“La Horde”  CO-198

A handbag made of metallic leather with an iridescent red satin lining.

823€ 969€

  • 14h of careful labor
  • 80% repurposed materials

"Cogitations" Range / Collection Wearable Art A work of art you can wear – what a privilege. A bag that moves forward and takes you along.

Its story

It took me 45 years to fully embrace being an Artist. This came through deep reflection on the concept of Art itself, which in turn led me to launch the “Wearable Art” triptych to give it a fresh outlook.
This process resulted in a new vision: less academic, more accessible and personal—where artworks are worn, creased, and live alongside us.

To bring this to life, I chose to interpret three great classical disciplines: painting, sculpture, and music.
“La Horde” is the second piece, representing sculpture as an homage to Giacometti’s “L’Homme qui marche,” a work that also recalls the novel “La Horde du Contrevent” by Alain Damasio, which inspired its name – allowing me to honor yet another major art form!

I knew I wouldn’t find an existing pattern for this, so I sketched and built small paper models until satisfied. Then I scaled up my miniature pattern and tested it using premium faux-leather scraps destined to leave the studio. After a few adjustments, I was ready for the real thing.
Next came the leather. I wanted something textured, metallic, slightly raw—like the original sculpture. This remnant from a fellow artisan’s workshop sorting was exactly what I needed. Since it was a bit small, I complemented the base with leather salvaged from a damaged bag I had purchased and taken apart for its leather and hardware—perfect in both color and texture. I also reused the zipper and one of the handles.
For the lining, to keep the “red thread” running through this collection, I chose an upcycled synthetic satin bought from a seamstress.

That’s how I’m pleased to present this very chic and original handbag. It may not be perfect, but it is bold and full of character.

Caracteristics

  • Type: Handbag ;
  • Model: Contrevent ;
  • Dimensions: 31x27-35x6cm ;
  • Original shape ;
  • Compact yet practical size ;
  • Metal zipper closure on the back ;
  • Carried by hand with its riveted handle.

Materials

  • Exterior: salvaged leather ;
  • Lining: upcycled synthetic satin (100% polyester?) ;
  • Interfacing: EasyFoam, Texon.

This piece is based on the "Contrevent" pattern by Marie Alhomme.

Care, Shipping & Warranty

Care

Take good care of your piece: keep it away from direct light and humidity to preserve its colours, and stuff it rather than flatten it so it keeps its shape.
Care instructions specific to its materials are included on the ID card shipped with it.

Shipping

Shipped within 24 hours (except weekends).
With tracking and insurance, worldwide.
Free in France.
Would you rather collect your piece from the workshop (Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert, France) than have it shipped? Contact me before placing your order.

Warranty

14 days money-back guarantee,
2-year legal conformity warranty.
Learn more about your rights.

Near Perfect?

This first version—almost a prototype—has a few beginner’s flaws on the top near the final closure. Nothing very visible or compromising in terms of strength, but the result isn’t quite up to my usual standards.


Your testimonials are
my guiding thread

This bag is a work of art 🤩
Marie is an artist; she waits for the fabrics to speak to her, searches for the perfect color harmony, has an eye for extreme detail, and transforms luxury industry waste into unique pieces!
Thank you for your work, Marie ❤️💙

Brindille D.-J.

THE BAG, WHAT TO SAY. Mind blown.
Finishes carefully considered at every stitch.
Lightweight, sturdy, very good quality materials, colors chosen with care and taste, everything is crafted with applied expertise, I love it.
It’s my first bag and surely not the last!

Irina R.

My bag is amazing, it’s a marvel of craftsmanship and inspiration. I never leave it, and it’s very practical and holds a lot of things. I love it.

Michèle L.
  • Exalt
    your stories

    Bring your memories and
    original ideas to life
    through my exclusive and
    custom creations.

  • Become
    inimitable

    Break free from standardized
    and industrialized fashion,
    find accessories that
    reflect your personality.

  • Embody
    your values

    Celebrate French Artisanal Craftsmanship,
    encourage slow and virtuous fashion
    that gives a second chance
    to materials rich in stories.

Discover my values

Would you prefer a fashion or home decor item that reflects who you are?
Discover my custom service!

From the idea in your mind to the finished piece in your hands, a co-creation process designed to honor your memories and your identity.
Fashion and home decor items made from your sentimental fabrics, crafted according to your wishes, needs, budget, and timeline.

Charlotte’s baby wrap

After ordering a bag from stock, Charlotte realized it would be too small. I offered to make her a custom, larger version, and she sent me her baby wrap to transform.

Discover their story

Before
After

Muriel's small birds and jacket

When Muriel discovered my custom sentimental-making service after walking into the studio during my 'Studio Clear-Out' sale, she asked me to help her enjoy her favorite bag of the last 30 years all over again...

Discover their story

Before
After

Browse the designs I have my idea

Common questions

Can I change my delivery address?
It is sometimes possible to change a delivery address as long as the order has not been shipped. To do so, please contact me as soon as possible via hello@marie-alhomme.com or by phone at +33(0)661356222.

Once your order has been shipped, it is no longer possible to make changes. In that case, you will need to contact the selected carrier as soon as possible (but with no guarantee of results).

What's the difference between the 'Cogitations' and 'Intuitions' ranges?

These two ranges reflect two different creative intentions, but share the same level of care and craftsmanship.

Cogitations: these pieces carry something. They illustrate a reflection, stand for an idea, can spark a conversation. Feminism, heritage, ecology, identity... When you wear a Cogitations piece, you're making a statement — sometimes subtly, sometimes very clearly.

Intuitions: these pieces exist for pure pleasure. A colour that vibrates, a texture that draws you in, a graphic tension that knows how to stay elegant. No declared message — just the feeling. Guaranteed to give you a little thrill.

In both cases, I only create what I feel a genuine need to bring into the world. Not to please everyone: to speak to someone. Maybe you.

Is it possible to order a custom piece?
In addition to the original creations offered on the website and created on inspiration, I offer an on-demand solution to create pieces that match your emotions, designs that reflect you. To achieve this, I've created the Bespoke Service.

Through this service, I offer to create a piece that reflects you, using your sentimental fabrics, fabrics from my stock, or even fabrics I find specifically for you. My creativity and expertise, combined with your imagination, have no limits.

  1. First Contact
  2. Defining Project
  3. Estimate & Order
  4. Crafting the Magic
  5. Delivery & Wonder
  1. Shoot me an e-mail or use the appointment request form to book a visio call, during which we will discuss all the parameters of your project.
  2. I will then work on a detailed personalized offer for the entire process. and send you a quote.
  3. Once the quote is accepted, I will send you a final invoice that you can pay in three installments via bank transfer: 40% non-refundable deposit ; 30% work-start installement ; 30% balance right before shipping.
  4. I'll then start working my magic to craft your very own custom creation. Depending on your wishes, I will update you with pics and videos through the whole process... or keep the secret until you open your package!
  5. Finally, it's time for me to ship your tracked and insured package, and for you to eagerly stalk it until you can at long last marvel at unboxing it :)
How long does it take for a custom piece?
The time it takes will greatly depend on the complexity of your request, the availability of components, and my schedule, which varies depending on the time of year. On average, expect between 4 and 10 weeks. The quote I provide will contain an accurate estimate of the timeline, and I commit to responding as accurately as possible to your requests, while respecting the creative and production process.

All your questions