Speklab is a collection of handcrafted genuine leather aprons from the “Green Heart” of the Netherlands, specially made for tough men and women. Whether you are a BBQ dad, barista, pizza baker, butcher, farrier, gardener, or chef: “Speklab, from craftsman to craftsman”.
Speklab is a company co-owned by my partner Marieka Ratsma and me. The company specialises in handmade leather aprons sold via its online store. The company was established in 2015 when leather aprons were popular. Major Dutch retailers were selling these aprons, including Intratuin, Bol.com, Sligro, and BBQ shops.
The idea for the company was sparked while they were scouring through a leather wholesaler’s leftover leather for Marieka’s handmade bags. They came across large whole and half hides that seemed too significant to be cut into smaller pieces. Then, they thought of using these large pieces to make aprons. They used high-quality leftover leather as much as possible instead of buying large batches from Spain.
Strategy, branding, graphic design, social & web design:
Erwin Giezen & Marieka Ratsma
Photography:
Thomas van Schaik Photography
Marieka Ratsma Fotografie
Erwin Giezen
Speklab represents the Burgundian ethos of delight, craftsmanship, and excellence. Our passion lies in creating ecologically sustainable products, and we use only 100% natural and chemical-free treatments to preserve the purity of our leather. Our leather aprons are made using vegetable-tanned Nubuck and saddle leather sourced from the Netherlands and Spain, enabling us to fulfil our commitment to sustainability while providing you with a product that is both long-lasting and of the highest quality. We take immense pride in sharing this experience with you.
At Speklab, we place great value on the art of craftsmanship. That is why we hand-make each apron in our workshop, one by one, using premium cowhide. We precisely cut out each apron using a mould to ensure accuracy and consistency. Our skilled craftsmen then punch out mounting holes using a spindle and hollow pipe before attaching rigger leather straps, buckles, and our signature logo using rivets and stamps. Every apron is subjected to a rigorous inspection by our team before being granted our seal of approval and label. We meticulously roll up and pack each apron, ready for use by enthusiastic chefs and creators who appreciate the art of handmade items.
“We emphasise honesty and sustainability, evident in our transparent approach to product sourcing and material selection.”
Erwin Giezen
About project Speklab
The founders of Speklab, Marieka Ratsma and Erwin Giezen, are skilled artisans with a profound passion for craftsmanship, design, and the finer things in life, such as coffee, cocktails, beer, and good food. Together, they have created a range of premium leather aprons designed to last, incorporating natural and durable materials. The company’s objective is to produce exquisite designs in a manner that respects all living things. Speklab takes pride in utilising eco-friendly and biodegradable leather products that do not harm the environment. The company’s inspired and inspiring lifestyle is built on quality, pleasure, and respect, together in perfect harmony. Honesty and sustainability are at the core of its operations, and the company is committed to sharing the provenance of its products and the materials it employs.
The Speklab brand embodies the Burgundian spirit of pleasure, craftsmanship, and quality. It is passionate about creating products that respect nature and strives to keep its leather pure by using only 100% organic and chemical-free treatments. The company’s leather aprons, Speklab, are made using vegetable-tanned Nubuck and saddle leather sourced from the Netherlands and Spain. This enables the company to fulfil its commitment to sustainability and provide customers with the Burgundian pleasure, true craftsmanship, quality, and durability they deserve. Speklab takes pride in sharing this with its customers.
At Speklab, craftsmanship is considered an art form. The company takes pride in handcrafting each apron in its workshop, one by one. Its aprons are made of high-quality cowhide and are cut out using a mould that ensures precision and consistency. Skilled artisans meticulously punch out mounting holes using a spindle and a hollow pipe before attaching rigger leather straps, buckles, and the company’s signature logo using rivets and stamps. Each apron undergoes a thorough inspection by the team before receiving the company’s seal of approval and a label. The company carefully rolls up and packs each apron, ready for use by passionate chefs and makers who appreciate the art of handcrafted products.
Speklab’s mission is more than just producing beautiful designs; it is about doing so in a manner that respects all living things. Its leather products are sustainable and biodegradable, ensuring they do not harm the environment. The company takes pride in creating an inspired and inspiring lifestyle where quality, pleasure, and respect come together in perfect harmony. Honesty and sustainability are at the centre of everything it does, and the company is committed to sharing the origin of its products and the materials it uses with its customers.
