Nicole's husband's bag NĀ° : SM-060

In late 2023, Nicole contacted me with an original request: she wanted to surprise her husband for his birthday by reproducing a shoulder bag that he had been using for 10 years despite its dilapidated condition. The result? A bag that transcends gender stereotypes.

šŸ“° In late 2023, Nicole contacted me following an article published in Le ProgrĆØs the previous year.

šŸ‘œ Her request was unique: she wanted to surprise her husband for his birthday in early January, and for this, she needed me to reproduce a shoulder bag he had purchased 10 years ago and had not stopped borrowing from her despite its very poor conditionā€¦
It was a very basic bag in brown synthetic fabric, with visible seams, and she had already had had to patch up the handles.
She wanted something of better quality, that wouldn't look ā€œall worn outā€ anymore and would last a long time, while pleasing her husband who swore by that bagā€¦

šŸ§„ A few months earlier, I had thrifted a women's lamb jacket with a rabbit fur collar, in a nearly identical brown to the bag to be reproduced, and with her agreement, I cut it up to use both the exterior and the lining, dismantling one of the pockets to put it back on the front.

šŸ¤« It had to be done secretly, it was very fun!
I couldn't call her on the phone because her husband was there, and he also managed their shared email accountā€¦ so we went through their daughter for exchanges of information and invoices.
She entrusted me with the bag for a few days for measurements, having prepared an excuse for her husband, then she came to pick it up at the workshop as if nothing was going on while I was still finishing the new bag.

Just before Christmas, it was ready and she came to pick it up.
She was delighted and thanked me, she even brought me a bag with fabrics she had kept for years, some really nice things... šŸ¤«
I found this project really cool and the result is a bag outside gender stereotypes.

My husband has gotten used to his new bag and it suits him perfectly.
Thank you again for your creation.

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Common questions

What's the difference between 'Essentials' and fully bespoke?

Both options use your fabric, benefit from the same care, and come with the same level of support ā€” the difference is the starting point.

The Essentials
These are tried-and-tested pre-designed models (crossbody, coin purse, tote, slippers...) that I personalise with your materials. The silhouette is set; you choose the textiles, colours, and finishes. Perfect if you don't have a specific shape in mind yet, or if you want to keep a tighter rein on your budget. The result is still unique, because your fabrics are.

Fully bespoke
Everything is open: the shape, size, carry style, pockets, materials, threads, hardware... You can come with an existing pattern, a sketch, an inspiration photo, or just a vague idea to explore together. It's the most open-ended option ā€” and therefore the most personal.

In both cases, we start with a discovery call so I can understand your fabric, your needs, and your vision. And in both cases, almost anything is possible.

"I canā€™t afford it"

Payment in 4 installments is possible.
For bespoke orders, I can also spread the creation stages over several months.

Can I combine fabrics from different people in the same piece?

Absolutely ā€” and it can be extraordinarily beautiful.

Blending your grandfather's jacket with your grandmother's scarf in one bag, weaving together fabrics from three generations in a clutch... these assemblages carry something powerfully symbolic, and they often produce visually rich and unexpected results.

The only constraints are technical: the fabrics need to be compatible with each other (durability, thickness, structure), and each piece needs to be large enough for the planned cuts. But by playing with finishes ā€” flat panels, patchwork, geometric or organic shapes ā€” we can often work with small pieces and still create something coherent.

We take stock together during the discovery call, looking at your fabrics and imagining the possibilities. Bring everything you have!

I have more questions

Let's talk!

For your custom projects only,
book a phone or video call (on Zoom) to discuss your fabrics, budget, schedule, and ideas.

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