Elise Verdegem

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Belgium 

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES 

Elise Verdegem designs and makes some of her bags and accessories in her Zelzate studio. The designer has a passion for leather and artisanal techniques, which is why she chooses to do most of the process by hand, without the help of machines. So you can be sure your purchase is ethically and locally made, with love and attention to detail! 

For other models, Elise collaborates with Atelier Sauveur in Aalst. 

MATERIALS 

• Leather 

Elise Verdegem works with high-quality leather sourced from European suppliers to guarantee the quality of the products.

Much of the collection is made with vegetable-tanned ​‘saddle leather’. This type of leather is very strong and hard-wearing, making it long-lasting. Over time, the leather takes on a distinctive sheen that defines the bag’s look. This more durable leather type has a long lifespan, but is rather stiff and only suitable for some applications. Also, this tanning process gives limitations in colour.

Therefore, the brand also uses chrome-tanned leather in designs where flexibility or colour is necessary. Both vegetable-tanned, and chrome-tanned leather are mostly cowhide. For certain finishes, Elise Verdegem also used sheep or goat leather; pig leather is also used in lined bags.

PACKAGING 

Elise Verdegem does not disclose what packaging materials are used. 

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

Elise Verdegem primarily uses vegetable-tanned leather, which is tanned with natural substances instead of harmful chemicals or heavy metals. However, chrome tanned leather is used for some products, and this is treated with chemicals. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Leather is a natural material; since vegetable-tanned leather is used in many bags without synthetic materials or finishes, it can be recycled afterwards. 

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

Elise Verdegem is particularly committed to extending the bags’ lifespan. That’s why the brand also offers a repair service. If necessary, you can easily have your purchase repaired.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

Production locations:

• Belgium 

Elise Verdegem’s bags and accessories are produced in Belgium. The brand likes a short supply chain and works with European suppliers and producers. The vegetable-tanned cow leather, for example, comes from a Belgian tannery, and the other leather is sourced from Italian suppliers. 

So you can be sure your purchase has stayed within a short distance to get to you!

TRANSPORTATION 

Elise Verdegem does not disclose what transportation methods are used in their supply chain or for e‑commerce. However, due to the short supply chain, transportation related emissions are reduced.

• Leather

Because Elise Verdegem works with different types of leather, the brand scores slightly lower for animal welfare. Unfortunately, the leather industry is not transparent, making it very difficult for a small brand to trace the origin of the leather. As a result, we cannot verify living conditions and animal welfare.

PRODUCT DESIGN

Longevity is at the heart of Elise Verdegem’s designs. The brand often opts for saddle leather, a robust and strong material. Moreover, the brand uses traditional techniques such as the saddle stitch, a strong and hard-wearing sewing technique developed for horse saddles.

The brand fuses the robust look of the leather with fine details and finishes in elegant and timeless designs. 

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

Elise Verdegem also offers custom-made bags. Choose the model, colours, and finishes yourself to obtain a unique bag according to your wishes! This way, Elise Verdegem helps you create a bag you can cherish for years.

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

As every product is made in Belgium from European leather, you’ll always know where your specific purchase was produced. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

Elise Verdegem focuses on transparency by sharing information through its website. Moreover, the brand conversed with COSH! and even shared all the names of suppliers with us.