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Strathberry: The Bag That Changed Everything
- xoxo.minang
- Aug 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 3
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A Make-or-Break Beginning
Every brand has a turning point, a moment where the dream either takes flight or collapses under its own weight. For Strathberry, that moment came when the founders, Guy and Leeanne, realized they couldn’t keep going the way they were. The business was struggling, and the numbers didn’t add up. Out of necessity, they gave themselves an ultimatum: either launch on Kickstarter and prove their concept—or close the chapter and move on.
That leap of faith, as it turned out, would change everything.
My First Encounter With Strathberry
Three years ago, I cut open a bag from a brand I had never heard of. It was a viewer request, one of those names that occasionally appeared on celebrity Instagrams but carried a surprisingly modest price tag. I didn’t expect much—just another trendy label riding the hype. But as I peeled back the layers, I froze.
The leather, the structure, the hardware, the craftsmanship—it was all there. Not just there, but balanced and thoughtful, the kind of details I had only seen in bags five times the price. That single dissection became the foundation for what I later defined as the “five pillars” of a great bag. And it came from a young Scottish brand named Strathberry.
The Spark of Inspiration in Spain
When I eventually spoke to Guy and Leeanne, I was struck by their sincerity. They shared their story freely, including how their time in Spain shaped their vision. On weekends, they would wander through night markets, mesmerized by the smell of leather and the work of local artisans. Those moments sparked their dream of starting something of their own, a brand that would honor the traditions of craftsmanship while bringing a fresh design perspective.
They were drawn to Ubrique, Spain—a town famous for leatherwork. Visiting the workshops there is a sensory experience: the rhythmic tapping of the patacabra, the smell of tanned hides, the hum of artisans at work. For the couple, it wasn’t just business. It was a calling.
Early Struggles and Hard Lessons
But passion alone wasn’t enough to guarantee success. Strathberry’s early days were rocky. They opened a store in Edinburgh, built a small team, and even won a major retail award in Scotland. Yet behind the scenes, they were fighting to keep the brand alive. Sales weren’t what they needed to be, and doubts about the future crept in.
The Kickstarter campaign was their last shot at survival.
The Kickstarter Gamble
Launching on Kickstarter was both risky and necessary. The founders set a modest target of £22,000–£25,000 over 28 days, hoping to test the waters. To their astonishment, the campaign exploded, raising £122,000. It wasn’t just funding—it was validation. Customers from all over the world embraced their vision, and Strathberry suddenly had proof of concept.
That success also brought its own challenges. The team had never dealt with such large orders before, and even something as simple as packaging required problem-solving. Guy, famously meticulous, insisted that masking tape be cut perfectly straight so that every package reflected the brand’s values. Long nights in Spanish workshops, fueled by pizza and laughter, turned into some of their most formative memories.
The Obsession With Quality
If there is one word that defines Strathberry, it’s obsession. From the start, they refused to compromise on leather quality. They sourced hides like Silk Elba from one of Spain’s finest tanneries, a material as exquisite as it is rare. Construction, stitching, reinforcement—every detail was scrutinized. Even the packaging was designed to deliver an experience, with reusable dust bags and elegant boxes that carried the scent of leather.
It was this relentless pursuit of excellence that caught my attention during that first dissection. And it’s the same quality that has since captured the attention of customers worldwide.
Under the Global Spotlight
As word spread, Strathberry bags began to appear on the arms of celebrities—from Hollywood stars to fashion icons. For Guy and Leeanne, seeing their creations carried by figures like Jennifer Lopez or Katie Holmes was surreal. Yet, just as meaningful were the moments when they spotted their bags in everyday life: a stranger in Tokyo, a diner in New York, someone on the streets of Edinburgh.
For them, it wasn’t just about fame. It was about connection.
Challenges Along the Way
Of course, success doesn’t shield a brand from challenges. The pandemic in 2020 hit Strathberry hard, as it did so many businesses. With new store leases signed just before the crisis, the financial pressure was immense. Yet the team persevered, leaning on the same resilience and values that had carried them through their earliest struggles.
Keeping the Magic Alive
What makes Strathberry special is not just its products, but its spirit. Guy and Leeanne never lost the values they had as a young brand—the curiosity, the humility, and the drive to make something truly lasting. That authenticity continues to resonate with customers, whether they’re first-time buyers or long-time supporters.
More Than Just a Bag
When you open a Strathberry box, you’re greeted by more than just a bag. You smell the leather, feel the craftsmanship, and experience the years of passion poured into it. Customers often describe the bags as treasures meant to last a lifetime, carrying not just belongings but memories.
As I reflect on my own journey with Strathberry, I realize the secret isn’t simply in the leather, the artisans, or even the designs. It’s in the obsession. Every stitch, every clasp, every decision is a testament to a relentless pursuit of quality and consistency. And that, more than anything else, is what makes Strathberry a brand worth celebrating.
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