“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 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 MontsĂŠgur, Loire), rather than in a pouch.

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): 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'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.

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).

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.

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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

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