The Quiet Power of Leather: Inside the World of Folbeur
At MAGPAPER, we enjoy introducing local brands, but above all the talented designers behind them - those who often remain hidden in the shadow of their own labels. This interview is no exception. Folbeur handbags do not represent only quality, timelessness, and fashion minimalism; they primarily embody the talent of Markéta Folberová, who has infused an everyday leather accessory with soul and character through her vision.
She founded the brand ten years ago, transferring her dream into the very first handbag - the idea of creating and bringing to market a practical yet chic piece that effortlessly fulfills everything one expects from such an essential accessory: reliability, elegance, premium materials and craftsmanship, alignment with sustainable values, and harmony with personal style.
Since then, the brand has undergone significant evolution, introducing new models, new colors, and new visions. In autumn 2025, Markéta unveiled a new visual identity for the brand alongside the launch of the Scala handbag, completing the brand refresh with the opening of a new showroom at Americká 39.
In this interview, Markéta reflects on the evolution of Folbeur, her creative process, and why true style is built on longevity rather than excess.
What was the initial impulse behind creating the Folbeur brand, and what idea stands behind it today?
At the beginning, I had a vision focused on creating refined, timeless leather handbags at an accessible price. As the brand grew, I grew with it - and so did my vision. Today, as I firmly believe, Folbeur represents confident women who know what they want, understand their style, and are not afraid to step out of line from time to time.
How would you describe the identity of the Folbeur brand to someone who hasn’t encountered it yet?
Folbeur is a Czech brand that produces meticulously crafted leather handbags with a minimalist, timeless aesthetic and pragmatic design. Because “less is more” is not a cliché - although it may subtly provoke you and push you to the edge.
What does your typical creative process look like, from the first idea to the finished product?
I’m constantly coming up with ideas. It depends on the impulse - sometimes it’s just a light facelift of an existing model, which usually happens quite quickly. The opposite are new designs, which require time and space. First and foremost, the product vision needs to settle so that it fits into the brand concept and makes sense within the portfolio. Then comes graphic design, paper mock-ups, templates, and the journey to the sample maker, where we discuss the technology. After that, it’s just waiting for the first prototype - I never get tired of that and always enjoy it. In the next phase, I test it myself: I wear it, try it out, and I’m very critical. Usually, a good result requires at least two more “attempts” before everything is perfected. For example, SCALA went through four prototypes. And not everything is finalized immediately - some models ended up in a drawer after the first prototype because they didn’t work at that time, only to become bestsellers a few years later, like HOBO and MINI.
“Folbeur represents confident women who know what they want.”
Do you have any rituals or an environment where you create best?
Not at all. I enjoy it immensely anywhere and anytime - it’s relaxation for me. I’m constantly sketching and looking for inspiration, and in the boutique I listen to our customers. On the contrary, I need inner discipline, because not every idea deserves to be realized.
Is there a material or technology you would like to work with in the future?
I’m very drawn to working with Preciosa stones. We experimented with them in the past, but technologically it wasn’t feasible. I would really love to bring this to life, because despite certain issues, the samples we managed to create looked absolutely divine.
What was the hardest part at the beginning of your business journey, and what surprised you positively?
If I set aside the legendary Czech bureaucracy that simply comes with doing business in the Czech Republic, I struggled most with the need to “please everyone” and not be megalomaniacal. In hindsight, the color palette of handbags we offered was absolutely crazy. At the time, there were eight colors for each of four products, plus hardware variations in silver and gold. What now seems like madness to me, however, was perceived by customers as something that differentiated Folbeur from local competitors. The positive reaction to the color palette - especially bold colors like the vivid orange Arancia or the green Bottiglia - surprised me the most.
“Folbeur is a Czech brand that produces meticulously crafted leather handbags with a minimalist, timeless aesthetic and pragmatic design.”
How do you see the fashion market in the Czech Republic changing, and where do you see room for innovation?
Over the ten years we’ve been on the market, it has evolved significantly. Many more brands have emerged, and brands from Slovakia and Ukraine are also entering the market. Marketing pressure is catching up with Western trends. In my field, I have wonderful competitors, but I believe our ambitions can be even greater. Interest in pre-loved products is also growing, which I see as one of the opportunities for us - placing emphasis on quality, longevity, and style rather than trends.
Which of your handbags is closest to your heart?
Without a doubt, SCALA 15. It represents a change for me - not only for the brand, which has had a new logo (designed by Studio Jan Kosatko), space, and direction since this autumn, but also my own personal transformation.
“Some models ended up in a drawer after the first prototype because they didn’t work at that time, only to become bestsellers a few years later.”
What do you enjoy most about your customers’ reactions?
Recently, I’ve been especially pleased with how well our customers have received the refresh of our visual identity. And of course, any positive praise is always gratifying, but I also welcome negative feedback - we still have a lot to learn.
Is there a dream or collaboration that’s still on your vision board?
I do have dreams, and they haven’t changed much since the beginning. I fulfilled one recently when I opened a boutique at Americká 39. I would be very tempted by a deeper collaboration with a stylist - not only for the opportunity to work with end customers, but also to perhaps create a limited-edition collection.
Markéta Folberová | Folbeur
In a fashion landscape increasingly driven by speed and trends, Folbeur stands for restraint, precision, and quiet confidence. Founded by Markéta Folberová, the Czech handbag brand has grown from a vision of accessible luxury into a symbol of timeless design and female self-assurance.
Perfection begins with a clear vision, and with the patience to give it time. Before the first leather handbag carried the Folbeur name, years were spent dreaming, exploring, testing, and refining. This journey shaped the brand’s uncompromising approach to design and craftsmanship, one that continues to define every Folbeur piece today.
Each handbag is created with space for thoughtful, chic design, meticulous leather selection, and true artisanal craftsmanship. Made locally by skilled leatherworkers, Folbeur bags are crafted exclusively from premium Italian leather and designed to offer world-class quality with timeless appeal.
Color plays an equally essential role in the brand’s identity. Carefully curated palettes make Folbeur handbags instantly recognizable - confident, distinctive, and unmistakably their own.
The core collection offers both spacious and compact silhouettes, designed to accompany women through every moment of the day, from professional settings to leisure time. Practical flexibility meets refined elegance, while harmoniously matched exterior leathers and interior linings complete each design with subtle sophistication.