. Our name originated as an abbreviation for “vegan leather accessories”. With the accent, it then became the perfect fashion label. Voilà!
vlà in the media
