Philosophy

Susan Riedweg Designs was started in San Francisco in 1979. Its philosophy has remained true in the rendering of unusual handbags, accessories and clothing, handmade from start to finish using unique and high quality leather and materials. The finely wrought nature comes from an haute couture background that is evidenced in all stages of production. From hand cutting the leather to hand knitting, crocheting and weaving to the final assemblage by one seamstress and the individual hand finishing, all of the labor is done in the USA.

The Italian leathers we use are of the highest quality which is apparent in their rich colors, treatments and textures. The bags are lined in garment suede to ensure longevity and each has interior pockets of various sorts. We do love pockets. Detailing such as buttons, zipper pulls and ornaments are also hand made, either in house or imported from Africa where we have been supporting a women’s group since 2006. Look at the pull on a bag, the button on a jacket or the closure on a belt……and you are sure to have a story.

The textural, natural and multifunctional aspects of our work along with their organic and unexpected material and color combinations are trademarks of every collection. Timelessness, the look and use of natural, elements and the manipulation and reworking of materials and leathers are additional signatures of our line, one which has evolved over these many years yet has never strayed far from its humble origins.

Susan’s Story

Susan started her business in San Francisco in 1979. A childhood passion of making doll clothes led her to sewing pieces of her own with the guiding hands of her mother and her seamstress grandmother. Her mother made sure that they combed the closets and fabric bins at home to find something interesting before buying new, and her grandmother would always find treasures in the attic that they could rework into new designs. That led to Susan’s continued interest in manipulating and recycling beautiful materials of all sorts. Her great aunt was a furrier who offered her fur and leather scraps which Susan incorporated into stoles, hats and bags for her dolls.

After completing her university education in Indiana and France, Susan worked with Alain Boer Haute Couture. There, Angelique Boer, who truly epitomized the meaning of haute couture, taught Susan the intricacies and fine detailing of this laborious art. Angelique’s influence and close friendship continued to guide Susan for many years and have left an indelible impression on Susan’s life and work.

Susan’s father provided her business guidance since the inception of Susan Riedweg Designs. His ethics and integrity were incomparable. He also offered engineering and artistic assistance and inspiration as well as creative solutions. His straight forward business template was based on honesty, timely fulfillment and follow through in delivering a unique, quality product and the presumption that the customer really is always right. And his unfailing encouragement, optimism and direction have been integral in sustaining Susan’s business throughout these many years.