Profile: Anne-Christin Schmitt |
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This is the public profile of Anne-Christin Schmitt, Additional information and high-resolution images are available for accredited press members, to access additional information about Anne-Christin Schmitt please login as a press member.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.
STATEMENT OF ART: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.
Whether you design handbags or other accessories or clothes: I believe that the important thing is to find your own way to it. There are certainly many ways how to work in design, but like my own example shows you don’t necessarily have to study design, as long as you are passionate about design anyway.
Apart from my very own style which is so focused on the shapes, I believe that my key success factor is my good knowledge about the material leather and about the production methods of bag production. When I draw up a new bag I already think about how exactly it should be cut and sewn, and this I think is important because many of the traditional bag producers used to tell me that something I wanted was impossible, but learning more and more about the production I can say today that what I draw can be made.
ORGANIZATION:
GRETCHEN
EDUCATION:
German designer Anne Schmitt was born in 1981 into a family business of leather goods. She grew up surrounded by the leather accessories of the family production, and throughout her school and university education (in business, not fashion) she has worked in leather goods.
EXPERIENCE:
From selling handbags in a store in France, to visiting tanneries in Scandinavia, New Zealand, the UK; from presenting the collection at trade shows in Milan, and working as a designer to selling to professional accounts in London and Madrid Anne has taken in all aspects of the business.
“I never wanted to study fashion… sure you can learn techniques about how to develop a collection… but you can’t ‘learn’ creativity. Either you have it, or you don’t.”
After having designed an estimated 1000 (one thousand) different glove designs Anne was looking for a new challenge, a new product: handbags.
Whilst for a glove the shape is predetermined and the design is all about the details, in her handbag creations Anne was free to focus on different shapes and experiment with forms. A pure and precise cut in combination with a distinct, sculpture-like aesthetics.
After completing her university degree she launched her own accessories brand Gretchen, with a range of handbags, belts and yes, of course also gloves.
“The base for all that I do today lies in the gloves. This tiny little accessory has taught me so much. I couldn’t have undergone a better school.”
AWARDS:
too many....
PRESS APPEARANCES:
every week.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
German | Native, English | Near Native, Spanish | Advanced , French | Advanced
COMPUTER LITERACY:
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Indesign, Adobe Illustrator, HTML
COURSES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS::
No information.
SYMPOSIUMS AND ACADEMIC CONFERENCES::
No information.
MEMBERSHIPS & ASSOCIATIONS:
2015 Alliance of International Business Associations
2015 International Beurau of Service Providers
2015 International Society of Product Manufacturers
2015 International Council of Creative Industries
2015 International Council of Creative Industries
2015 International Association of Designers
JURY MEMBERSHIPS:
No information.
HOBBIES:
horseback riding, designing, travelling
CLIENTELE:
Women
WEB SITE:
www.mygretchen.com
PORTFOLIO URL:
www.mygretchen.com
REGISTRATION DATE:
2013-11-21 08:34:26
COUNTRY/REGION:
Germany
ACCOUNT TYPE:
Startup
Awards received by Anne-Christin Schmitt
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Oyster Clutch Clutch, Handbag Silver A' Design Award Winner for Fashion and Travel Accessories Design Category in 2014 Anne-Christin Schmitt for Gretchen |
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Oyster Backpack Backpack Silver A' Design Award Winner for Fashion and Travel Accessories Design Category in 2014 Anne-Christin Schmitt for Gretchen |
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Tango Tote Two Handbag Silver A' Design Award Winner for Fashion and Travel Accessories Design Category in 2014 Anne-Christin Schmitt for Gretchen |
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Calla Backpack Bag Silver A' Design Award Winner for Fashion and Travel Accessories Design Category in 2015 GRETCHEN GmbH & Co. KG for Gretchen C/O Miana Gmbh & Co. Kg |
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Tango Small Shoulderbag Handbag Golden A' Design Award Winner for Fashion and Travel Accessories Design Category in 2015 GRETCHEN for Gretchen |
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Ebony Two Loop Bag Golden A' Design Award Winner for Fashion and Travel Accessories Design Category in 2016 Gretchen - Anne-Christin Schmitt for Gretchen |
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Tango Pouch Handbag, Evening Bag Platinum A' Design Award Winner for Fashion and Travel Accessories Design Category in 2013 Anne-Christin Schmitt for Gretchen |
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