A Guide To Unicum Wien’s Restorations And Bespoke Work
Unicum Wien founder Bernd Schreiner is a master of transformation, turning everything from vintage suitcases to 1950s naval searchlights into unique works of functional art. Step inside his workshop with Sven Raphael Schneider to witness his incredible process of upcycling, where old treasures are given a new, bespoke life.
Inside Unicum Wien: The Art of Bespoke Upcycling
A Tour of the Unicum Wien Atelier
In this video, Gentleman’s Gazette founder Sven Raphael Schneider visits Bernd Schreiner at his unique Viennese showroom and workshop. They discuss Bernd’s process of upcycling, optimizing, and customizing high-quality items to create lifelong bespoke companions. Viewers will get a close-up look at a range of incredible projects, from bespoke-fitted aluminum suitcases and restored vintage lamps to a custom 1970s motorcycle.
Explore More Viennese Craftsmanship
Why This Workshop Tour Is a Must-Watch
This video is an insightful look into the world of functional design, where an object’s beauty is matched only by its utility. You’ll see how founder Bernd Schreiner’s background as an engineer and his experience in the Swiss watch industry inform his work, resulting in pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and perfectly suited to their purpose. This tour will give you a new appreciation for the artistry behind well-made, functional objects.
I’m a kind of autodidact… I always was restoring, repairing, or optimizing from my childhood on.”
Bernd Schreiner, Founder of Unicum Wien
Highlights from this Video
“These are skater wheels… The size is a bit bigger than normal, so there is much more distance between the floor and the case.”
Why would a luxury craftsman use skater wheels on a bespoke suitcase? Discover the functional reason behind this surprising and high-performance upgrade at this timestamp.
“I got the opportunity to get into the Swiss watch business… and there I learned three essential things…”
What lessons from high-end watchmaking can be applied to bespoke luggage? Hear him reveal the three essential principles he learned while working with brands at LVMH.
“This is a… search lamp from the 1950s from a Danish ship…”
How do you restore a 70-year-old piece of naval history into functional art for the home? See the incredible transformation for yourself in the full video tour.
“I have to make the transition of the motorbike… into the nowadays.”
What does it take to respectfully modernize a classic 1980s motorcycle for its original owner? Bernd explains his unique approach in this part of the video.
“Sometimes I make… bars and other storage trolleys out of these.”
Can a piece of a decommissioned airplane become the centerpiece of your living room? See how he creatively repurposes these airline galley units for the home.
Explore More Creations from Unicum Wien
What We Were Wearing
To match the creative and unique atmosphere of the Unicum Wien atelier, Raphael chose a confident and visually interesting ensemble. He wore a striking double-breasted jacket in a bold brown windowpane pattern, paired with contrasting light-colored trousers.
His neckwear was a burgundy silk knit tie from Fort Belvedere, which provided a rich textural element, complemented by the playful pattern of the Wine Red Rabbit pocket square. Tying the color palette together were his khaki and navy shadow stripe cotton socks, echoing the earthy tones of the jacket.
The outfit was finished with a spritz of Patina cologne from the Roberto Ugolini collection, a sophisticated scent with notes of leather and spice.
“I love that you use like, you know… objects that are functional in just different ways.”
Sven Raphael Schneider, CEO & Founder of Gentleman's Gazette
Ask the Expert
What is the philosophy behind Unicum Wien?
The philosophy is to create “lifelong bespoke companions” rather than disposable products. Founder Bernd Schreiner focuses on the “upcycling, optimization, and customization” of high-quality items, turning them into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that are deeply personal to the client.
How did a background in the Swiss watch industry influence this type of craft?
Bernd Schreiner’s 12 years in the Swiss watch industry, including with LVMH, taught him three essential principles he applies to all his work: precision, attention to detail, and a passion for creating things. This background gives his larger-scale projects the meticulous quality of a luxury timepiece.
What does “upcycling” mean for a brand like Unicum Wien?
For Unicum Wien, upcycling means taking existing high-quality objects and completely restoring, customizing, and elevating them. The goal is to breathe new life into a vintage item with modern functionality and a unique, bespoke aesthetic.
Are all the pieces made entirely by hand in the workshop?
While Bernd Schreiner is a hands-on craftsman who does much of the work himself, he also collaborates with a network of experts for specialized tasks. This can include processes such as galvanizing, painting, or machine upholstering, which require specific equipment and expertise.
“It’s about upcycling. It’s about… optimization and customization of these aluminum cases.”
Bernd Schreiner, Founder of Unicum Wien
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What to Watch Next
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