ā€œMadrasā€ N° CO-148

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

"Cogitations" Range / Collection Memory ā€œCaracoleā€ 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 ā€œCaracole,ā€ 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 ā€œMadras.ā€

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

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

What materials do you use to make my pieces?

Your sentimental fabric or leather is always at the heart of the project. For the rest, here is what I use by default:

  • Exterior (beyond the fabric you provide): salvaged leather by default (cowhide, lambskin, goat, pig…); optionally: certified organic cotton canvas, cork on 100% cotton backing, Nisiar (grape marc ā€œleatherā€)… No faux leather, ever.
  • Lining: 100% cotton poplin, cretonne or satin (organic where possible), 100% linen canvas, wool or wool-silk blend…
  • Interfacings (by design): certified organic cotton batting, Decovil Light or Heavy, Texon, Jeffitex…
  • Hardware: metal only — gold, antique gold, chrome, gunmetal, antique bronze, copper/rose gold, matte black, rainbow… Special colours available on request (extra cost and lead time).
  • Handles & straps: leather, canvas, your own fabric (if enough quantity), cork… in simple or bi-material styles. Or pre-made strap in 100% organic cotton or polycotton, plain or multicolour, per brief.
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 MontsƩgur, Loire), rather than in a pouch.

"I love it, but I’m afraid it won’t be easy to wear"

A bold piece often becomes your signature.
It pairs beautifully with a simple outfit and naturally draws compliments.

I can also share styling ideas if you’d like.

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 :)

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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