Clean design, exceptional quality, and a respect for the environment are the foundations of my design philosophy.

In 2005, I launched Again NYC, a collection of limited edition bags made from rescued and repurposed materials. Hoping to reach a broader audience while still adhering to my eco-friendly design principles, I launched TEICH in 2007. TEICH (pronounced tie-shh) is my maiden name and means “pond” in German. It’s a word that suits the great respect I have for nature and the ways we can demonstrate that respect through sustainable design.

It is very important to me that I work with materials that are gentle on the Earth. How the fibers in the fabrics are grown, the fabrics dyed, and the leathers tanned are all taken into consideration. For past collections, I have worked with hemp canvas, vegetable-tanned leather, and linen. In early 2009 I started using a beautiful domestic deerskin. I also feel better knowing the deer come from hunting waste, and lived their life in the wild as opposed to a factory. (In no way do I advocate hunting, but I do believe in rescuing waste and honoring the animal.)

The TEICH philosophy extends to the production of the bags. Growing up outside of New York City, I spent time at my family’s steel door factory in Brooklyn. My grandfather started the company in 1925, and it is still in business there today. I have a deep appreciation of the manufacturing history of NYC and so it was important for me to keep production of my bags local and support New York businesses. All Teich bags are made in Brooklyn, New York. My hope is to bring you a beautiful, high-quality accessory that aligns your love of fashion with your love for the planet.

-Allison Teich McGowan