In short:Dörpwicht– the name means “village girl” – makes slow-fashion favorites from BLATTWERK leather and selected natural materialsThe leather is genuine cowhide, vegetable-tanned with wet‑green® tanning agent, a 100% bio-based extract from the residues of the olive harvest – olive twigs, branches, and leaves. Founder Steffi sews every piece herself in Hanover, pursuing an uncompromising zero-waste philosophy. A highlight: She even built her own pair Olivenleder®‑Birkenstocks – because such sandals are simply not available for purchase yet.
What distinguishes Dörpwicht
Material: BLATTWERK leather from Heller® – Genuine cowhide, vegetable-tanned with wet‑green® tanning agent, a 100% bio-based extract from the residues of the olive harvest – olive twigs, branches and leaves.
Production: 100% handmade in Hanover – each piece is unique and is only cut after ordering.
Collection: Weekender bags, cross-body bags, oversized jackets, wrap skirts and much more.
Zero‑waste as a principle
Steffi buys leather hides only in small batches, uses every square centimeter, and transforms offcuts into accessories such as key chains and card holders. Packaging is plastic-free, shipping is climate-neutral, and repairs are free of charge as long as the leather is alive.
DIY Birkis made from BLATTWERK by Heller® Leder
Olivenleder® sandals aren't available off the rack (yet). So Steffi quickly got to work herself: cutting the straps, attaching the buckles, gluing the footbed – and the first pair is ready. Olivenleder® Birkenstocks. You can find the how-to video at the end of this post.
Why BLATTWERK Olivenleder® is so convincing
Odorless & breathable – Vegetable-tanned leather inhibits bacteria.
Chrome-free & allergy-friendly – no heavy metals.
Exceptionally soft - Olivenleder® refutes the cliché that vegetable-tanned leather must be as strong as shoe soles.
Curious about vegetable-tanned premium leather?
Write to us and we will connect you directly with Dörpwicht or Heller – for samples, collabs or production questions.