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Earlier this year I was inspired to create a leather tote bag which was different to the typical style handbag that I normally create. Generally, SHERENE MELINDA’S handbags focus on the hair-on-hide feature. However, in this case I wanted to create an extra-large soft and versatile shopping bag using some beautiful, glazed leather. This leather has a smooth shiny finish but also maintains the natural characteristics of the material. For this style handbag, as the underside of the leather had a consistent look and feel I decided to keep the bag unlined. Typically, I would use a soft natural coloured leather lining on the inside of the handbags.
Once the bag style had been chosen, the next step was to decide on the exact shape, size and volume of the bag. I knew I wanted an oversized handbag. As I wanted to use it for shopping I decided on a large open compartment with a long comfortable padded strap. This meant that the bag could be easily filled and worn over the shoulder or as a cross-body bag. A traditional tote bag would typically have two over the shoulder straps or handles however I wanted a modern version so that the handbag could also be worn across the body.
After researching and experimenting with different shapes and sizes I set about cutting the pattern. I completed a few mock up bags in fabric and felt confident with the final pattern which I then used to cut the beautiful leather. Cutting is an important part of the process with this style bag as I wanted to keep the edges raw, so this meant that the final leather cuts needed to be clean (sharp and straight). Leather is also a precious and relatively expensive material to work with so it is always best to keep mistakes to a minimum, even when working with prototypes.
Once all the pieces were cut from the pattern, it was then time to skive the leather. This ensures that the thickness of the seams are neat, helping the stitches to be tight and the seams to lie flat. After stitching the main compartment, I then worked on the leather handle. It is reinforced with an inner strap to make it both strong and soft. The final stage in the construction was to stitch it all together and add the finishing touches to the bag.
If you are interested in this article, then you may be interested to read about how I turned my idea into a business and the mistakes I made along the way.
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The festive season begins 28th November at Presents Galore Christmas Fair. Visit the SHERENE MELINDA stand to explore our vibrant collection of British luxury accessories featuring ethical hair-on-hide leather, handprinted silk scarves, and eco-friendly sneakers. Shop with purpose – all ticket sales support Cambridge Children’s Hospital and local charities.
The day the first Sherene Melinda Silk Twill Scarves launched was a true milestone—one I'd worked toward through months of experimentation, setbacks, and small victories. The initial collection featured three carefully selected base colours, each the product of weeks of deliberation, testing, and refinement until they felt exactly right. Every scarf was hand-printed by me in the studio, a process that ensured each piece carried its own individual character and the small, beautiful imperfections that only handcrafting can bestow. Just as with our signature handbags, each scarf possesses a personality of its own, revealed through the interplay of colour, pattern, and subtle texture variations. This unwavering commitment to uniqueness and craftsmanship lies at the very heart of the brand's philosophy—celebrating individuality, creativity, and honouring the human touch behind every product we create.
Summer feels long behind us, and as the festive season unfolds, it’s that time of year when creativity and craftsmanship take centre stage. The Spirit of Christmas Fair remains one of London’s best-loved seasonal showcases — a place where individuality, story-driven design, and thoughtful gifting shine.
