Gepherrini: A Product as Unique as its Wearer
Interview
Over less than a decade, Georgian leather bag manufacturer Gepherrini has become one of the fastest-growing leather accessories brands in Eastern Europe, with its products being presented in eleven countries, at 42 points of sale. Gepherrini provides high quality customizable leather bags and accessories at prices that are hard to match. Each piece is handcrafted using original, nuanced materials, resulting in a one-of-a-kind product that is as unique as its wearer.
Everyday does not have to mean ordinary. Quality materials and contemporary design make Gepherrini leather bags a joy to use and a pleasure to own. The brand appeals to the dynamic, busy, urban individual who values quality and self-expression.
We sat down with Gepherrini’s co-founder, Ilia Gepheridze, to delve deeper into the brands’ history, aesthetics and core values.
Tell us the story of Gepherrini’s creation.
Gepherrini was founded on August 7, 2014, by me and my wife, Sophio Khositashvili. We wanted to fill the gap in the local market, as one could scarcely find Georgian-produced handbags or accessories available at the time. Implementing the idea turned out to be quite laborious; we struggled to find experienced personnel in this field. Eight months after the start of production, we released our first products.
Today, Gepherrini has a very strong team that can produce a bag or accessory of any complexity. We never compromise on quality. For the first time in Georgia, Gepherrini introduced a special quality guarantee on all products; six months for leather substitutes, 12 months for genuine leather. Our warranty service has aroused great interest and increased confidence in the brand.
What is it about Geppherini bags that makes them stand out among others?
It is the uniqueness of Gepherrini’s designs. Gepherrini often participates in various international exhibitions around the world and everyone unanimously agrees that our designs stand out with their elegant structures and well-designed color contrasts.
The high-quality leather used in our bags offers the optimal balance of performance and practicality. Our designers create beautiful items that stand the test of time, feel good to use, and carry your individual style effortlessly through the day.
What are the core values that the brand upholds?
When we started this company, our goal was to design fashionable bags that were affordable for women; to make sustainable, fashion-forward pieces effortless and accessible. One of our main priorities is to always maintain affordable prices without ever compromising quality.
Our bags are elegant and practical at the same time. We produce limited series, with all pieces meticulously handcrafted through expert hands and with care. The difference is in the details; which are always elegant and practical at the same time.
And of course, our success has only been possible through always maintaining the highest quality of customer service. We always put the client first.
How important is it to you that Gepherinni handbags are not mass produced?
It is one of the most vital things for us. The importance of craftsmanship is one of the key elements of the Gepherrini brand philosophy. Our designers put their heart and expertise into every piece they create. This is something very special for us and, we believe, for our customers as well.
What are your plans for the future?
From March 2021, we plan to enter two new markets, those of Canada and China. The Chinese market is a big challenge for us, and we pay a lot of attention to it. We have been witness to the immense interest that Gepherrini has aroused in China. Were it not impossible due to the coronavirus pandemic, we would have started selling from January 2020. However, this huge success makes us incredibly proud and happy even if the processes had to be delayed.
By Elene Dzebisashvili