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
Over the millennia, the bag has not only been a symbol or an ornamental object, but for many of us, has an indispensable function in everyday life.
Its characteristics of space and function can give body to both design, form and material in all guises. The leather bag is therefore the primary product in the company, because the leather represents part of nature and part of a circular, organically degradable process.
As we know, climate change has become more perceptible and the consequences alarming, which is why it has also been a starting point and a motivation for N O R B Y E to create a 100% sustainable brand. A brand that aims to contribute more than just a product.
THE BAGS
All bags are designed and handmade by Louise Norbye at Frederiksberg in CPH. Suppliers and partners have their production processes and supply chains located as locally as possible and prescribe the best conditions for animals and climate.
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 a sustainability. Older cows means less waste of resources and more appreciation for each animal.
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.
