Braun Büffel – A Lifetime of Luxury

In collaboration with Convergence, VOICE OF ASIA is proud to present timeless articles from the archives, reproduced digitally for your reading pleasure. Originally published in Convergence Volume 16 in 2013, we present this story on Braun Büffel, as it celebrated its 125th anniversary.

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‘Timeless’. That is the only way in which to describe a brand and product range that is as relevant, elegant and fashionable in the present day as it was in its beginnings. This feat takes on added gravitas when one considers that the Braun Büffel.

Braun Büffel brand has reigned supreme for 125 years. Convergence explores what makes the company as durable as the leather goods that they craft, and celebrates their exclusive Braun Büffel boutique at KLIA.

Buffalo Brilliance

The brand logo says it all. Strong. Progressive. Durable. Built to last. And, of course, it harks to the specialisation in leather goods that the company has perfected since 1887. it was then that Johann Braun – a visionary, considering the lasting resonance of the company he started – opened a workshop as a master saddler and upholsterer at the tender age of 26.

After the addition of a shop to that workshop in Germany, the brand was born. Kirn, the town where it all began, is actually known as the country’s ‘town of leather’, and Braun Büffel today stands as a testament to the quality and wealth of knowledge that was nurtured in this region over the decades. it is not merely the skill of leather-manipulation that has been passed through the company, but a family tradition – current owner and CEO Christiane Brunk is the fourth generation of the Braun family to take the helm of the company.

Christiane follows in the footsteps of Alois Braun, son of Johann Braun, who added the production of small leather goods to the saddling range back in 1927. Alois’s eldest son, Hans-Werner Braun, eventually assumed the management position of Braun Büffel, overseeing the expansion and evolution of the brand into factories but after his tragic early death in car accident, his brother Karl-Heinz Braun joined the family enterprise in 1969, and through the 80s until today the company has grown in strength, stature and acclaim.

A Love for Leather

History alone is not enough to carry a brand to success. What one really requires is a quality product that has a unique element of sophistication and appeals to a discerning clientele. Braun Büffel has this, manufacturing an array of leather-based products that will stand both the test of time, and the ever-changing landscape of fashion.

With separate men’s and women’s divisions, the brand enables both sexes to choose from a range of affordable luxury goods. For the woman, a plethora of beautifully crafted leather handbags and purses that are both functional and stylish with names such as ‘Lustre’, ‘Prula’ and ‘Enchante’ encapsulate the elegance that the products exude. Next season she will be able to complete the look head to toe with a pair of shoes from a range that Braun Büffel is currently working on, that will follow their established standard of quality.

The gentleman can also show-off his taste and appreciation for fine leather. belts with chunky, distinctive buckles can be teamed to match soft, supple leather bags in a range that carries robust, manly names in contrast to the twirly and girly titles of the female one. ‘Brad’, ‘Duke’ and ‘Craig’ make their masculine mark on the wardrobe of any man.

For All Life’s Moments

Alongside the existing range, Braun Büffel also launched a special anniversary edition of products commemorating their landmark 125th year in business. A specially created limited edition collection for both men and women is yet another reason to venture into one of their boutiques, to own a beautiful item and also a piece of history. The ‘Jubilee’ bags for men and ‘Jubilea’ for ladies carry a leather key tag embossed with the anniversary tagline ‘125th Celebration Passion! For All Life’s Moments’ to mark the special occasion, and identify the bag as unique.

David Kwang, Managing Director of Lianbee-Jeco manages the Braun Büffel outlets of Malaysia and talked about the anniversary collection. “It is exciting. These creations are a unique combination of textured raffia effect woven leather and contrast nappa trim leather to give them a unique aesthetic appeal. The JubiLea collection is comprised of carryall, tote, boston bag, and clutch whereas the JubiLee ranges from a framed document bag to a weekend bag which makes a handsome choice for any formal setting. We will be celebrating with an exclusive premium gift – a leather woven bracelet with the signature bull charm – in all of our boutiques.”

Truly Asia

As every successful brand realises, the luxury retail market in Asia is competitive, but Braun Büffel has used its heritage and innovation to make an impression upon sophistication-savvy consumers. Braun Büffel has been a worldwide presence for over a century and in Malaysia since 1993. Explains Kwang, “Over the last decade, the growing affluence of customers has been met with an evolution of our designs into corporate, elegant offerings with distinctive shapes and detail. In Malaysia especially, the brand has a unique position of being one that identifies with its consumers by supporting the individual’s personality and lifestyle, and we use personalised service and intangible benefit to set ourselves apart from the competitors.

This has led to the presence of 15 Braun Büffel boutiques in the region, including stores in Empire Shopping Gallery, Subang Jaya and One Utama, where shoppers can indulge in some rest and relaxation at their D’Guild Lounge while browsing through the season’s latest collection. They also have the first premium luxury brand housed in its own Leather Wellness Centres in G Hotel Penang and empire shopping Gallery. Added to this is the boutique at KLIA, which serves as a perfect place for those travelling through the airport to indulge in a purchase, experience their service and be graced by the style of Braun Büffel.

Owner and CEO of the company, Christiane Brunk has a vision of Braun Büffel becoming a global lifestyle-brand whose products will be available worldwide in the next 5 years. A large step in this direction – in Malaysia at least – is the grand opening of the new boutique at KLiA. With so many international travelers passing through, the chance for them to become familiar with the leather-goods company is immense.

Braun Büffel is in the pursuit of perfection, for their products, customers and brand with their worldwide expansion, including a presence at the Satellite building of KLIA, and are looking forward – to the next 125 years.