The idea for a company rarely emerges from a grand strategic plan. More often, it begins with a simple observation: a product does not perform as expected. This is precisely where the story of Carl Friedrik began. The Swedish brothers Niklas and Mattis Oppermann founded their company in London in 2013, initially with a clearly defined objective: to find a functional leather product suitable for everyday use.
When no convincing option could be found, they decided to develop one themselves. From this starting point, a brand gradually evolved that is now primarily recognized in the travel goods segment. With the expansion of the product range to include luggage, the brand’s focus has shifted significantly. Materials, construction, and practical usability during travel have moved to the forefront of development. At the same time, the ambition remains to design products that can be used reliably over many years.
In the following interview, Niklas Oppermann discuss the journey from their first leather accessories to the brand’s current position, the decisions that shape their design process, and the role that materials, construction, and real-world user experience play in the development of travel goods.
Exclusive Interview with Niklas Oppermann, co-founder of Carl Friedrik
Andreas Conrad: Which specific experiences from your early work with leather accessories influenced the subsequent development of your luggage line?
Niklas Oppermann: The importance of quality materials is one key learning. For example, we’ve been working with Italian vachetta leather in our Heritage collection for over 10 years. It’s an exceptionally smooth full-grain leather that ages beautifully, developing a rich patina. It can last a lifetime if properly cared for. As we evolved into luggage, we spent much time testing different materials, as it was important for us to retain the lifetime guarantee. This has served us well so far. Another aspect is the sleek, pared-back aesthetic that defined the visual approach of our early leather goods. If you look at our luggage collections now, silhouettes retain the same clean-lined elegance.
Andreas Conrad: How has your design philosophy evolved since founding Carl Friedrik in 2013, particularly with the transition from leather goods to technical travel luggage?
Niklas Oppermann: It’s largely stayed the same. Naturally, new categories present unique challenges. We all understand the perils of modern travel — overzealous baggage handlers, rough terrain, etc. — so the testing process for luggage is a little different to, say, wallets. With leather goods, the focus was more on artisanship and sourcing a leather that could handle years of use. The luggage testing process is more rigorous regarding durability. From drop tests to thousands of handle jerk cycles and placing cases in ultra-cold conditions that imitate the hold, we go the extra mile.
Andreas Conrad: What criteria determine whether a material or technical component is ultimately incorporated into a product during your development process?
Niklas Oppermann: Every component earns its place through a rigorous synthesis of customer insight and design vision. We rely heavily on qualitative data from our customer workshops and annual surveys to ensure we are solving real-world travel pain points. Think interior compression systems that streamline the packing experience. Or silent 360-degree wheels that glide across tough terrain. If a material or component doesn’t significantly enhance the user experience or offer superior durability, it doesn’t make the cut. We bypass tech-forward, gimmicky features because the pace of technological change is such that these may no longer be useful in 2 or 3 years. We want our products to be used for a lifetime.
Andreas Conrad: In a market dominated by well-established luggage manufacturers, where do you see the clearest differentiation between your brand and traditional luxury or heritage players?
Niklas Oppermann: While other brands may be influenced by fleeting trends, we aim to empower customers to travel with confidence. We define luxury not by a logo, but by the fact that twenty years from now, your luggage will still be performing. By combining fine materials with a timeless visual approach, we offer a modern alternative to heritage luxury: a product built to stand the test of time, not just the test of a season.
Andreas Conrad: Which aspects of modern travel behavior have, in your view, had the greatest influence on the design of suitcases and travel accessories?
Niklas Oppermann: In recent years, social media has reinforced the importance of the ‘travel outfit’ as part of the broader experience. While luggage was once viewed as a functional accessory — think technical, black, soft-shell silhouettes — it now has aesthetic value: something to be admired. We all recognise prominent luggage brands as we navigate the airport. In this way, the suitcase has become the ‘it bag’ of the skies.
Beyond aesthetics, increasing travel frequency has made durability the ultimate luxury. Frequent fliers now demand high-performance hardware — like impact-resistant shells and precision engineering — that survives the rigours of transit while maintaining an elegant silhouette. In an era of constant movement, a suitcase isn’t just a container; it’s a lasting investment in both style and seamless mobility.
I would like to thank Niklas Oppermann for his time and the insightful answers.
FrontRowSociety editor Andreas Conrad conducted the interview with Niklas Oppermann in March 2026. These are the original, unedited answers.
Further information:
Carl Friedrik Ltd.
71 Central Street
London, EC1V 8AB
Vereinigtes Königreich
Editor’s Note: The statements, assessments, and opinions expressed in this interview reflect the personal views of the interviewee. The editorial team does not necessarily endorse or adopt these views as its own. The interviewee is responsible for the accuracy of the content and information provided.
