30 October 2024
Experience Cosy Nights in More Sustainable Pyjamas
- COSH! Member Publicity
- Lifestyle
Are you looking for a classic leather handbag that is ethically crafted with durable leather? You’ve come to the right place. COSH! has curated a selection of 15 stylish handbag brands based in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. When you choose a high-quality handbag produced locally, you not only help minimise your ecological footprint but also invest in a durable accessory that can last for years. Curious to explore our recommendations? Keep reading!
Create the handbag of your dreams
1. Mien Kaba
You can make an appointment to create the handmade bag of your dreams in Mien Kaba’s workshop in Sint-Andries, near Brugge. Dominique is a real craftswoman, and all handbags are custom-made. This way, Mien Kaba avoids overstock and only creates unique pieces at the customers’ request. Dominique is very passionate about her job and uses different kinds of leather, including fish leather.
Would you like to see Mien Kaba’s bags in person? Don’t hesitate to make an appointment and visit her studio in Bruges.
Tailor-made bags made of upcycled leather
2. An Vandenberk
Designer An Vandenberk makes hand-made leather bags from her workshop in Schaarbeek, Brussels. They are made from upcycled leather she finds or from leather items brought in by customers. Imagine repurposed old leather jackets, shoes, or bags transformed into your new favourite handbag! You can also choose a bag made from deadstock leather or new, certified leather from Belgium, the Netherlands or France.
An combines individuality with more eco-conscious elegance by collaborating with you to create your very own dream bag. Make an appointment in her atelier and have a bag made that you will cherish for a lifetime. Discover our in-depth brand screening of An Vandenberk here.
CUSTOM-DESIGNED, MADE-TO-ORDER BAGS WITH A SLEEK ANTWERP STYLE
3. Sofie Darche
Are you looking for a timeless leather bag with a clean look? Then, a bag from Sofie Darche may be the perfect fit for you. Bags from this Antwerp brand are handmade, partly by Sofie Darche herself in Antwerp and partly in a certified workshop in Romania. The bags are made from European leather that is a by-product from the meat industry, processed and tanned in Italy. The material is very durable and has good resistance against dirt and water.
Craftsmanship, attention for sustainability and transparency are key for Sofie Darche. To avoid overproduction and waste, she only produces on demand. In addition, all bags are timeless, so you can enjoy your Sofie Darche for a long time.
Sofie Darche can be found at her own flagship store in Antwerp, SCHMITZ&BITS in Ghent or you can try a handbag out by renting it at Dressr.
SLOW-FASHION LEATHER bags
4. Lies Mertens
At Lies Mertens, you’ll find minimalistic handbags designed in Belgium and produced in Italy and Tunisia. The leather is Silver and Gold Working Group (LWG)certified calf leather. The leather is party-tanned with chrome. However, dying occurs within Europe, requiring adherence to the EU’s strict legislation.
For designer Lies Mertens, it all started with a search for a versatile, high-quality handbag without frills. That’s why the bags in the first collections were very personal and reflect her own needs and taste.
Today, each design is inspired by real people who intrigue her: a homage to their lives, dreams and ideals. The striking thing about Lies Mertens’ bags is that she puts people she knows to work to design and develop their handbags.
Read the brand screening and discover on the map at the bottom of the page where you can buy stylish handbags from Lies Mertens. Apart from the fabulous collection of leather handbags, Lies Mertens also offers a vegan collection.
Discover the Lies Mertens collections at the flagship store or at Furore in Antwerp, La Bottega in Hasselt or rent a bag at Dressr.
Tradition, innovation and love for the craft all in one bag
5. STN.bags
STN.bags is a beautiful Belgian brand that focuses on both craftsmanship and circularity. Designer Stien Vandecasteele started her label in 2014. The collection features unique designs made from discarded leather, and the brand also has a special project called “I once was a jacket”. With STN.bags, you can have your own old leather jacket transformed into the bag of your dreams.
In short, the brand offers original handbags and accessories tailored to meet your desires. Make an appointment and drop by the atelier in Gistel to admire the bags of STN.bags. Discover our brand screening to learn more about the brand.
Give your leather handbag a makeover
6. HOIHOI
Would you like to keep your beloved leather handbag in use, but it could use a makeover? HOIHOI is a professional repair service for luxury shoes, belts and designer handbags. With the help of HOIHOI, your bag can be restored to its full glory, and stains can be removed from the leather. This way, you can enjoy your favourite bag even more years to come.
The leather repair workshop is located behind a house in Oosterzele, near Ghent, but HOIHOI offers a fully digital service. Read more about HOIHOI’s restoration method here.
sublime fusion of design and exceptional craftsmanship
7. Elise Verdegem
Experience the pinnacle of craftsmanship with Elise Verdegem. Each leather creation is a testament to meticulous artistry, curated with passion and precision. Every step, from hand-picked materials to flawless finishes, is an ode to quality.
Elise Verdegem has an eye for sustainability in leather. Thoughtfully sourcing vegetable-tanned hides from Europe, they minimise waste and create pieces designed to stand the test of time.
