ā€œLa Hordeā€ N° 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 46 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 ā€œWearable Artā€ 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.
ā€œLa Hordeā€ is the second piece, representing sculpture as an homage to Giacometti’s ā€œL’Homme qui marche,ā€ a work that also recalls the novel ā€œLa Horde du Contreventā€ 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 ā€œred threadā€ 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

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 ā¤ļøšŸ’™

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.

MichĆØle L.

Common questions

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 installment ; 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 :)
Can I place an order by phone?

You can contact me by phone at +33(0)661356222, and I will provide you with a final invoice that you can then pay by bank transfer or credit card.

Are your products authentic?

All my creations are numbered and come with an identity card that includes the type, model, version, number, detailed materials list, and care instructions.
I'd been working on a blockchain-based authenticity certificate, but I finally decided against it (for a host of reasons I might write an article about someday).

What do you do with your production offcuts?

Your own bespoke fabric offcuts aren't covered here: they're always sent back to you with your finished piece, unless you tell me to keep them or dispose of them differently.

As for my own production offcuts: nothing is thrown away if I can help it. They're reused in my workshop for reinforcement, worked into mosaics to create larger pieces, or used as is for small creations (keychains, bookmarks...). The rest is given away depending on its nature and size: to other artisans (such as jewellery makers), or to associations, community centres and schools for their workshops.

I have more questions

This is all lovely,
but do you want something that's just yours?

Discover the bespoke service: from the idea in your head to the piece in your hands, made from your sentimental fabrics, shaped around 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

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