For Mercedes-Maybach and KPM Berlin, luxury is both something rare and desirable. It’s all about exquisite materials and perfect workmanship – about the inherent beauty that must flatter the senses. And it’s about attitude – about what lasts in a world of throwaway mentality and breathless mass production. The designers work on what they are passionate about.
The Art of Noble Craftsmanship
A total of around 420 hands work in the Mercedes Maybach Manufaktur individualisation programme with only one goal: to create the highest degree of uniqueness and personalisation. With a lot of sensitivity, passion and only selected materials of the best origin and exquisite quality. In the upholstery, several employees dedicate themselves exclusively to the fine leather for the interior. They take measurements like for a fine suit or an extravagant evening dress. Vehicle upholsterers cut leather segments, seamstresses work on decorative seams and elaborate quilting. Many seams are difficult to access, for example on the grab handles on the headliner. Creativity and craftsmanship are in demand.
Porcelain – a diva who forgives nothing
For more than two centuries, KPM Berlin has known the secret of white gold: the right mix of the natural raw materials kaolin, feldspar, quartz and filtered water. Around 200,000 pieces of porcelain are made by hand every year, and about 20 percent of them are finished by hand. From the production of the porcelain mass to casting, shaping and turning to firing, it takes 29 steps to produce a single white porcelain cup. Every step of the process requires full concentration, years of experience, passion and sensitivity.
Redefining luxury again and again
Every era has its own claim to luxury. Traditional brands that want to survive must therefore constantly reinvent themselves and redefine luxury. Gorden Wagener: “Today’s luxury is never tomorrow’s luxury. Luxury is constant change. He drives innovation and creates long-term value.” It’s about staying true to tradition while shaping the future.
An interview about luxury, tradition and sustainability with Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes Benz Group AG, and Jörg Woltmann, owner of the Royal Porcelain Manufactory Berlin.
Both KPM Berlin and Maybach have a long history. Could you please briefly outline the history?
Jörg Woltmann: The Royal Porcelain Manufactory Berlin was founded in 1763 by Frederick the Great – so it has been in existence for almost 260 years. After the death of Frederick II, the company was passed down from generation to generation in the Prussian royal family and was thus owned by a total of seven kings and emperors. I took it over in 2006. On the one hand, I would like to preserve the porcelain manufactory as a valuable and traditional cultural asset. On the other hand, we act like a start-up: we are innovative, creative and constantly reinvent ourselves in order to lead the company into a successful future.
