Graf & Lantz
Merino felt and leather bags, made in Los Angeles since 2010
Philosophy
American merino felt and leather bag brand founded in 2010 in Los Angeles. Local manufacturing, natural materials imported from Germany.
History
Los Angeles, 2008. Holger Graf, PhD in structural engineering with a German heritage, meets Daniel Lantz, who immersed himself in Japanese Shokunin craft traditions. Two opposing approaches, Germanic rigor and Japanese "less but better" philosophy, one forgotten material: merino wool felt.
Felt is one of humanity's oldest textiles. Central Asian nomads made yurts from it 8,000 years ago. But in modern bags, nobody uses it. Everything is nylon, polyester, Cordura. Graf & Lantz takes the opposite path: thick merino wool felt imported from Germany, vegetable-tanned Vachetta leather, nothing synthetic.
Everything is made in their Los Angeles studio. No Vietnam factory, no Chinese outsourcing. Among enthusiasts, feedback is positive. The Eileen Fisher collaboration confirms the positioning. Not streetwear, not luxury, natural material craftsmanship for people tired of plastic.
Iconic Products
Bedford Backpack
3-in-1 convertible backpack in merino felt and Vachetta leather. Wears as backpack, handbag, or tote. The best-seller and the product that sums up Graf & Lantz's proposition: an ancient material in a modern form.
Bierfilzl Coasters
Merino felt coasters. An absurd object on paper, a felt coaster, that works perfectly in practice. Felt absorbs condensation without leaving marks, doesn't slide, doesn't scratch. Available in twenty-plus colors.
Hana Tote
Merino felt tote, simple form, wide opening, Vachetta leather handles. The everyday bag for those who want out of nylon. Light despite the thick felt, and merino being naturally antibacterial, the bag doesn't retain odors.