True elegance. combining the contemporary with the timeless.
— Brillant / 1958 —
A LONG TRADITION OF INNOVATIVE LUXURY DELVAUX STILL OFFERS WHAT MOST LUXURY GOODS COMPANIES CAN NO LONGER OFFER: ‘LUXURY’ IN THE PUREST SENSE OF THE WORD. THE WORLD HAS EVOLVED, AND SO TOO HAVE COMPANIES, OFTEN RULED BY THE LAWS OF PROFITABILITY, GROWTH, AND PRODUCTIVITY.
Founded in 1829 in Brussels, Delvaux is the oldest fine leather luxury goods company in the world. Over the past two centuries, Delvaux has remained a family-owned company, precisely because it wants to protect those values of quality, exclusivity and taste, and to be able to deliver this ultimate luxury experience to its customers. Delvaux has always distinguished itself not only through its exclusivity and luxury, but also through its understated and individual sense of humour which is essential to the Delvaux spirit. In addition, there is the House’s hallmark of outstanding craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to using only the highest quality materials for its strictly limited edition products. Whilst Delvaux has always been an innovative company, it has never ignored its past, both as a source of inspiration for its designers and in its dedication to its loyal customers. After-Sales Service begins in the Delvaux shops, where knowledgeable staff can offer customers advice about the maintenance and repair of their bags. This is carried through to the Arsenal itself where leather stocks from years past are kept and where the After-Sales Service Department can repair bags bought decades earlier.
The House’s long tradition of innovation has been kept fresh by its use of external designers who can bring a new perspective, whilst respecting the values which have long made Delvaux a by-word for style, exclusivity and excellence. The House has never lost sight of what its fundamental values are and which have led it to distance itself from the recent approach where luxury has become confused with ostentation. Enter the Legend, the Delvaux Legend. Enjoy the results of this long tradition of innovative luxury.
François Schwennicke
Christian Salez
Executive Chairman
Chief Executive Officer
— Delvaux / 1951 —
A HOUSE WITH A RICH HERITAGE In 1829, Charles Delvaux added a shop window to his Brussels studio and the oldest fine leather luxury goods company in the world was born. Connoisseurs came from afar to admire his handcrafted trunks. In 1883, Delvaux became a warrant holder to the Court of Belgium, a prestigious title which is only awarded to a few. Crowned by this success, the House Delvaux expanded its range of products to include luggage, boxes and suitcases. In 1898, the House was the first to register a model, the ‘Edison’ trunk. In 1933, Franz Schwennicke took over the House and introduced the innovative concept of a seasonal collection for handbags. From that time on, all Delvaux’s creations were sketched and listed in the ‘Gold Book’ with their year of conception and designer. For the 1958 Brussels World Fair, Delvaux launched the ‘Brillant’ handbag, and an icon was born. Franz Schwennicke’s wife, Solange, succeeded him in 1970 and established the company abroad. She developed the House’s creativity through selected designers, reinforced its know-how and the variety of leathers the House used. Today, Delvaux is jointly managed by François Schwennicke, Executive Chairman and Christian Salez, Chief Executive Officer of the House while the shareholding remains entirely in family hands.
Association of the Belgian Royal Warrant Holders
THE ESSENCE OF DELVAUX QualiTy, seven leTTers which express whaT The house Delvaux has always been commiTTeD To anD has DelivereD exTremely well over The pasT Two cenTuries.
— Toile de cuir panier —
This superior workmanship is possible because of the materials the House uses, as well as its handmade techniques. The quality of its products was recognised early on by the Belgian Court. In fact, Delvaux has been a royal warrant holder to the Court of Belgium since 1883, a title that has been renewed by each new King since then.
As well as using these leathers, Delvaux innovates with the materials it uses. One example is Toile de Cuir which Delvaux launched in the early 1980s. Toile de Cuir is a fabric woven from different leathers. The House has developed this material exclusively for use in leather goods and it remains unique in the business.
At Delvaux, designers and craftsmen do not speak about “Leather” but about “Leathers”. Over the years, Delvaux has refined its techniques so that it can work with many classic leathers (Calf, Lamb, Goat), as well as exotic leathers (Salmon, Ostrich, Lizard, Alligator).
Over the years, the House Delvaux Collections have evolved not only via the models themselves but also through the materials used to make them.
In collaboration with the best tanners in Europe, Delvaux tests new types of leathers for months before deciding to include one in its collections. These laboratory tests comprise resistance to water, light exposure and rubbing. Once a leather has been selected, Delvaux only uses the best part of it.
Besides its core products for men and women (handbags, bags and briefcases), Delvaux also offers a range of accessories such as belts, beauty cases, gloves, ties, jewellery, scarves and accessories for home and office.
— Tempête / 1967 — Brillant / 1958 — Pin / 1972 —
DELVAUX TRULY UNIQUE Delvaux has always been genuinely DiFFerenT From oTher luxury gooDs companies, by sTaying True To iTs uniQue TraiTs. Delvaux is anD remains a uniQue Fine leaTher gooDs house For several reasons.
