Nestled within our Edinburgh Townhouse, our female-led atelier is a space dedicated to precision, patience and artistry. Led by our Head Craftsperson, Manon, the atelier is where ideas take shape in leather, where silhouettes are refined, edges are painted by hand, and every detail is carefully considered.
This International Women’s Day, we step inside the atelier to meet the woman behind the craftsmanship. With over sixteen years of experience working with leather, from training in France to honing her expertise in London with global brands, Manon now brings her knowledge and artistry to the heart of Strathberry in Edinburgh.
Below, Manon shares her journey, her inspiration, and what craftsmanship means to her.
What drew you to Strathberry?
After years in luxury leathercraft, I wanted to be part of a brand that truly values artisanal skill, and Strathberry’s commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail felt very aligned. I’m proud to be part of a team that honours traditional techniques but also continually refines them.
The best thing about my job is getting to see how a piece can be revived with time, care and considered attention - it’s a quiet reminder that our bags are designed to stand the test of time. Also, working alongside passionate and talented individuals who place craftsmanship at the heart of everything we create.
What does a typical day in the Atelier look like for you?
No two days in the Atelier are ever quite the same, which is part of what makes the role so rewarding. One day I’ll be collaborating with different teams to refine a last-minute detail, and the next I’m carefully restoring a client’s piece or working closely with design on something new.
For me, it has to be the Mosaic Top Handle. It’s such an iconic Strathberry silhouette, and the craftmanship behind it is incredible. The bag is made from 67 individual pattern pieces and over 2000 stitches.
What’s something most people don’t realise about how these bags are made?
How much time and care goes into every single detail of our bags. From start to finish, a single bag passes through the hands of up to seven highly skilled artisans, each bringing their own expertise to a different stage of the process.
The brand’s commitment to quality is second to none. Every member of the team cares not just about the finished product, but also about the people who carry our bags, which makes being part of this brand incredibly rewarding.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring artisan?
My advice would be to never underestimate the value of patience and attention to detail. It’s in the small, thoughtful touches that a piece truly comes to life. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, stay curious, and always be willing to learn from every stage of the process.
Learn more about the craft behind Strathberry here and discover exceptional craftsmanship by exploring our bestselling silhouettes.
