NORBYE is a Copenhagen-based bag brand established in 2020, founded and owned by designer and artisan Louise Norbye.
N O R B Y E strives to create original handmade leather bags and purses that are functional, durable, indispensable and reflect the traditions and trends that touch her through architecture, art and fashion. In accordance with these criteria, she bridges sustainability and fashion, functionality and aesthetics, as well as immediacy and accuracy in the execution of her craft. The bags span the spectrum of minimalistic Scandinavian design, Japanese traditional simplicity and aesthetics, over a more raw design, a unique pattern that forms a network of hexagons.
A broad and versatile expression that tries to reflect an equally wide and versatile spectrum of people, with their needs and tastes in everyday life.
MOTIVATION
In a time where accelerating climatic disturbances are part of our daily reality, promoting a product can feel a bit out of place.
And yet, I still believe in the power of intention. I still believe in creating something that speaks, quietly but clearly, to the possibility of a more ethical future.
This is why I continue to design and make bags from one of the oldest, most durable materials, leather from regenerative organic and biodynamic farms - systems that support biodiversity and treat animals and land with deep respect.
I don’t use substitute materials like vegan leather which contains plastic and oil, materials that help keep black industries going.
I’d like to invest in a future where quality replaces overconsumption, where animal welfare and sustainability are not afterthoughts, but the foundation. I still believe it matters to create alternatives - to show that luxury can align with conscience.
TANNING
The tanning and dyeing takes place in a fine old South German tannery where the hides are vegetable tanned, exclusively with Valonea oak, walnut wood, mimosa bark etc. No chrome is used in the tanning process. Only tannins that occur naturally in bark and leaves.
All stages of the production of NORBYE bags are verified and approved in accordance with Demeter's international standards.
For N O R B Y E, the choice of the place of origin of the raw hides, the welfare of the animals and the tanning methods, are all important sources for the processing of bags and purses.
THE HIDES
The hides are respectively supplied by two biodynamic /organic farms in Switzerland and a reputable tannery in Lapland, in northern Sweden. The cows in Switzerland spend most of the year on grass and in the Swiss Alps. In industrial meat production, the cattle often reach an age of only one year, a fraction of how long they can actually live. Here, the animals are allowed to live up to the age of 10 years on average - some even longer. Why this is so important, is for animal welfare - a stressfree, species-appropriate husbandry that ensures happy and healthy animals. For good meat quality and sustainability. Older cows means less waste of resources and more appreciation for each animal.
Innovation in my opinion, is a combination of design, aesthetics, curiosity, creative joy, tradition and global conscience. High quality is thoughtful design, functionality, inspiration from and respect for old traditions, careful choice of materials and tools, for a product with a durability that stands a lifetime. That with great consideration for global welfare and coexistence.
I believe that use of byproducts from minimal, circular animal- and vegetable production for various consumer goods, as well as a radical lifestyle change, will be one of several solutions to reduce human overconsumption, rather than a reduction in the lifespan of humanity.
Every product is made to order.
For inquiries about products and prices, contact me at the email below.
LOUISE NORBYE
has been drawn to architecture, art, music and design for most of her life. Music, text writing and singing, as her primary integrated forms of expression, have over the years brought her many valuable experiences in theatre and touring life, both in Denmark and Great Britain.
Life as a soloist has over time been supplemented by an interest in creating and shaping, not only with her voice, but also with her hands in the form of drawing and clothing design, which has further led her towards an education in handicrafts and design and has thereby given access to greater knowledge of materials and development of skills in craftsmanship, processes and products.
