{"id":5617,"date":"2025-04-23T16:30:59","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T14:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.anvandenberk.be\/journal_items\/a-custom-bag-els-journey-to-her-dream-handbag\/"},"modified":"2025-09-17T14:17:01","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T12:17:01","slug":"a-handmade-custom-bag-els-journey-to-her-dream-handbag","status":"publish","type":"journal_items","link":"https:\/\/www.anvandenberk.be\/en\/journal_items\/a-handmade-custom-bag-els-journey-to-her-dream-handbag\/","title":{"rendered":"A custom-made handbag: Els\u2019 journey to her dream bag"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sometimes, you see something and just know: this is it! That\u2019s exactly what happened to Els when she discovered a beautiful handbag at a pop-up event in Brussels. There was just one problem \u2013 the bag was too big. Fortunately, she heard that I, An Vandenberk, create custom-made handbags<\/strong><\/a>. And so, her journey towards a unique and personal creation began.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n\n

A custom-made bag that is versatile and unique<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Els knew exactly what she wanted: a stylish yet practical handbag that suited her perfectly. But most importantly, she didn\u2019t want a bag that everyone else already had. Together, we designed a piece that consists of not just one, but three fully functional parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI actually have three handbags for the price of one\u201d, Els laughs. \u201cA 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 \u2013 which is not my strong suit!\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n\n
\"A<\/figure>
\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n
\n
\n\n
\"Upcycling<\/figure>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
\n\n

Memories woven into leather<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What makes this custom-made handbag even more special is that it carries a piece of history. Els brought along an old handbag\u2014her very first luxury purchase, one that was actually beyond her budget at the time. A bag with deep sentimental value. Unfortunately, the leather wasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cIt now feels like a little memory box\u201d, says Els. \u201cIt\u2019s not just a handbag; it\u2019s a piece of my past that continues to travel with me.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Projects like this encapsulate everything I stand for \u2014 where emotion, craftsmanship, and conscious choices come together. \nRead more about my vision behind Beyond Luxury \u2192<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

\n
\n
\n
\n\n

A creative process of craftmanship and collaboration<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Els closely followed the creation process, both in my workshop and through video updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI had no idea how much time and detail went into making a handbag\u201d, she says. \u201cFrom selecting the perfect colours and materials to the final finishing touches\u2014every detail was carefully considered and discussed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She loved having a say in the process, but she also appreciated being guided by my expertise. \u201cYou could tell just by looking at my face when something wasn\u2019t quite right for me, even before I realised it myself!\u201d, she laughs.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\nTake a look at all our handmade bags<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
\n\n
\"An<\/figure>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n
\n
\n\n
\"A<\/figure>
\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
\n\n

A bag that fits her in every way<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most surprising moments for Els was the final fitting of her custom-made handbag. \u201cI found it so funny, standing there while you measured me with a tape, as if I were having a dress tailored\u201d, she recalls. \u201cBut now everything fits perfectly. The strap is exactly the right length, and the bag sits comfortably\u2014no digging straps or awkward pulling on my back. That\u2019s the real difference a custom bag makes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

\n
\n
\n
\n\n

A statement piece with character<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now that her A.P.C Bag<\/strong> is finished, Els knows she\u2019ll be making a statement. \u201cI\u2019m going to turn heads,\u201d she laughs. \u201cAt my hobby club, they\u2019re already asking to see the bag next month because I\u2019ve been so excited about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if someone asks whether she would recommend a custom-made handbag to others? Without a doubt. \u201cAbsolutely! Just visit An, have a chat, and you\u2019ll immediately feel that she truly listens to your wishes. No standard solutions. Just something that is genuinely made for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Els wears her bag with pride. And that\u2019s exactly why I do what I do: creating unique pieces that are not only beautiful but also tell a story.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Would you like a handbag that tells your story? Schedule an appointment<\/strong><\/a> in my workshop and discover all the possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Vandenberk<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n\n
\"Three<\/figure>
\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\"Detailed<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Open<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bespoke<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bottom<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Colourful<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Playful<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Hanging<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Handcrafted<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Handcrafted<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n
\n\n

Share this page:<\/p>\n\n\n\n