“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 🤩
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 delivery timeframes?

All orders (excluding custom orders) are shipped within 24 hours (excl. week-ends and public holidays). The delivery time then depends on the chosen shipping method (Mondial Relay or Colissimo) and the delivery location (France or abroad). Delays may occur due to reasons beyond my control (e.g., related to the carrier).

"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.

Are your products authentic?

All my creations are numbered and come with an identity card that includes the type, model, version, number, detailed materials list, and care instructions.
I'd been working on a blockchain-based authenticity certificate, but I finally decided against it (for a host of reasons I might write an article about someday).

How do you ship?

Delivery of your order is an essential part of my customer service. I strive to provide you with a reliable, fast, and convenient delivery experience, so you can quickly enjoy your purchases.

Once your order is placed, I ensure that your items are carefully packaged and prepared for shipping. I choose the most suitable packaging options to protect your products during transportation.
My pieces are thoughtfully wrapped and shipped in upcycled cardboard boxes (read more).

Each bag is protected by its custom-made satin drawstring pouch, made from 100% organic cotton satin or 100% linen fabric, and closed with a 100% organic cotton cord, that I custom-make specifically for each bag.
Wallets and other small items are wrapped in tissue paper, either new (locally and sustainably produced) or recycled depending on their size.

I offer free shipping to France, except for Kinusaiga items (see below). For all other destinations, I aim to maintain competitive and transparent shipping costs. Shipping fees are calculated based on the weight, size of your package, and the destination to provide you with the fairest pricing possible.

Kinusaiga items (kits and artworks) have their own rule: within mainland France and Monaco, shipping starts from €4.90 depending on weight; to the French overseas territories, standard Colissimo rates apply. They don't go further on their own, but with a bag or a wallet they travel at no extra cost, wherever I ship leather goods.

Whether it's standard, express, or international delivery, I work with reliable carriers (Colissimo or Mondial Relay) to ensure the delivery of your package within the estimated timeframes, with tracking and insurance. If you wish to use other shipping providers like FedEx or UPS, please contact me at hello@marie-alhomme.com or by phone at +33(0)661356222 so I can calculate a cost estimate for you.

I have more questions

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