Our journey began with a simple idea born from our founder, Christian Pietsch's, travels through India. As a student, he was captivated by the traditional craftsmanship of local leather artisans and envisioned a company that would merge timeless design with sustainable and transparent production. This vision laid the foundation for what would become Gusti Leder in 2009. We started under the name 'Kunst und Lederhandel Pietsch' in 2007, and in 2015, we were renamed Gusti Leder as a tribute to Christian's beloved childhood goat, Gusti. From these humble beginnings, our passion for authentic leather goods and ethical practices has driven our mission to offer high-quality products while building fair and lasting relationships with our producers.
We are committed to being more than just a brand; we are a movement towards a more conscious and sustainable future for the fashion industry. We stand for handcrafted leather bags and accessories that are not only timelessly beautiful but also produced with a deep respect for people and the planet. Our philosophy is rooted in transparency and the principles of 'slow fashion'. We work directly with family-run businesses and certified factories in India and Italy, cutting out intermediaries to ensure fair practices and pricing. We exclusively use leather from animals raised primarily for meat production, viewing the hides as a valuable by-product to be transformed into durable, high-quality goods. Our product range has expanded from bags and backpacks to include a wide variety of accessories, stationery, and even a successful line of bicycle products. We want our customers to know the story behind their products, which is why we provide detailed information about the tanning methods, country of manufacture, and the type of producer for each item. We believe in creating products that are not just accessories, but companions that tell a story and represent a commitment to quality, sustainability, and style.