Celine crafts high leathergoods from exotics
Each article from a new, made-to-order haute maroquinerie (meaning "high leathergoods") collection by LVMH-owned luxury brand Celine is crafted exclusively by an individual artisan from Nile crocodile hide, glazed with agate stone.
According to the Parisian house, all exotic skins used have been sourced from a tannery certified by the International Crocodilian Farmers Association as operating to ISO 14001 environmental management standards.
Those interested in commissioning an item from the collection are invited to choose from two existing handbag models, the 16 and the Triomphe, each an early creation by current creative director, Hedi Slimane. From there, the brand is offering a choice of 14 colourways, including black, grey, beige, chestnut brown and a dusty pink shade. The bags are lined with goatskin, which also allows for the embossing of initials.
“Each bag is created as a single piece. Leather cutting only occurs once an order has been placed," the house stated.
Adding to their upscale allure, each handbag’s hardware can be customised. Both models may be ordered with 18-carat yellow or white gold, with an option to add a pave or solitaire diamond. Going further, the 16 can also be embellished with a solid gold lock, embellished with more diamonds and the Celine brand name. A leather-lined, lacquered eucalyptus wooden box, which also features a plaque for personalised engraving, serves as each article’s protective covering.
Around 17 hours of labour is required to make one of the collection’s custom 16 bags, whereas an exotic Triomphe demands around 12 hours of an artisan’s time.
Celine’s Triomphe bag, complete with a concealed solitaire behind the clasp. Credit: Celine
