R. Horn's
R. Horn's is a Viennese maker of handmade leather goods founded by Robert Horn, known for briefcases, handbags and travel bags. It produces in its own Vienna workshop and sells through three shops in the city and online.
| Founder | Robert Horn |
|---|---|
| Base | Vienna, Austria |
| Signature product | Thomas Mann briefcase |
| Production | Handmade in Vienna |
| Leather | Mainly Italian tanneries |
| Website | rhorns.com |
What is R. Horn's?
R. Horn's, signed R. Horn's Wien, is an Austrian leather goods brand founded by Robert Horn in Vienna. The family business is now also run by his son Julian Horn.
History
Robert Horn set up a leather accessories workshop and found inspiration in a 1920s photograph showing Katia and Thomas Mann with a leather folder. It led to his most popular model, the Thomas Mann briefcase.
Products and positioning
Designs follow the motto Form Follows Function and draw on the history of the Viennese avant garde. The range includes:
- Briefcases and handbags
- Travel bags
- Phone cases, key rings and spectacle cases
- Custom pieces made to individual specifications
Leather comes mainly from Italian tanneries and is processed by hand by a team of around ten people in the brand's Vienna workshop.
Distribution
R. Horn's sells through three shops in central Vienna, at Bräunerstraße, Stephansplatz and Herrengasse, and through its own online shop. Selected products are also carried by museum shops such as that of the Neue Galerie in New York.
Why it matters
R. Horn's is one of the Viennese workshop brands that keep local leather craft alive, linking product design to the city's early twentieth century design heritage.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded R. Horn's?
R. Horn's was founded by Robert Horn in Vienna, and his son Julian Horn has since joined the business.
What is R. Horn's known for?
R. Horn's is known for handmade leather briefcases and bags, especially the Thomas Mann briefcase.