“La Horde”  CO-198

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

"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 “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

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.

Common questions

What is the protective pouch included with the bags?

Every bag I create comes with a bespoke protective pouch, made by hand in my studio.

This isn't throwaway packaging — it's a permanent accessory, meant to be used every day to store your bag when you're not using it, protect it from scratches and dust, or keep it safe when travelling.

It's made in organic cotton satin, sewn to the exact dimensions of your piece, with an organic cotton drawstring to close it. It's branded Marie Alhomme.

For wallets, coin purses, and smaller accessories, I wrap the piece in tissue paper produced locally and sustainably (Papeteries de Montségur, Loire), rather than in a pouch.

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).

Where do the fabrics and leathers used in Studio Créatif pieces come from?

As a rule, these are never the fabrics you entrust to me for a bespoke piece: those remain yours alone. The only exception: sometimes a client explicitly gives me her offcuts and asks me to find them a new life elsewhere. In that specific case, and only with her agreement, they may end up in a Studio Créatif creation.

Outside of these particular cases, Studio Créatif pieces come from my own research: rescued leathers, fabrics found at flea markets or second-hand, dormant stocks from luxury houses, offcuts from high-end leather goods... I choose and combine them following my inspiration of the moment, with no specific order behind them.

Find out more about my materials on the Soulful Values page.

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

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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...

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After

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