Unleash your unique style with Elise Verdegem’s limited edition collection. Choose your dream bag, customising model, colour, and details.
Want to read more about how sustainable Elise Verdegem’s handbags are? Read our brand screening here.
HANDMADE IN BRUGES
8. purpose.
Purpose. accessories is located in the little streets of Bruges, where the handbags and accessories are designed and made. Designer Marlies makes all the designs by hand. You can take a look behind the scenes at the brand yourself, as the atelier and workshop space are located in the shop.
Here, Marlies will be happy to tell you more about the high-quality, deadstock leather they use and the handmade processes that take place to create your ideal handbag.
Discover an in-depth review of the brand’s sustainability endeavours here.
Locally Crafted In BRUGES
9. Leather Be
They don’t sit still in Bruges as Francine Jansseune was also appointed Handmade in Bruges maker with her brand Leather Be in 2023. She makes custom-made bags and accessories in the Langestraat, but you can also choose from already existing models.
The brand uses recycled leather, vegetable tanned leather amongst other quality leather materials.
Discover the fantastic bags of Leather Be at their flagship store Atelier Twee in Bruges!
ANTWERP DESIGN
10. Annelies Timmermans
Discover the beautiful handbags by Annelies Timmermans, where quality and attention to detail are key. Each item is made with care and craftsmanship.
With full control over design, production and distribution, Annelies Timmermans represents the essence of modern elegance and timeless quality. Explore the collection via Annelies Timmermans’ webshop and find the perfect handbag for any occasion.
Read more about the brand’s materials an production in our in-depth brand analysis here.
Upcycled leather bags in Berlin
11. Meyburg
Yes, that old couch can become your new fabulous backpack! Rut Meyburg will transform the leather into a new bag or backpack. You can choose the leather and haberdashery according to your idea, and Meyburg will create the bag of your wishes.
The atelier is located within the Berlin store, so go visit to take a peek behind the scenes of this circular brand! You can even bring other leather products for repair. The talented team will help you!
Minimalistic Arnhem designer
12. Judith van den Berg
Atelier Judith van den Berg impresses with lovingly crafted bags and accessories that are created with a great deal of passion in its own studio in Arnhem. The styles are deliberately kept simple and minimalist to create a timeless and modern aesthetic.
Are you looking for a faithful companion? Then take a look at the high-quality leather bags in the online shop or pop into Judith’s shop in Arnhem and let yourself be enchanted.
Unconventional & exclusive handbags
13. Eef Theys
Eef Theys atelier puts the design and shapes of their bags central. The label focusses on a distinct concept with the aim of creating an exclusive and quirky bag.
The use of clean lines and their signature handle creates a sleek bag with a fun twist. The bags are suitable for all your activities, outfit combinations and are easily adaptable to every occasion.
Visit the Eeft Theys atelier in Holsbeek by appointment, or discover the bags at La Bottega or Dressr clothing library.
Elegant, geometrical designs
14. hesa.design
Founded by design engineer Theresa Föhrenbacher, hesa.design combines geometric styles, quality materials, and handmade artistry. The Düsseldorf based brand is inspired by the shapes and lines of urban scenes like Paris or Berlin.
Hesa.design crafts limited-edition, timeless accessories, emphasising respect for materials and artisanal craftsmanship. Specialising in handcrafted leather goods made from vegetable-tanned European leathers, hesa.design stands out for its custom-made services, making every piece a slow luxury investment.
Amsterdam based brand
15. O My Bag
If you’re searching for an ideal bag that complements every outfit and becomes a faithful companion for years across diverse occasions, Amsterdam’s O My Bag might just be your destination. Established in 2011 by Paulien Wesselink, the brand is rooted in a mission to contribute positively to both the community and the environment.
O My Bag crafts its handbags and wallets from premium leather, tanned without the use of harmful chemicals. The bags are produced in Indian and Italian factories that have long-standing collaborations with the brand. Notably, O My Bag was honoured with the Sustainable Leather Awards in 2015 and is recognised as a Certified B‑Corporation, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.
However, it’s important to note that the specific origins of the hides used are not fully transparent, which means we cannot definitively assure adherence to animal welfare standards.
Want to read more about how sustainable O My Bag is? View our brand screening here.
You can find the O My Bag collections in The Netherlands at Tally-Ho, LENA Fashion Library or BrandMission in Amsterdam, in Utrecht at Sophie Stone or Sus en So.
In Germany you can find the brand at WESEN stores in Berlin.
In Belgium the brand is sold at HOST in Antwerp, Goûts et Couleurs in Bruges, Fonetik in Aalst or you can rent it at Dressr.
Want to discover more beautiful clothing and accessories? Check out our shopping guide and find sustainable fashion in your style and within your budget!
Also read:
From pineapples to tarps: Explore the brands revolutionising non-Leather handbags
Is vegan leather better for the environment?
The story behind your leather handbag and shoes
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