An "Eittem" is a functional object designed to be carried and used but conceived with the rigor of a sculptural form - closer to contemporary studio furniture than to a traditional luxury handbag. Finely crafted, each piece is shaped by material, proportion, and how it engages the body, rather than by traditional handbag conventions. Learn more about Eittem here.
All Eittem pieces are designed and made entirely in our Manhattan atelier, nestled in the gallery district in Chelsea. Design, digital modeling, carving, finishing, and assembly are all done in-house by our studio-trained team, allowing us to maintain close control over form, precision, and quality at every stage.
Each piece begins as a hand sketch and is refined through extensive prototyping. Once a form is resolved, it is carved with extreme precision using carefully programmed tool paths. After carving, every object is methodically finished and assembled by hand over the course of several weeks.
Each Eittem is crafted individually in our Manhattan atelier, which we built from the ground up to support this work following six years of research and development. All stages of design, carving, finishing, and assembly are done in-house using specialized machinery and tools developed specifically for our process. Forms are refined through extensive prototyping, carved with extreme precision, and then finished and assembled by hand over several weeks. We work with the finest materials selected for their durability, tactility, and long-term integrity. Our pieces are crafted by highly skilled artisans trained in art and design. This process imposes natural limits on the number of pieces that can be produced. Pricing reflects the time, expertise, materials, and infrastructure required to create each object to our uncompromising standard.
Eittem is not a traditional handbag brand. We are an atelier producing collectible functional sculpture, using an art world model of numbered editions, signed certificates, and documented provenance. Our pieces are conceived as enduring objects, closer to studio furniture or contemporary sculpture than to seasonal accessories—functional art made to be collected, lived with, and passed on. Explore how to collect Eittem.
Eittem objects are produced in small numbers, making them inherently collectible. Because each piece is made individually through our time-intensive process, production is naturally limited. Unlike fashion accessories that depreciate, Eittem pieces are designed to become increasingly significant over time.
Yes. Eittem objects are designed to be carried and cradled, serving as protective vessels for your personal essentials. Though sculptural in form, each piece functions as a clutch and can be worn on a chain, designed to move comfortably with the body.
No. Our clutches are crafted to feel effortless when carried. In many cases, our pieces are lighter than typical leather handbags or clutches. As wood is a natural material, there may be slight variance in weight. Typical weights are included in the product detail descriptions.
Each piece is created collaboratively by our team of skilled craftspeople, including woodworkers, leather artisans, and finishing specialists. Our artisans are unique in that they are graduates of art and design schools and have gained experience in peer-level studios. Each has their own artistic practice outside of Eittem, which we encourage.
Every bag is unique. Variations in tone and texture of the woodgrain and leather are not considered flaws but rather a triumph of nature’s hand. As each bag is hand-finished, there may be slight variance in weight and color. Please note that bag colors may differ slightly from the colors seen on screen. Schedule an appointment to see the colors in person at the Eittem suite.
For any questions regarding fit or the interior sizes of the bags, we would be happy to assist you. Detail your questions on the contact form or reach out to inquiries@eittem.com.
Eittem’s approach to sustainability is grounded in longevity. Our priority is creating objects that are made with care to be carried into the next generation. We produce in limited numbers and do not overproduce. Each piece is crafted entirely in-house in our Manhattan atelier, allowing us close oversight, reduce unnecessary transport, and support repairability over time. With the exception of our European leather, all materials are sourced from within the U.S. Our paints and protective coating are water-based and hand-painted rather than sprayed. We use minimal adhesive as our leather is wet-molded, and hardware is inlaid. Stainless steel, sterling silver, and brass metals are inherently recyclable. The Eittem atelier resides in an Energy Star building.
Urban salvage refers to wood reclaimed from trees that grew in cities or developed areas and have fallen or were removed due to age, storm damage, construction, or public safety reasons rather than harvested from commercial forests. Instead of being chipped, discarded, or burned, these trees are responsibly milled and dried, preserving valuable material that would otherwise be lost. Eittem’s salvaged walnut is sourced from the Northeastern United States, primarily New York State.
Visits to the atelier are available by appointment. We welcome guests who would like to experience our pieces in person and learn more about how the objects are made.
A limited number of bags will be available for same-day purchase by appointment only at the Eittem suite. For appointment bookings, please use the request form or reach out to inquiries@eittem.com.
Eittem is built on a slow, intentional process brought to life by a small team of in-house artisans. Dedicated to craftsmanship, inventory and the studio’s production times may vary. In-stock purchases will be shipped immediately. Made-to-order purchases are typically shipped 3-6 weeks from placement date. You will be notified when your order is ready. To learn the status of your order, please fill out the contact form or reach out to inquiries@eittem.com.
If you have a near-term special occasion, please contact the studio directly and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Complimentary domestic standard shipping is included. All orders are insured against theft and accidental damage while in transit. Once your items have been delivered, they are no longer covered by insurance. All deliveries require a signature unless waived by you through the carrier. If you live locally, we invite you to pick up your order at the Eittem studio in Chelsea or enjoy our personal delivery service in and around NYC. Please fill out the contact form or reach out to inquiries@eittem.com to schedule.
Yes, once your order is ready, we invite you to pick up your Eittem at our suite in Chelsea or enjoy our personal delivery service in and around NYC. Please fill out the contact form or reach out to inquiries@eittem.com to schedule.
All orders will be carefully packaged in our signature Eittem gift box with a hand-tied ribbon. The boxes are constructed in the U.S. with environmentally certified papers, recyclable lamination, and up to 100% post-consumer waste board. Bags are protected in 100% drill cotton dustbags from Italy and packaged with FSC-certified stationary printed in NYC. Learn more about packaging in the Eittem Journal.
A personalized, handwritten note on Eittem stationary can be enclosed for gifts. Please make your request during checkout. For additional gifting needs, please fill out the contact form or reach out to inquiries@eittem.com.
At this time, we are not able to ship orders internationally, to U.S. territories outside of North America, or to P.O. boxes. Please fill out the contact form or reach out to inquiries@eittem.com to be notified when international shipping becomes available.
Orders are eligible for returns or exchanges within 5 days from delivery date. The bag must be unworn and returned in the same condition it was received. The return must include the card of authenticity, chain attachment in its jewelry pouch, and all original packaging, including the dust bag, product booklet, and signature box. Returns are approved at Eittem’s discretion. If approved, returns will be credited to the original payment method. Custom orders are not eligible for returns.
To start a return, fill out the contact form or reach out to inquiries@eittem.com. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted. If your return is accepted, you will be sent a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package.
Please fill out the contact form or reach out to inquiries@eittem.com if you believe your bag was damaged in transit.
Each piece is accompanied by care guidance specific to its materials and finish. With normal use and proper care, Eittem objects are designed to become cherished heirlooms.
Use a soft cloth to buff away fingermarks on the bag and to polish the stainless-steel hardware and precious metal chain. Avoid contact with water, cosmetics, oils, solvents, and cleaning solutions. Overexposure to direct sunlight over time may cause discoloration. To ensure the clasp’s proper closure, do not overstuff. When not in use, ensure bag is closed and store chain in its accompanying jewelry pouch.
Each piece is protected with a durable coating that repels water and stains, and shields it from everyday dings and scratches. We offer lifetime repair of the bag for normal wear and tear.
If you have concerns about your bag, please fill out the contact form or reach out to inquiries@eittem.com.
