Meet The Brothers Redefining Quiet Luxury Travel

In a year of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Carl Friedrik has built its reputation on something far more enduring: thoughtful design, exceptional craftsmanship, and understated luxury. Founded by brothers Niklas and Mattis Oppermann, the premium travel and leather goods brand has become a favorite among modern professionals seeking products that balance elegance with practicality.

What began as a search for the perfect MacBook case has evolved into a globally recognized brand known for its minimalist aesthetic, premium materials, and refined approach to travel. We sat down with Niklas and Mattis to talk about the origins of Carl Friedrik, the philosophy behind quiet luxury, the realities of scaling a fast-growing business, and the experiences that continue to inspire their creative vision.

Niklas and Mattis, how did you first come up with the idea to create a luxury luggage and leather goods brand?

Niklas: My brother Mattis and I co-founded Carl Friedrik back in 2013 while living in London after university. The whole idea actually started with a Christmas gift. I was looking for a new MacBook case for Mattis and had a specific vision in mind: it needed to be minimalist, functional, and crafted from high-quality leather, all while remaining relatively affordable. When I couldn't find anything that hit those marks, we realized there was a gap in the market.

That’s how Carl Friedrik (originally called Oppermann London) was born. We eventually rebranded in 2016, choosing the name Carl Friedrik as a tribute to our grandfather.

Did you always know you wanted to work in travel/luggage, or did the idea evolve over time?

Certainly not. We actually started by designing small leather goods, as we’ve always appreciated timeless objects and lasting craftsmanship. This evolved into leather bags and then luggage in 2019.

Our customer has always been quality-obsessed and on the move. Over time, we had the desire to create accessories that would complement different areas of their lifestyles, hence the shifts in product categories.

Was it a big personal financial risk for you at the time?

Prefer not to answer. 

Do you remember a moment when you realized, “Okay, this might actually work”?

We launched our first hard-shell luggage collection, Hybrid, in 2019. Right off the bat, the demand was exceptionally strong. It proved that our ethos, blending premium materials with intelligent design and a pared-back visual language, could work beyond leather goods.  

It turns out 2019 was a poor time to release a luggage line because the pandemic soon put an end to global travel. This completely cut demand, and we had to temporarily shift focus to desk accessories. However, after the pandemic, luggage sales quickly recovered, and now they represent our key product category. 

Were there any early influences that shaped how you think as a founder?

We had a creative household, which influenced how we viewed design. Our father was an engineer and our mother an art teacher.

I worked in an auction house as a teenager, so I’ve always appreciated older objects. To us, timeless design means producing goods that truly last, in contrast to contemporary products that are generally of inferior quality and don’t stand the test of time. 

We’re Swedish-German and our design language is heavily influenced by Scandinavian minimalism. Think clean lines, neutral color palettes and natural materials. 

When did you first realize you had an entrepreneurial mindset?

I think the foundation was laid during childhood. My brother Mattis and I grew up with a unique mix of influences. Our parents blended a love for design with a practical, problem-solving mindset. Later, when I was in Shanghai, I spent weekends at tailor markets designing my own clothing for very little money. That thrill of creating something from scratch helped lay the seed for our own venture.

Were there any doubts or hesitations from people around you in the beginning?

In the beginning, we didn't have a background in fashion or retail, and the market was already heavily crowded with heritage giants. Pivoting from our original wholesale model into a direct-to-consumer strategy was a risk at the time, but we believed cutting out the middleman was the only way to offer premium Italian craftsmanship at an honest price.

Carl Friedrik is known for its clean, minimalist design — has that always reflected your personal taste?

Absolutely. That minimalism is deeply rooted in our Swedish heritage. Growing up, we were constantly surrounded by functionalism and the "less is more" philosophy. This approach — clean lines, neutral colors, premium materials — informs Carl Friedrik’s design language. 

How do you think about balancing functionality with luxury?

To us, true luxury shouldn't be fragile or purely decorative; it has to serve a purpose. We think deeply about the use cases of our customers and how they move from A to B.

For example, our suitcases are designed to be visually sharp, yet true value stems from their practicality. From smooth-rolling 360-degree wheels to innovative compression packing features, we favor elements that smooth the journey and take stress out of travel. 

What does “quiet luxury” mean to you personally?

To me, quiet luxury is about confidence and substance over status symbols. It means letting the quality of the raw materials or the precision of the stitching speak for themselves, rather than relying on bold patterns, colors or logos. 

It’s an appreciation for the hidden details, rather than the overt. Knowing your leather bag was handmade by master artisans using traditional tanning techniques. It’s an understated approach to style where value is entirely intrinsic to the product. 

What has been the hardest moment in building the brand so far?

One of the biggest issues we face is inventory management. Due to the high growth we’ve experienced in recent years, it’s become increasingly difficult to forecast demand accurately. Wider issues and conflicts that have impacted global trade in recent years exacerbate the challenge. 

What’s something people often misunderstand about running a brand like yours?

The assumption that clean, minimalist designs are easy to bring to life. In reality, minimalism leaves nowhere to hide, meaning every stitch and edge-paint line has to be absolutely flawless.

Outside of business, what inspires you creatively?

Traveling inspires me. I’ve spent time living and working in Sweden, China and London, or as a digital nomad in South America. Currently, I live in L.A., but I regularly travel back to Europe to visit the team in London or Barcelona. These cultural experiences have shaped my international outlook.

Mattis and I also grew up in quite a rural part of Sweden, so the outdoors has always played a big part in our lives. We still spend time hiking or cross-country skiing when making the long commute home. 

What are three things you always take with you when you travel?

A relatively pared-back capsule wardrobe, packed neatly away in packing cubes (always my top travel tip). I opt for neutral outfits that can be paired together and rotated to create new looks. 

Aside from that, whatever my current read is (Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond is a favorite), exercise gear and the one thing I can’t travel without: my laptop. 

From a simple idea sparked by a Christmas gift to a brand redefining modern travel essentials, Carl Friedrik’s journey is rooted in a commitment to quality, functionality, and timeless design. For Niklas and Mattis, luxury isn't about excess or logos—it's about craftsmanship, thoughtful details, and creating products that stand the test of time.

As the brand continues to grow, their focus remains remarkably consistent: designing beautiful, purposeful pieces that seamlessly accompany people through every stage of their journey. It's a philosophy that feels increasingly relevant in a world that often moves too fast, proving that sometimes the most powerful statement is the quietest one.

To learn more about Carl Friedrik and explore the brand's collection, visit carlfriedrik.com