"Developing Strathberry [and] highlighting our Scottish roots has given us a chance to shine a spotlight on Scotland as a thriving creative hub."
Words by Maya Avram
Luxury fashion is undergoing a reinvention as the industry is pushed to answer overarching questions about its role in global society. According to Guy and Leeanne Hundleby, founders of the leather goods brand Strathberry, the answer lies in human connection –– a virtue they credit to their Scottish heritage, which defines the label’s ethos. The Hundlebys view everyone in the business as an equally valued team member, from the Edinburgh-based atelier designers to their leather artisans in Andalusia, Spain. That familial approach to luxury is a rare sight in a world dominated by international conglomerates, and it has cultivated a unique cosmos around Strathberry over the past decade, where honesty and accessibility fuel the desirability of its products. “We founded Strathberry with the aim to inject that feeling of warmth and down-to-earth hospitality [that] Scottish people are known for into anything we do, promoting an idea of luxury that feels inclusive and heartfelt.”
That compelling message has been instrumental in fostering the brand’s growth and winning over the hearts of fashion-savvy A-listers such as Katie Holmes and Sarah Jessica Parker, as well as the Royal Family. Both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have extensive collections of Strathberry’s covetable bags, whose minimalist, clean aesthetic seamlessly complements their own. Combined with meticulous and uncompromising quality, it’s easy to see how the label became an open secret among those in the know.
The real surprise comes when looking at the bags’ price point, which sits much lower than that of the premium labels with which Strathberry shares production hubs, including brands like Hermès, Chanel, and Loewe. This is part of Strathberry’s fundamental bid towards honest luxury: making artisanal products widely accessible. It also serves as an important propeller for the leather maker’s phenomenal growth, with sales increasing by 40 and 50 percent in 2023 and 2024, respectively. “The craftsmanship of our product is what makes us stand out and what we’re known for. We simply don’t cut corners.”
Beyond its instantly recognisable yet subdued aesthetic, Strathberry embraces playful collaborations, which, according to Guy and Leeanne, fuel their creative fire through reinforced connections to the arts. “We enjoy getting stuck into the creative process, and brand collaborations are a great way for us to connect with artists and other fashion brands and work together to create something new and unique.” It’s a way to expand beyond the label’s usual remit, as demonstrated by their recent collaboration with fellow British label Shrimps, known for its romantic, child-like sense of whimsy. “Our original silhouettes are known for being architectural and geometric, and they lend themselves beautifully to prints and embellishments. These partnerships are an opportunity for us to push the boundaries of our design capabilities and inject some fun into our product. We love the process of working with other creatives, joining our aesthetics and sharing ideas.”
That eclecticism has a strategic end to it, too, as Guy and Leeanne Hundleby plan their expansion to North America, Japan, and the Middle East. “We want to continue pushing the boundaries and creating amazing products that can be cherished and passed on.”
This Industry Voice is part of The Britannia & Éire Issue. Purchase your copy here.
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