Düttmann: Sculptural leather artistry redefines belt crafts at Premiere Classe

Interview with Janina Düttmann, Designer and Founder of Düttmann, during Premiere Classe March 2025 Edition under ‘Jardins des Tuileries’ iconic venue.

Amidst the bustling creative energy of Premiere Classe, one leather-goods brand, with belts crafting as its collections' cornerstone stood out for its architectural precision and artistic integrity: Düttmann. Designed by Janina Düttmann, this emerging label brings a sculptural, avant-garde approach to accessories, blending historical influences with contemporary craftsmanship. With a focus on fluidity, body-conscious structures, and a resistance to fleeting market trends, Düttmann’s first-time exhibition on the trade show marked a bold entry into the Parisian fashion and artistic landscape.

A creative upbringing and the path to founding Düttmann


For Janina, the journey to launching Düttmann was deeply rooted in a creative upbringing. “I was always into the practice of painting and drawing — it was clear that my path would be in the arts,” Janina firstly recalls. “Initially, I considered becoming an artist, but I was drawn to design because it allowed me to merge creativity with functionality.”


After an initial detour into business studies, Janina pursued fashion design at Esmod Paris, specializing in couture in their Design Campus in the 9th Arrondissement. “My focus was always on the artistic side of design rather than just commercial viability,” Janina explains. “I wanted to create something that wasn’t just a product but a piece that held meaning, depth, and cultural expression.”


The foundation of Düttmann took shape through experiences at esteemed fashion houses, including Chloeand Iris Van Herpen. “At Chloe, I gained a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and heritage. Then, at Iris Van Herpen, I was able to break boundaries and explore conceptual design. Those two experiences structured craftsmanship versus radical artistry  while furthermore shaping my vision for my own brand ideas and vision.”


A singular vision: Sculptural, asymmetrical, and beyond trends 


Düttmann is not a brand that follows trends — it creates its own visual language. “I wanted to develop accessories that felt sculptural, almost like wearable art,” Janina precises. “I start with drawings, then move to ropes and mannequins to explore the silhouette before prototyping. My process is very hands-on and intuitive.”


The signature brand’s pieces are defined by their fluid forms, asymmetry, and structural boldness, heavily influenced by Art Nouveau. “I love the organic lines of Art Nouveau architecture—the way they move, curve, and reject rigid symmetry,” says Janina. “It’s  all about bringing history into modernity, reviving old-world craftsmanship through a contemporary lens.”

The brand’s emphasis on artistic independence extends to its rejection of mainstream market pressures. “I don’t design with a target audience in mind; I design what feels authentic. The right audience finds us. It’s mainly about slow fashion, investing in fewer pieces that hold lasting value and durability to whomever might wear them.”


Craftsmanship and the power of distinctive materials and fabrics


At the heart of Düttmann’s work is a commitment to craftsmanship. Their designs feature a single piece of leather, manipulated without cuts or alters, so as to maintain an authentic visual purity. “The materiality is essential,” Janina develps. “Leather has this ability to mold to the body over time—it becomes a second skin. It’s both tough and delicate.”


The brand’s construction and designing process are highly specialized. “The factory I work with typically makes straight belts, but for my designs, they had to develop new techniques to create adaptive curves,”says Janina. “One artisan spent an entire week mastering the stitching technique for my pieces”, she recalls with quite an admiration. 


Sustainability is also a priority to the brand’s creative concept. “I work with vegetable-tanned leather and regenerated leather interiors to ensure longevity and reduce waste. For me, sustainability isn’t about temporary eco-trends—it’s about creating objects meant to last a lifetime.”


Premiere Classe: A notable platform for discovery and global recognition


Exhibiting at Premiere Classe for the first time, Janina approached the experience with an open mind. “I wanted to make connections, showcase my vision, and see how the industry would respond to my propositions,” Janina shares. “The feedback has been incredibly positive—people are fascinated by the craftsmanship and uniqueness of each piece I showcased during the fair! ”


The trade show’s global reach allowed for exposure to diverse buyers and creatives. “I’ve had meaningful conversations with boutiques and press, and the response has been more than I expected,” Janina recalls. “Even those who simply pass by and take pictures would all , to my eye, build  thorough recognition of my brand.”


Janina also highlighed the importance of Premiere Classe’s curation. “The level of craftsmanship among exhibitors is exceptional. It’s crucial for a luxury product like mine to be placed within an environment that values artistry over mass production.”

Expanding her vision… 


For Düttmann, the future is fluid — quite literally. “I’m continuing to explore organic shapes, body adornements concepts, and new ways of constructing garments that feel sculptural yet wearable,” Janina teases. “There’s a strong Japanese influence in my pattern-cutting techniques, where I’m experimenting with technical yet highly decorative elements.”


The next collection shall push these ideas even further. “I see myself moving beyond accessories into full collections—fluid, dramatic, and highly structured pieces that redefine evening-wear as well as today’s individuals’ wardrobe” Janina shares. “It’s about creating a world where fashion isn’t just worn, yet furthermore experienced and felt.”


With its avant-garde approach, sculptural aesthetics, and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, Düttmann is carving out a distinctive space in contemporary fashion—one bold curve at a time.

Yann Jobard Setzu

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