Sometimes, you see something and just know: this is it! That’s exactly what happened to Els when she discovered a beautiful handbag at a pop-up event in Brussels. There was just one problem – the bag was too big. Fortunately, she heard that I, An Vandenberk, create custom-made handbags. And so, her journey towards a unique and personal creation began.
A custom-made bag that is versatile and unique
Els knew exactly what she wanted: a stylish yet practical handbag that suited her perfectly. But most importantly, she didn’t want a bag that everyone else already had. Together, we designed a piece that consists of not just one, but three fully functional parts.
“I actually have three handbags for the price of one”, Els laughs. “A large structured bag, a smaller inner pouch, and a sleek clutch for the days when I only need the essentials. Everything fits together perfectly, helping me stay organised – which is not my strong suit!”
Memories woven into leather
What makes this custom-made handbag even more special is that it carries a piece of history. Els brought along an old handbag—her very first luxury purchase, one that was actually beyond her budget at the time. A bag with deep sentimental value. Unfortunately, the leather wasn’t strong enough to make an entirely new bag out of it, but together, we found a way to incorporate pieces of it into the details.
“It now feels like a little memory box”, says Els. “It’s not just a handbag; it’s a piece of my past that continues to travel with me.”
A creative process of craftmanship and collaboration
Els closely followed the creation process, both in my workshop and through video updates.
“I had no idea how much time and detail went into making a handbag”, she says. “From selecting the perfect colours and materials to the final finishing touches—every detail was carefully considered and discussed.”
She loved having a say in the process, but she also appreciated being guided by my expertise. “You could tell just by looking at my face when something wasn’t quite right for me, even before I realised it myself!”, she laughs.
A bag that fits her in every way
One of the most surprising moments for Els was the final fitting of her custom-made handbag. “I found it so funny, standing there while you measured me with a tape, as if I were having a dress tailored”, she recalls. “But now everything fits perfectly. The strap is exactly the right length, and the bag sits comfortably—no digging straps or awkward pulling on my back. That’s the real difference a custom bag makes.”
A statement piece with character
Now that her A.P.C Bag is finished, Els knows she’ll be making a statement. “I’m going to turn heads,” she laughs. “At my hobby club, they’re already asking to see the bag next month because I’ve been so excited about it.”
And if someone asks whether she would recommend a custom-made handbag to others? Without a doubt. “Absolutely! Just visit An, have a chat, and you’ll immediately feel that she truly listens to your wishes. No standard solutions. Just something that is genuinely made for you.”
Els wears her bag with pride. And that’s exactly why I do what I do: creating unique pieces that are not only beautiful but also tell a story.
Would you like a handbag that tells your story? Schedule an appointment in my workshop and discover all the possibilities.
An Vandenberk
