Royce Leather

rominent American luxury leather company with a strong presence in prestigious department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Harrods, and Selfridges. ROYCE also partners with luxury brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ritz Carlton, and Etihad Airways for corporate gifting. The company maintains a family tradition of craftsmanship through four generations, emphasizing personalized service such as live monogramming and bespoke gifting experiences. The brand honors its founder's legacy of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and dedication to quality leather craftsmanship.

Philosophy

ROYCE New York is built on a family tradition of unrelenting passion for leather craftsmanship, quality, and timeless design. The brand values functional elegance, durability, and personalized customer experiences. It honors its artisanal roots and continuously adapts to changing times while maintaining the core vision of showcasing high-quality leather and refined craftsmanship. The company also emphasizes philanthropy, mentorship, and community involvement as part of its legacy.

Sustainability

Manufacturing: ROYCE has maintained long-term partnerships since the early 1990s with two family-owned factories in India and China, where artisans are trained in leather craftsmanship by the Bauer family, emphasizing skilled handmade production. Materials: The brand is committed to using only the best quality leather materials to ensure durability and elegance. Corporate responsibility: The company values philanthropy and community involvement, with the founder actively supporting organizations such as Rotary Club International, United Way, God’s Love We Deliver, and Bottomless Closet. Craftsmanship: Focus on artisanal, handmade leather goods that promote longevity and timeless style, reducing waste through durable product design.

Founders

Harold Bauer, Background: Son of Austrian Holocaust survivors Eugene and Gusti Bauer, Harold learned leather craft in the late 1960s and founded the ROYCE brand in 1974 in New York City. He grew the company from a family gifting business to a luxury leather brand with a global presence. Harold was known for his entrepreneurial spirit, passion for product and people, and his eye for functional design. He partnered with his wife Kathy to establish the eCommerce business in 2003 and later involved his son Will to expand department store and corporate gifting partnerships. Harold was also active in philanthropy and mentoring employees.. Kathy Bauer, Background: Wife of Harold Bauer, partnered with him in 2003 to establish ROYCE's eCommerce presence and took on a leadership role in the company.. William (Will) Bauer, Background: Son of Harold and Kathy Bauer, joined ROYCE in 2014 to help expand department store and corporate gifting partnerships, continuing the family legacy.

Background

The Bauer family's leather craft dates back to the 1880s in Vienna, Austria, where Josef Bauer operated a small artisanal leather workshop. The business grew into a factory and retail operation before being destroyed during the Holocaust. Eugene Bauer, Josef's son, escaped to New York in 1944 and re-established the family leather business. Harold Bauer, Eugene's son, founded the ROYCE brand in 1974, scaling the business into a luxury leather goods company. The brand has remained family-run for four generations, with a strong presence in luxury retail and corporate gifting markets worldwide.

History

• 1880s: Josef Bauer starts leather workshop in Vienna, Austria.

• Pre-WWII: Business grows into factory and retail operation.
• WWII: Factory destroyed, Josef Bauer killed in Auschwitz; Eugene Bauer escapes to New York.
• 1940s-1970s: Eugene rebuilds family leather business in NYC.
• 1974: Harold Bauer officially founds ROYCE brand in NYC.
• 2003: ROYCE establishes eCommerce presence with Kathy Bauer.
• 2014: William Bauer joins to expand retail and corporate partnerships.
• 2016: Brand rebranded as ROYCE New York celebrating 70 years of family leather craftsmanship.
• Present: ROYCE is a recognized luxury leather brand with global retail presence and partnerships with premium brands.