Fred Eisen, one of the Last Leather Craftsman in the Country, Keeps his Craft Alive in New Hope

The intoxicating smell of leather is what first lures you into the Fred Eisen Leather Designs store in New Hope. Then, as if under a spell, your hand reaches to touch the delicately soft creations, hung over every inch of the seemingly too small space. Once inside, you realize this is not just another Harley Davidson-type leather goods shop meant for bikers and their fun loving babes, with studded leather, fringe jackets and intimidating chaps. Instead, this is handmade, gentle leather, textured, delicately colored and displayed in all shapes of bags, purses, briefcases and jackets, meant for anyone who appreciates and understands fine craftsmanship. 

“My work encompasses a diverse sense of style, bridging fashion and utility,” explains Eisen. “You’ve got to see, smell and feel the soft and delicious leather to understand the quality and originality of my handcrafted designs.”

The fact that each item in the store has been manufactured by an old-fashioned sewing machine (tucked in the back of the store, slightly crowded by the numerous purses and jackets) undoubtedly lends to the charm and warmth of the store. So too does its operator, as Eisen looks up from his work station to welcome customers, most of whom he seems to know by name.

Nick Vinci, a musician of Brigantine, New Jersey stopped in on a rainy afternoon to pick up his custom-made bag, which he ordered to carry his instruments. Previously, Vinci had purchased four leather coats for his girlfriend, and five pairs of boots. “Fred is the finest leather craftsman around, I’m here all the time,” vows Vinci. Along with his brother Lenny, Vinci has been a customer for a number of years. Such loyalty and dedication is not surprising to Eisen. “I have been in business for over 28 years and we have 3,000 person mailing list,” he says.

The attention to detail and the originality of design has garnered Eisen unique appreciation. Among his prized feedback is a three-page note from a woman he received this summer, repeating, “I love my bag, thank you,” and another, a post card from travels in Europe, simply inscribed, “ I love this bag, and I want to be buried in it.”

Eisen’s love affair with leather began in childhood as a hobby. He perfected his skills while attending Art and Design at Southern Illinois University. After graduation, Eisen spent eight years traveling the country, briefly working in Los Angeles as a costume designer for movies, re-creating full armor, going on to design superior quality his and hers chaps and other leather-inspired apparel for other brands.

In 1978, Eisen settled in Brooklyn Heights, New York where he found much success through simple word of mouth. In fact, Eisen believes it is one gorgeous client in particular, for whom he designed a mini-backpack, who single handedly inspired the mini-backpack craze that soon flourished in Manhattan—and, of course, the rest of the country. “I’ve always seemed to be ahead of fashion. Some of these bags that are considered trendy today I designed 20 or 30 years ago,” admits Eisen.

The most popular item in the store is the Amanda Bag, named after one of Eisen’s daughters. (Incidentally, Eisen’s second best seller is dubbed after his other daughter, Elana.) Although first introduced 20 years ago, this original design in today’s fashion terms would be considered the essential duffel bag. The Amanda Bag, presented in variety of colors from dark brown, to cognac and rich red, is crafted in impeccable soft leather and sleek design. Appealing to fashion-forward and practical women alike, Eisen’s design has an adjustable gold or silver buckle, a thick shoulder strap and is presented in two sizes; the larger even fits a laptop.

Every year, Eisen seems to propel his original design, adding an element, which retains its contemporary appeal, “ If you can do something that is 10 percent different, over a period of five years it will evolve into something completely new. You can’t change more than that because then it is too different and too much for customers,” says Eisen.

When asked which piece is his favorite, Eisen contemplates. “ It is the process I enjoy the most,” he says firmly.

In 1990, Eisen relocated his shop to New Hope, settling along the shopping district of the Main Street. The move didn’t slow down his business, instead his mailing list increased and he happily sends leather apparel all over the country. Being in New Hope has also introduced Eisen to an artistic community, and now Eisen features work of other craftsman in the area, selling handmade knives and footwear.

A true artist at heart, Eisen finds inspiration all around him, especially in ideas and needs of others. There are only two reasons why I wouldn’t complete a custom design,” laughs Eisen. “One, is if a customer is too nuts, meaning their expectations are unreasonable and two if I feel I can’t do a proper job.”

Fred Eisen Leather Designs is located at 129 South Main Street in New Hope and can be reached by phone at (215) 862-5988 or visited online at www.fredeisenleather.com.

 Alina Makhnovetsky lives in Philadelphia.