Article: How everything began
How everything began
In 2006, at 19 and just beginning my design studies in Bremen, Germany, I found myself navigating the bustling aisles of Bangkok's Chatuchak Market. Amidst the vibrant chaos, a vintage weekender bag caught my eye. After a spirited negotiation, it became mine. This bag wasn't just an accessory; it was a conversation starter, drawing admiration and curiosity from friends and strangers alike.
Fast forward five years, I returned to Bangkok, eager to find that stall again, but it had vanished. This experience lingered with me as I completed my design degree and ventured into the professional world. My journey led me to Barcelona, a city whose dynamic atmosphere and rich design heritage resonated with me. Here, I pursued further studies in marketing, all the while that cherished bag remained my steadfast companion.
In 2018, driven by a desire to blend my German roots in precision and minimalism with the Mediterranean flair of Barcelona, I established my own leather goods brand. Setting up a small studio in the heart of El Born, I immersed myself in the art of leather craftsmanship, mastering techniques from hand sewing to product design. This hands-on approach allowed me to ensure that each piece was crafted to the highest standards, embodying both functionality and timeless elegance.
By 2021, this passion culminated in the opening of Atelier Madre, our flagship store in El Born. Here, we handcraft premium leather goods and bags using vegetable-tanned leather sourced from local tanneries. Our commitment to sustainability and quality is unwavering; each product is made by hand with perfection, carrying the unique signature of the maker.
Our design philosophy strikes a balance between a distinctively minimalistic form-follows-function approach and architectural, cutting-edge organic forms. We believe that a good product should stand above short-cycle fashion trends, offering timeless pieces that become lifelong companions.
Today, Atelier Madre has become a must-visit destination for clients from all over the world, reflecting our dedication to exceptional craftsmanship and design. Our journey from a serendipitous market find to a renowned leather atelier in Barcelona underscores our belief in creating products that are not just accessories but cherished parts of one's life story.