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 definitely go well together (laughs). Whether in graphic design, art or fashion, I have always been fascinated by design, materials and beautiful accessories. Thanks to vlà, I can now fully embrace this passion. At the same time, I am investing in sustainability, a topic that is also very important to me.
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.
“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 Italy. How did that 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.
“The best moment is when you hold the finished product in your hands.”
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!
Our values
Tierwohl, Nachhaltigkeit, Qualität, und Fairness prägen jede Entscheidung bei vlà – von der Materialwahl bis zur Fertigung unserer Taschen.
Animal Welfare
All vlà bags are made from materials free of animal components. With cactus leather, we rely on an alternative to conventional leather and take a stand against industrial leather production.
Sustainability
Our bags are handcrafted in Northern Italy. The sustainable cactus leather is sourced and processed in Mexico. We consciously focus on durable products, short production routes within Europe and avoid unnecessary packaging materials.
Quality
We place great importance on high-quality craftsmanship and timeless design. Each bag is carefully made to accompany you for many years.
Fairness
We maintain personal relationships with our production partners and value fair working conditions as well as responsible manufacturing processes.
vlà in the media