— a Delvaux craftsman cutting leather —
Its origins
Its values
Delvaux is a Belgian company, which translates into values such as authenticity, creativity and a typical understated humour.
Real commitment to durability and society. From the very start, Delvaux’s products have been made to last a lifetime. Quality and durability have always been priorities, driven by the need to make a positive impact and to show respect for society in general.
Its products Delvaux first introduced the concept of seasonal handbag collections in 1938. From its establishment to the present day, Delvaux has created more than 2,500 models.
Its icon The ‘Brillant’ handbag, created for the 1958 Brussels World Fair has since sold around 20,000 examples.
Its designers Creativity has always been very important at Delvaux. Over the last 60 years, the in-house design team has worked closely with many renowned guest designers, resulting in a perfect match between tradition, modernity and a unique creative freshness. These designers have included Martin Szekely (the first external designer), Paule Goethals (designer of the iconic Brillant), Bruno Pieters (Ligne 1829), Hannelore Knuts, Laetitia Crahay (the designer of the Astrid) and Didier Vervaeren (who has contributed to the Dolce Vita family). The House’s latest creative director is Veronique Branquinho. Her design trademark is a commitment to timeless elegance and a clear-sighted vision of the future. This makes her an ideal designer for a House celebrating its 180th birthday and making the transition from an illustrious past to an exciting and challenging future.
Its constant innovation Delvaux has always been noted for its continuous innovations. In the 1940s, Delvaux introduced the first light bags for air travellers. The ‘Brillant’ handbag, with its distinctive use of the ‘D’ logo, was introduced in the 1950s. Up until the 1970s, luxury items were traditionally aimed at more mature women. A more practical bag, targeting younger women (the ‘Pin’) recorded this change with success. The ‘Lucifer’, Delvaux’s luxury interpretation of the backpack, was a real trendsetter in the 1980s. Thanks to its close working relationship with guest designers, since the 1990s, Delvaux has succeeded in bringing an extra touch of fashion to ever-classic yet stylish collections. In recent years, the House has reintroduced Toile de Cuir into its collections. There is a constant quest to develop new products which meet the current needs of our customers and which are in tune with the economic climate. That’s why the House’s designers and the Research Department are constantly looking for ways to design new ranges which deliver the high quality that every Delvaux customer has a right to expect at prices that are more affordable. A case in point is the new 2010 baggage collection. It offers a range of practical bags and cases for stylish urban movers and shakers. But always imbued with an innate practicality.
— Delvaux craftsmen —
— The Arsenal / The leather stocks —
Respected yet respectful
Products with a soul...
With the durability of its materials and products, and its timeless and elegant designs, the House Delvaux became an early proponent of what people nowadays call Lasting Growth. Delvaux has always considered that a company’s role extends well beyond its financial goals and that a company has a moral as well as a social responsibility. This responsibility can be characterised by respect:
As part of delivering the ultimate luxury experience, Delvaux offers its clientele bespoke objects and personalised products.
Respect for Delvaux clientele through products of outstanding quality, excellent value for money and impeccable After-Sales service; Respect for Delvaux personnel, no matter what their job or level of responsibility, through a human resources policy based on listening to their needs, aspirations and personal issues; Respect for Delvaux partners and suppliers which is expressed in open communication and long-term working relationships; Respect for the environment through a rigorous selection of suppliers to find those who adhere to values which respect our environment.
Exclusively yours In order to do this, customers come to the Delvaux heartquarters (The Arsenal) to discuss their wishes in terms of product, function, and material with Delvaux’s designers and craftsmen. The object is then made for the customer. In addition, customers can come to the Arsenal and certain selected shops with Delvaux purchases that they wish to personalise. Over and above this service of exceptional quality, Delvaux is the only House in the world to offer customers the possibility of buying a specific leather for future articles. But even the current models get a truly personal touch. In fact, all Delvaux products are handmade by a small team of craftsmen and always produced in limited editions. In addition to its bespoke and personalisation services, Delvaux offers specific Exclusive Services: - A reliable After-Sales service. Products are brought to the Arsenal for refurbishing. The House keeps its colours and leathers in stock so that it can repair those unique products. - The customisation of corporate gifts. Companies can ask Delvaux to create exclusive corporate gifts for staff and clients. - The organisation of corporate events. Guests can enter the Legend and visit the Delvaux Museum, tour the studio and view a presentation of the new collections.
N° 13/30 — Hannelore / 2010 — Each Delvaux handbag is part of a limited series, guaranteeing a unique and personal product each time. As proof of this, each object gets its own numbered certificate, signed by the head craftsman.
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— 1. Leather stocks at the Arsenal / 2. Cleaning the edges / 3. Craftsman cutting an Alligator skin / 4. Delvaux trunks / 5. Colouring the outer edges —
Every customer is special DELVAUX COMMUNICATES AND CONNECTS WITH ITS CUSTOMERS IN VARIOUS WAYS.
— The Delvaux Magazine / Published once a year and produced in several languages —
Events are organised for the launch of new models or collections, during which Delvaux invites its customers and prospective customers to come and see the Studio’s latest creations. The aim is to show them both the House’s iconic and promotional products, as well as allowing them to discover the hand craftsmanship that Delvaux employs and the leathers that it uses. Delvaux Magazine is a publishing project aimed at existing customers to bolster their loyalty, and at target customers to introduce Delvaux to them. This magazine is published once a year and produced in several languages.
