Anne-Christin Schmitt

Specialized in Design.

Anne-Christin Schmitt

About Anne-Christin Schmitt

The Berlin based brand Gretchen was founded in 2006 by Anne-Christin and Michael Georg Schmitt. At Gretchen you can find the perfect bag for every occasion. Regardless if you want a bag for everyday life, a big handbag, a shoulder bag, a cross-over, a pouch, a clutch, or casual evening bag. The colorful collections, which are designed by Anne-Christin Schmitt, are elegant and timeless. The Gretchen product lines consist of matching gloves, purses, smartphone- and tablet cases and many other small leather goods. Gretchen only uses the most precious and exclusive leathers and fabrics. Gretchen bags, gloves and small leather goods from the designer Anne-Christin Schmitt are available worldwide at various department- and concept stores as well as in exclusive boutiques and shops - you can also get them in our Gretchen online shop here on www.mygretchen.com and as well as in one of our own Gretchen stores. Like Berlin, Gretchens leather goods and bags are designed with a charming purist and colorful appearance. A connection between artistic constructed elements and independent shapes and silhouettes form a unique modern and timeless coolness. Anne-Christin Schmitt keeps clear lines, remarkable shapes and balanced material combinations in her focus. Design is only half of the equation. The other half is the material itself. Gretchen Berlin stands for highest quality by using the best leathers and fabrics with the most brilliant colors and an incomparable softness. All Gretchen accessories are handcrafted by leather good craftsmen in traditional manufactories in Italy and Spain.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs

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Extended Interview with Anne-Christin Schmitt

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I started designing when I was 16 years old. At the time I was doing my A-levels (highschool) in the UK, and one of my three main subjects was Design. I designed and developed a ladies fine leather glove for my father’s company, which then sold to a major high-street brand. Ever since then I was in charge for the designing and development of the annual collection. I’m a self-taught designer, and I mainly learned from the technicians and craftsmen who executed my ideas.
How did you become a designer?
I grew up within a glove manufacturing family business, so I was always surrounded by beautiful natural materials, namely leathers and furs. To bring out the beauty of each material, to create accessories with a craftsmen detail is what I enjoy as a designer.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
Well it just kind of happened as a natural process. Being allowed to transform my creative ideas into real products from such an early age on is a unique privilege I am very thankful for. So it was never a conscious choice like “I want to become a designer”, but I took in as much knowledge about the workmanship as I could and that is the base for what I do today.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
Leather being my second skin, I stick to the design of leather goods. Gloves, bags, belts. Maybe one day also shoes.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Get experience, go into production, understand how the technical processes behind the product you design really work. Understand what each line you draw on a sketch means in production reality.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
Well, that’s a pure question of definition, no?! For me a really great designer is one who infuences other designers and an era.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
When a product doesn’t just fulfil its purpose, but does so in a more functional or strikingly aesthetic way.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Beauty. Long-lasting joy. It can be used not just by one person for some time but perhaps passed down to the next generation, and be enjoyed for years and years. Then it was a really good investment.
What is your day to day look like?
Shoes for myself. I’m a size 42. I never find nice shoes that fit me and which are comfortable.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
Well it’s not a dream project but I would love to do a giant Tango Pouch bag for outside our stores as an object and / or for sitting on it. But I don’t really get on with it as I don’t know what material to use for that.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Nature – the best source of ideas when it comes to shapes, textures, colors.
Who is your favourite designer?
The Tango Pouch is a design I am proud of. It has a special wearability aspect: handle, closure and bag melting all into one. It has this beautiful, unique and aesthetic shape. It has nice detailing in form of profiles which underline the beauty of the leather. And it gives people strong emotions, like, most people react to it and will say “oh, that’s special”. Even if it is not for them to want to own it or wear it, but it gives them joy having seen it.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Be passionate about what you do! The base for bad design and unnecessary ugliness is carelessness and indifference and ignorance.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
Move to Ireland, buy a farm with cows and horses and run around in rubber boots all day. Or run a little country hotel. In Irland, of course…

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