“In Vite Veritas”  CO-203

A small zippered card and coin purse made from grape-based material, in a satin black and slightly shimmery color, with a red iridescent lining that reflects purple hues and a black-and-white floral poplin.

"Cogitations" Range / Collection Memory A sophisticated tribute to heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation... A true favorite, this practical and elegant wallet model.

Its story

Deep ebony brown, fine grain, satin finish. Elegant, almost severe—until you open it and discover its vibrant iridescent satin lining with wine-colored reflections and its playful yet sophisticated black-and-white calico.

At the 2024 Made in France Salon where I was exhibiting, I met the owner of a vineyard with a specific idea: to develop a line connected to the heritage of the vine?
But I couldn’t settle for just a decorative association: I needed something traceable, with a real story, without compromising my values. I searched, rejected cork (which I’d already tried and found not sturdy enough), and most “vegetal” leathers: apple, pineapple, and even grape (from Vegea)... and then I discovered Nisiar.

A French brand, a material made in France from grape pomace, but differently.
A monobloc material. No synthetic knit backing.
And no dye. The color is that of the pomace itself: the grape variety, the vintage, the estate.

Intrigued, I contacted them.
I received small samples to test.
Could it be sewn, glued, folded?
Yes—with care and the right techniques. The result is beautiful, pleasant to the touch, and satisfying for what I seek: honest pieces, with materials that can be traced and embraced.

This “2022 Vintage” is the first one I worked with. A limited edition by nature: this vintage will never be reproduced identically.
It’s the thinnest version, 0.5 mm. It requires precise assembly techniques and loves structured models, which the “In Town” is perfectly suited for, except for its corners, which are too tight for the material. This is the first piece of this collection, the one that convinced me to continue because of its potential.

Discover the other half of the “In Vite Veritas” duo, the “Pyramide” pouch.


Right shape, wrong version? Try these: “Red Obsession”, “Broderie Suédoise”, “Crépuscule Estival”, “Exoplanet”, “Pointillés Masculin Féminin”, “Pré Fleuri”, “Salamandre”, “Vanille Melba”.

Want something bigger? Discover these versions: “Arc-en-ciel dans l'Ombre”, “L'heure du Thé (Noir)”, “Mille Toffees”, “Or et Charbon”, “Art Déco Sylvestre”, “Art Déco Gris”, “Belle en Jean”, “Joyaux Aviaires”, “Prism Paon”, “Traces”, “Spectre”, “Martin Pêcheur”.

Caracteristics

  • Type: (Mini) Card and Coin Purse with Zip ;
  • Model: In Town ;
  • Dimensions: 13x11.5x2.5cm ;
  • Compact and secure ;
  • 4 card slots, 2 open compartments, 2 patch pockets, and a middle zippered pocket ;
  • Zipper closure on 3 sides.

Materials

  • Exterior: Nisiar (“grape skin”) version “N-07 (2023 vintage)” (exact composition unknown but 73% plant-based material, mainly grape) ;
  • Lining: Synthetic satin (unknown composition) and 100% cotton calico ;
  • Interfacing: Kraft-Tex, Decovil Light (42% polyester - 35% viscose - 23% polyamide), and 100% organic certified cotton fleece.

This piece is based on the "Classic Zip Around Wallet" pattern by Maggy 55.

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 material is not easy to handle, and I'm not satisfied with the corners. Additionally, there is a glue stain on the lining, which often happens at the last moment. This is reflected in its price.


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 are the payment methods and conditions?

Payment can be made in several ways:

  • Right away on the website, by credit card or PayPal: your order will be shipped immediately ;
  • In 4 installments with PayPal (on the website, subject to acceptance by PayPal) or with Alma (you’ll need to contact me first so that I can provide you with a dedicated link): both are offered at no additional cost to you, and your order will be shipped immediately ;
  • Deferred payment by bank transfer (with direct contact according to your preferences): your order will only be shipped upon receipt of the full payment.
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.

"Will this style really suit me?"

If a piece draws you in, it already resonates with you.
We are never one-dimensional: it might reveal a side of your personality still waiting to shine.

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.

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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