About | Eittem

Fine Craft in New York City

Eittem is rooted in the pursuit of fine craft. Each handbag is one-of-a-kind, the co-creation of nature and artist-maker’s hands. Handcrafted in New York City in low volumes, the small, independent studio unites heritage craft with modern sensibilities. Here, solid walnut, Alpine leather, and stainless-steel hardware are transformed into functional objects of wonder.

Explore Eittem's exceptional craft, fine materials, intentional creation, and independent studio.

Exceptional Craft

True luxury is always marked by the hands of skilled artisans. Inside Eittem’s studio in Chelsea, artist-makers have mastered time-honored skills to hone a solid block of walnut into a polished fine object. Requiring talent, patience, and dedication, the process is a noble effort over the course of two weeks. Using a bespoke method developed in-house over six years, the complete process combines traditional and state-of-the-art tools. Each bag is inspected at every step along its journey. When a bag leaves the studio, it has been declared exceptional.

Fine Materials

Walnut was the inciting inspiration for Eittem. Like alchemists, the team combines natural, rare, and historically revered materials to form the extraordinary. Alpine leather and stainless-steel are masterfully inlaid into the dignified woodgrain, culminating in a surprising harmony of tone and texture.

Salvaged American Walnut

Walnut has been prized for centuries by fine craftsmen for its strength, richness, and distinct grain. In pursuit of tradition and reinvention, Eittem not only exalts the treasured material, but responsibly sources the wood from suppliers who rescue fallen trees in the Northeast.

Alpine Leather

Chosen for its luxurious grain and feel, fine Alpine calf leather is hand-sculpted to smoothly fit the precise contours of each bag's interior.

Stainless Steel

Hand-polished to jewelry quality, 17 unique pieces of stainless-steel hardware are seamlessly inlaid into solid walnut. Endlessly durable and lustrous, for generations.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver has adorned and delighted since the 12th century. A detail both functional and precious, the attachable sterling silver chain is plated in rhodium, preserving its brilliance.

Intentional Creation

In the spirit of purposeful design, each handbag is truly made-to-order. The artist-makers craft each piece for the client, the act of creation both intentional and special. Each bag is accompanied by a card of authenticity, numbered and signed by the hands that made it.

Owl in Woodgrain

Explore Owl

Bird in Woodgrain

Explore Bird

Moon in Woodgrain

Explore Moon

Independent Studio

Eittem’s craftspeople, referred to in the studio as artist-makers, bring their deep knowledge and experience across various artistic disciplines to the creation of these fine objects. In the light-filled Chelsea studio, visitors can witness dedicated craftsmanship unfold in real-time. We invite you to hear the stories behind the craft. Request an appointment to visit the studio.

Request an appointment