“Madras”  CO-148

A shoulder bag made of blood-red faux leather and multicolored madras fabric.

"Cogitations" Range / Collection Memory “Caracole” is a bold and sophisticated shoulder bag, both in shape and functionality. An ode to the sun and the energy of life.

Its story

With “Caracole,” you will have all the confidence you need to excel in meetings and social settings.

This model is complex in its construction, offering excellent features in terms of size and storage possibilities. Its original curves combine tradition and modernity for an appearance that is both elegant and fun.

The combination of madras fabric with vibrant upcycled blood-red faux leather (end-of-roll that I bought to save from the landfill and which I chose to use over leather because the absolute perfect color match) results in a dynamic, powerful, confident, and incredibly chic look.
Like a thoroughbred, you can almost feel its pulse quicken before it takes off.

I thrifted this fabric as a memento of my trip to Guadeloupe in 2005.
I loved its vibrant and varied colors, its ancestral pattern, and its textured weave, evoking the sun, warmth, smiles, music, exotic fruits, and the beach...

I held onto it for a long time before deciding what to make with it, as I didn’t want to make a mistake.
After making a superhero cape for my eldest, I knew I wanted to explore other facets of its personality through a mini collection that I called "Madras."

A collection in which I wanted to explore the different interpretations I could bring to this fabric. I therefore chose very different patterns to push this concept as far as possible, while expanding my own comfort zone.

Pair it with any other in this collection.

Caracteristics

  • Type: Shoulder Bag ;
  • Model: Caracole ;
  • Dimensions: 14.2x11x5.5in (36x28x14cm) ;
  • complex shapes ;
  • generous dimensions ;
  • one exterior zip pocket, two interior zip pockets ;
  • dual magnetic buttons main closure ;
  • carry by hand or shoulder with bi-faced and bi-colored handles ;
  • luxury metal strap attachments and bag feet.

Materials

  • Exterior: Madras fabric (100% cotton) and upcycled faux leather (unknown composition) ;
  • Interior: 100% cotton poplin ;
  • Interlining: 100% cotton interfacing, Jeffytex, Decovil Light and Heavy (42% polyester - 35% viscose - 23% polyamide).

This piece is based on the "Samaren Shoulder Bag" pattern by Lavender & Twine.

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.


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...

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After

Browse the designs I have my idea

Common questions

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Do I need to register to make purchases on the online store?
It's not necessary to have an account to place an order on this website.
"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 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.

All your questions