Delvaux in the spotlight Connecting to existing and potential new customers is absolutely essential to ensure Delvaux’s future success. To do so, the House has established an extensive PR and marketing programme. At the heart of Delvaux’s communication, the website is a versatile and easily accessible way of communicating the ‘Delvaux Experience’. Delvaux is widely reported in both printed and online media. And of course each season a cross-media campaign showcases the latest Delvaux creations.
— Delvaux events —
— Delvaux.com —
CREATED IN BELGIUm manuFacTureD in belgium, France anD vieTnam apreciaTeD all over The worlD. ToDay, Delvaux welcomes iTs cusTomers To The arsenal For exclusive visiTs anD worKshops, where They can experience aT FirsT hanD how The Delvaux luxury experience is born.
— The arsenal has become a true meeting point for craftsmen and customers —
The Arsenal Heartquarters with history Located in the centre of Brussels, at the heart of Europe, the Arsenal is a collection of early 20th century industrial buildings. The Arsenal serves as Delvaux’s interface between its designers, its craftsmen, its employees and its customers. The Arsenal is a place of tradition. It contains the Delvaux Archive which houses more than a thousand handbags dating back to 1887, the ‘Gold Books’ of the House, photograph albums of the House Delvaux from its creation, its awards and certificates, etc. Visitors to the Arsenal can also tour a museum display of highlights of the House’s history which reprises the ‘180 Years of Belgian Luxury’ exhibition staged at Antwerp’s Fashion Museum, MoMu, in September 2009. The Arsenal also hosts a variety of activities and courses. In addition to visiting the studio, customers can also take part in workshops where, by creating their own exclusive item, they can discover at first hand how Delvaux luxury goods are born. The Arsenal will also be home to the ‘Luxury Academy Brussels’, offering professional training in all aspects of dealing with a luxury brand and its customers. The Arsenal is also a place of innovation, home to Studio Delvaux where designers meet to create new models and collections, and the studio where customers can come to order a bespoke product, for After-Sales service, or to discover the new collections. For almost 160 years, Delvaux’s products were made exclusively on the premises. However in 1988, rising demand for the House’s products necessitated the opening of a second workshop. After much research, Delvaux decided to open a workshop in Argental, France, a region with a long tradition of leatherworking and craft expertise.
At the beginning of 2010, Delvaux opened another workshop in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Already highly skilled specialists in their own right, the craftsmen in this workshop have undergone additional intensive training by Delvaux master craftsmen to ensure that they can maintain the House’s uncompromising standards. As well as increasing the House’s production capacity, the Vietnam workshop gives Delvaux a useful commercial platform in the Far East and provides the same level of After-Sales service as that offered by the Arsenal for the House’s customers in Europe.
Delvaux travels the world Delvaux has an international presence as a Belgian fine leather goods company with a high level of expertise, a long history and a tradition of outstanding innovations. Delvaux is well represented in Belgium, with 3 flagship stores and well-located shops around the country, but there are also stores in Japan and Russia. The House is expanding further into Europe, as well as Asia and the United States. In addition to its international expansion, Delvaux also offers a selection of its products online through the Delvaux e-Shop.
A story worth telling, products worth showing... Delvaux’s style is carried over into its stores, where the shop design and materials used embody its values of quality, taste and exclusivity, and where the passion for leathers is markedly in evidence.
The Delvaux experience Each Delvaux shop is a unique experience, depending on its location, character and the range of products it sells. The sales staffs are always happy and willing to give you any advice you may require about leather, a bag’s functions or maintenance.
— Delvaux’s Bruges store —
Delvaux at a glance Almost 200 years of manufacturing, or the oldest fine leather luxury goods company in the world; A warrant holder to the Court of Belgium since 1883, a title renewed by every new King since that date; A unique mix of passion and leather expertise resulting in exclusive products created by renowned designers, entered in the century-old ‘Gold Books’ of the House, handmade from the finest leathers with taste and perfection, in limited editions and made to last for generations; More than 200 personnel, of whom half are in Belgium and the rest in Delvaux’s own workshop in France and Vietnam. Half of Delvaux’s employees are craftsmen or people related to producing Delvaux goods, the other half are designers, sales staff and other employees;
Flagship stores in Brussels, Knokke-Het-Zoute and Antwerp, plus well-located shops around the country and finely chosen international locations, as well as the Delvaux e-Shop; Turnover of €17 million, the majority of which is generated in Belgium; The Arsenal heartquarters (4,800 m2) in Brussels, Belgium; More than 2,500 original bag designs since the House was founded; The collections are truly limited and exclusive; 15,000 handbags made by hand each year; One ‘Brillant’ handbag sold per day since 1958, around 20,000 pieces produced in total; As well as its core products, Delvaux also offers a range of accessories, which benefit perfectly from the typical craftsmanship of the House.
Boulevard Louis Schmidtlaan 7 — 1040 Brussels — Belgium www.delvaux.com