“Crescendo” N° CO-199

A shoulder bag made of leathers in different shades of red, with brown accents and a red lining.

"Cogitations" Range / Collection Wearable Art Wear a work of Art to become one yourself, while staying practical. An ode to red—my favorite color—and to Ravel’s Bolero, which has always moved me deeply.

Its story

It took me 46 years to embrace being an Artist. This came through a long reflection on the notion of Art, which led me to launch the triptych “Wearable Art” to give it a fresh perspective.
The result: a new vision—less academic, more accessible, more personal. One where artworks are worn, crumpled, and live with us.

To do this, I chose to interpret three major classical disciplines: painting, sculpture, and music.
“Crescendo” is the third part, representing music through an allegory of Ravel’s Bolero—a piece that, as a child, both transported and frightened me. I would listen as it swelled, until it exploded.
An experience as sensual as it was sensorial.

So I searched for a pattern that would let me capture it. This bag—with its body resembling a swirling skirt and its flap with layered bands (I added extra)—convinced me.
After a few sketches to decide on the color distribution, I searched my workshop for different red leathers with varying textures, from the most matte to the most glossy, and set to work.

And here it is: a shoulder bag both elegant and practical, proclaiming loud and clear a love of Art.

Caracteristics

  • Type: Shoulder Bag ;
  • Model: Strates ;
  • Dimensions: 32x24x8cm ;
  • Geometric lines ;
  • Compact and practical format ;
  • Outside: one zippered pocket under the flap ;
  • Inside: one zippered pocket and a padded tablet compartment ;
  • Flap closure with two magnetic snaps ;
  • Carried on the shoulder with its removable strap.

Materials

  • Exterior: various rescued leathers (calf and lamb), 100% cotton canvas ;
  • Lining: 100% cotton canvas ;
  • Interfacing: 100% cotton fusible, Decovil Light (42% polyester - 35% viscose - 23% polyamide).

This piece is based on the "Azalea" pattern by Shamballa Bags.

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 đŸ€©
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 â€ïžđŸ’™

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.

MichĂšle L.

Common questions

"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.

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 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 modify or cancel my order?

It's possible to modify or cancel an order within 6 hours of purchase. 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, I cannot cancel it. In that case, you will need to wait to receive it and then return it within 14 days of delivery, at your own expense, and I will refund you according to the terms outlined in the Terms and Conditions.

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

Ok, I want to know more