STORY
PB 0110 is a bag and accessories label founded by Philipp Bree on 1 October 2012.
He believes in the relevance of beloved objects, in things that develop individuality through daily use, grow close to our hearts and become treasured companions over time. The bags and accessories are made exclusively from European leathers certified to the highest standard, pure linen and brass ingredients. Ideal materials that become even more beautiful and gain character over time. Made by selected European manufacturers with generations of experience in the production and processing of high-quality materials.
The collection is created in co-operation with important designers, artists and architects, whom Philipp Bree appreciates and invites for their work.
With over 20 years of experience in the leather industry and brand development, the idea of "PB Projects" was born, a way to offer the experience, network and competences as a service. Within this framework, various projects have been realized with different partners such as Aesop, Highsnobiety, Lamy, Manufactum or Porsche.
THE PB 0110 PHILOSOPHY: BELOVED OBJECTS
An interview with PB0110 founder and creative director, Philipp Bree on his approach to product creation, how our possessions define us and his mission to create bags with the longevity of future antiques.
What role do you believe BELOVED OBJECTS play in promoting a more mindful and intentional lifestyle for your customers?
"If I use my travel bag, I always receive numerous comments. People ask where the bag is from – not because they know me, but because I'm somewhere and people notice it. So, using and consuming things in this manner offers a personal pleasure, and in a way, that makes it truly relevant. Because it touches you and also touches others. That's what we're aiming for."
As a brand, how do you address the challenge of balancing timeless aesthetics with evolving trends?
"Our challenge lies in making fewer products but communicating them differently. Placing them on different stages, and demonstrating their relevance in various environments. Communication plays a significant role. Another aspect is that we can enhance our product range by adding components that have an impact on the entire collection. This, I believe, is crucial for us.We concentrate on development to create styles with the potential to endure in the market for the long term. Of course, not all of our creations will stay forever due to timing, fashion trends, and various factors that keep things dynamic. Yet, we're committed to approaching everything we do with the mindset that it should possess the aesthetic endurance to last for the next 20 years."
PB0110 products are often referenced as LIFETIME COMPANIONS. Could you explain a little more about this thought process?
"A very personal piece shouldn't always be subject to change. In certain situations, you have products that become part of your identity. In our case, it's a bag. When you see friends with worn backpacks that have marks and spots on them, you realise the product has transcended. It's no longer about our brand; it's about their backpack and their personal experience with it. The brand identity fades, It becomes their possession. That’s actually the reason for including brackets with the PB0110 logo: we give structure to the bag, but by using and living with the bag, it becomes the consumers’.”
What do you hope people will take away from their experience with PB0110's AGED PRODUCTS in terms of building a more sustainable and meaningful relationship with their belongings?
“On a larger scale, the pattern of overconsumption in the Western world can’t persist as it has for the past few decades. We've been sensing for many years that mindsets need to change. We can already perceive significant shifts. Younger generations, creators, and their attitudes to consumption are different, already embracing an alternative approach. If the PB brand philosophy can contribute to a different way of looking at consumption and consumerism, keeping products in use for longer, I'd be very happy playing our part.”
WHAT WE BELIEVE IN
There is a figure circulating that every household in Germany owns an average of 10,000 things. Being socialized in the age of overconsumption and being part of an industry that is responsible for considerable damage to our beautiful living space, I feel a responsibility to find new answers for future consumption.
I believe that the approaches of architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe 'Less is more' (around 1920) and designer Dieter Rams 'Less, but better' (around 1970) are part of the solution.
With PB 0110, we are interested in the relationship between people and objects.
We believe that objects that gain individuality through daily use can become beloved companions over time, and call them beloved objects. Inspired by Tilmann Haberman's 1999 book of the same name 'Beloved Objects'.
The awareness of beloved objects requires an examination of what we allow into our personal living space and what we do not. Regardless of price, form or function. For me, the personal connection is crucial.
In the hope that awareness will allow us to consume less and more consciously and thus be connected with the things that surround us. We call it "less and connected"
Imagine if 10,000 things became an average of 8,000 things, it would be a huge lever for sustainability.
Yours
Philipp Bree
( Founder )