Vater & Sohn Grand Opening – Heritage At Its Best

Earlier in March 2013, Hamburg, Germany saw the opening of a new denim haven, Vater & Sohn. Geared towards more rugged European customers in need of distinctive goods, the store prides itself in offering some of the best heritage brands from around the world.

The founding team includes three individuals who are well-versed in various facets of the retail industry. Stefan Kudla is equipped with 25 years of experince in retail and distribution; Tobias Pflug works as an art director and store manager of the Red Wing Hamburg branch; and Sascha Kampmeyer is armed with a master of business administration and previously managed numerous shops.

Together, the trio sought to establish a unique retail environment for all men, particularly denim and boot fanatics in Hamburg, Germany.

Denim - Vater & Sohn

Leather goods - Vater & Sohn

The driving philosophy these three gentlemen uphold is that mass production and fashion hypes are the reason we have lost individuality and quality in all products. They back up their thesis by specializing in goods that are founded upon craftsmanship, history, and passion.

The recollection of these values is an important part of their buying decisions, in that most products they do carry possess a certain longevity quality rooted in firm manufacturing processes. To really demonstrate this belief, the shop displays drum roasted coffee, Alter Haidmarker Eldelkorn (Schnaps), French Shepherd knifes, handmade boots, custom made tweed sports jackets, denim and ring spun shirts.

Denim Lineup - Vater & Sohn

Rising Sun & Co. Vests - Vater & Sohn

In terms of specific brands carried, Vater & Sohn’s lineup is diverse and meaningful: Indigofera, Merz b. Schwanen, Rising Sun, 3sixteen, Filson, Fat Boy Clothing, Monomento, Blue Genes, Red Wing Shoes, Trickers, Doc Martens Made In England, Wolverine, Gitman Vintage, Timeless Leather and a long list of other small labels.

Vater & Sohn will also round out their selection with White’s Boots, Viberg, WESCO, Alden shoes, and other items courtesy of The Bootery. A collaborative project with the Red Wing Berlin and Hamburg store owner, Kay Knipschild, The Bootery aims to offer customers a curated line of leather boots and shoe.

From left-to-right: Pieter Duijndam (Heineken NL), Matthijs van Meurs (Red Wing Shoes Amsterdam), Sven Eden (Riders Room)

From left-to-right: Pieter Duijndam of Heineken NL; Matthijs van Meurs of Red Wing Shoes Amsterdam, and Sven Eden of Riders Room

Fred Bschaden (Blog Red Wing 1905), Marc Eckardt (Photographer marceckardt.de)

Fred Bschaden of Blog Red Wing 1905; Marc Eckardt of marceckardt.de

Roasted coffee, Knifes and german Schnaps

Roasted coffee, Knives and German Schnaps

Motorcylce vibes

Motorcylce vibes

Leather shoes

Vater & Sohn Founding Team - Sascha Kampmeyer, Tobias Pflug, Stefan Kudla (Left to Right)

Vater & Sohn Founding Team – Sascha Kampmeyer, Tobias Pflug, Stefan Kudla (left-to-right)

The opening party gathered a number of representatives of denim and heritage clothing from around Europe, family and friends, and even a master knife crafter who gave in-store demonstrations with the French Shepard knives.

Given Vater & Sohn‘s vision and commitment to delivering well-crafted, purposeful wares, you’d be remiss to not visit them on your next trip to Hamburg. They’ll be ready for you with a nice cup of espresso, glass of german schnaps, and some of the best denim available. Conveniently, you can also browse through their nicely designed site if you can’t quite make Hamburg.