Handmade Leather Bags

Unique, Personal, Sustainable

in my Brussels atelier

I create handmade leather bags that tell stories—your stories.

From sentimental heirlooms to carefully selected surplus hides, every bag is a one-of-a-kind creation. Whether you bring me your father’s riding saddle, a vintage leather jacket, or even leather from an old armchair, I turn it into a timeless piece designed to last a lifetime.

Looking for a custom leather handbag made from your own materials? You’ve come to the right place.

An Vandenberk holding a bespoke leather bag in her Brussels atelier
custom leather handbag made from old leather jacket – before and after "Le sac enveloppant"

A bag

that begins with you

No templates. No production lines. Every bespoke bag starts with a conversation—online or in person. I want to hear what moves you: a shape you’ve dreamed of, an object with meaning, a particular tone of leather you’re drawn to.

We can work with repurposed leather you already own or dive into my archive of sustainably sourced surplus leathers. If nothing feels quite right, I’ll happily accompany you to select your ideal material and finish—whether that’s matte black, deep cognac, or soft green suede.

The hardware? That’s up to you too. Think gold-plated buckles, minimalist closures, or subtle vintage finds. Together, we’ll build something truly personal—down to the stitching.

What my clients say

“This jacket meant everything to me. Now I carry it again – as a bag, close to my heart. It’s more than leather. It’s memory, love, comfort.”
Dominique, Rixensart

“I fell for the leather before I even knew what it would become. Together, we shaped it – a MILA that’s elegant, practical, and completely me.”
Ilse, Kapellen

“Two old bags, full of memories. I couldn’t part with them. An turned them into one powerful piece – personal, meaningful, and made to last.”
Els, Puurs

custom leather handbag made from old leather jacket "A.P.C. Bag"– before and after
handcrafted leather accessories – cardholder and small pouch made from surplus leather
gold-plated hardware on custom handmade leather bag

More

than handbags

Yes, I make handmade leather bags, but that’s just the beginning. I also craft:

  • cardholders, belts, jewellery cases, keyrings
  • accessories for weddings, ceremonies or gifts
  • or even your wildest idea—like a handbag made from a leather guitar strap or a bag inspired by your old riding saddle

From traditional handbag shapes to sculptural objects, custom-made leather accessories are all part of what I do.

Each item is either machine stitched and hand-finished, or fully hand-stitched using the classic saddle-stitch method. It depends on your preference, budget, and the story we’re telling.

Why

handmade?

In a world flooded with fast fashion and synthetic imitations, handcrafted leather bags offer something different:

  • Authenticity
  • Quality
  • Timelessness
  • And above all: emotional value

I don’t mass-produce. I don’t cut corners. Every piece is slow-made—with care, by hand, in Brussels.

Ready to talk?

Looking to turn an old jacket into a custom bag? Or just curious if your idea is even possible?

You’re warmly invited for a free, no-obligation meeting—either at my Brussels atelier or online.
Let’s explore your ideas and see what kind of story we can tell together.

🔗Schedule your visit or video call→

🔗Explore previous custom-made projects→

book a custom leather bag consultation – atelier or virtual meeting