Todor Georgiev is revolutionizing the luxury leather accessories market from Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s ancient cultural capital. As the founder of Coldfire, a brand that’s been turning heads in the industry, Georgiev shares how a life-changing motorcycle journey across Europe inspired a brand that’s now challenging industry norms.
I have to ask about the name first – why “Coldfire”? It’s quite unique.
[Smiling] You know, everyone asks about that. The name actually embodies this interesting duality we see in our products – strength and elegance, resilience and refinement. Like my Ducati Diavel motorcycle that inspired it – there’s this beautiful contradiction of raw power and sophisticated design. It just… felt right.
Your brand story begins with an incredible 10,000-kilometer motorcycle journey. Tell me more about that moment of inspiration.
[Pauses thoughtfully] After two decades of crafting leather goods for luxury brands, I’d grown… well, frustrated isn’t quite the right word. Disheartened, maybe? Mass production was overshadowing true craftsmanship. That motorcycle journey across Europe – it wasn’t planned as a business inspiration, but sometimes the best ideas come when you’re not looking for them. Something about the solitude of those long roads and the beauty of both ancient and modern landscapes just crystallized everything I’d been thinking about.
What makes Coldfire different in what’s already a crowded luxury accessories market?
Our approach goes beyond traditional leather crafting. We’re combining time-honored techniques with materials like Carbitex Carbon Fiber and kangaroo leather. Every single product is crafted right here in our Plovdiv workshop. We maintain complete control over production – something that’s becoming increasingly rare these days. What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to excellence in every detail, from the selection of materials to the final stitch.
Your collections each seem to have distinct personalities. What inspired that approach?
People aren’t one-dimensional, so why should their accessories be? We currently offer six collections: GT Rebel, Snake Eye, Titan Grip, Fusion, Midnight Party, and Tactical Elegance. Each one really evolved from conversations with our customers. The GT Rebel collection, for instance – that came from feedback from our more active clients who were looking for power AND precision. And Snake Eye? That was born from those who told us they wanted something more elegant, but bold and expressive. Every collection tells its own story while maintaining our core values of quality and innovation.
Let’s talk materials – you mentioned some interesting choices earlier.
This is probably what I’m most passionate about. The kangaroo leather we use isn’t just exotic – it’s ethically sourced, naturally water-resistant, fireproof, and incredibly durable. And our carbon fiber isn’t just for show – it provides remarkable strength while keeping everything lightweight. We actually reject about 40% of materials that don’t meet our standards. It’s a painstaking process, but it’s essential to maintaining the quality our customers expect.
How does being based in Plovdiv influence your work? It’s quite a special location.
Plovdiv has been standing for over 7,000 years – Europe’s longest surviving city. Being surrounded by such history fundamentally shapes our approach to craftsmanship. This city has survived because it was built to last, and that’s exactly our philosophy with Coldfire. The blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation that you find here perfectly reflects what we strive for in our products.
What’s next for Coldfire?
[Takes a moment] We’re not interested in rapid expansion or compromising quality for growth. Our motto is “Products for life, not for the season,” and we mean that. We’re exploring new materials and techniques, but always with that core commitment to craftsmanship. It’s about evolution, not revolution. We’re also looking at ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible in luxury accessories while staying true to our founding principles.
Coldfire represents something different in the luxury market. In an industry often dominated by fleeting trends and mass production, Georgiev and his team are quietly crafting their own path, where innovation meets tradition and quality isn’t just a buzzword.
For those interested in experiencing Coldfire’s craftsmanship firsthand, their products are available through their website. Their journey can also be followed on Facebook and Instagram, where they regularly highlight new products and collections.
From its humble beginnings as an idea born on a motorcycle journey to its current status as an emerging force in luxury leather goods, Coldfire continues to prove that with the right blend of vision, craftsmanship, and innovation, it’s possible to create products that truly stand the test of time – just like the ancient city they call home.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
