Merz b. Schwanen’s origins date back over a century. Based on original cuts and high quality materials ever since, the brand still lives on these values. Moreover the unique past is connected with modern, contemporary designs, good materials and thoughtful details. All this, the use of eco-friendly materials of the highest standards and socially as well as environmentally responsible production methods round up what Merz b. Schwanen is all about: making good things with good people for good people and sharing all that is good.
Within Okayama Prefecture in the southern part of Japan’s main Honshu island, textile manufacturers have been combining modern and traditional production concepts in order to create textiles and garments that will leave little to no impact on the environment. These projects are the culmination of the old and the new; both traditional and contemporary manufacturing techniques that are being strategically blended in order to maintain the integrity of Japan’s textile tradition while ensuring there is no damage to the local ecosystem.
Asakusa is one of the areas in Japan that has long been one of the first to adopt Western culture (lifestyle). This is the style that blends cultural elements, which is also one of the good things about MADE IN JAPAN products and craft. Asakusa is an essential town for boot making, as it is a place where craftsmen, materials, and factories all gather up organically and the masterful techniques are passed down.
The main products are made using traditional Japanese leather, full vegetable tanned(eco leather) leather made by Tochigi leather Co., Ltd. We also use cordovan leather from Himeji leather and import leather from historic tanneries around the world to Japan, and our craftsmen create products for us. We also carry a wide range of leathers used by global maison brands.
During many discussions we’ve had over the years, the subject of creating a brand that elevates the experience and lifts textiles up to a level of other iconic Danish design brands kept coming back. We spotted a gap in the market where we could really make a difference with the kind of proposition we’ve had in our minds. One Spring, we simply decided to give it a shot. Three and a half years later - we are ready to show a glimpse of what we’ve been working on! - Dominika Leveau
