Le Tanneur X Kitesy Martin

Le Tanneur x Kitesy Martin

Le Tanneur unveils its exclusive collaboration with Kitesy Martin Studio, a designer renowned for her unique approach to jewelry and her commitment to circular and responsible fashion. This collaboration was born from a shared vision: a passion for beauty, respect for craftsmanship, and the desire to create differently, starting from what already exists.

The collection revolves around

THREE TOTE BAGS

THREE BAG CHARMS

Following our meeting, we took the opportunity to discuss with her the different aspects of this collaboration.

Can you tell us a bit more about your studio and the concepts behind it?

I had already spent several years working as a designer for various fashion brands. And costume jewellery is something I've always been interested in, even though it's an area of design that is often both overlooked and looked down upon. I've always worn costume jewellery, particularly my mother's pieces. I've always considered this type of jewellery to be much more valuable than it seems. I wanted to give it new energy.

I started out completely on my own. I did everything from start to finish. Today, we're a small team of around ten people.

We offer a permanent collection, sold on our e-shop, in our Paris boutique and in department stores. In addition, we work with brands on capsule collections designed to "awaken these sleeping beauties" and create pieces that deserve to see the light of day.

What link do you see between costume jewellery and leather goods?

I came into jewellery via textile design. This means I work with jewellery in a different way to an artisan jeweller or specialist designer. With Le Tanneur, the idea was to create a bijou bag based on the Louise design. We incorporated metal beads into our weave and added eyelets for a "bijou" effect. We also created bag charms using snap hooks from the fashion house's stock, which we rewove in a different way. These charms are hybrid pieces that can enhance a bag, but can also be clipped to jeans, a tote bag or a bunch of keys.

The charms

We also created lucky bag charms from carabiners sourced from the Maison’s existing stock, which we re-braided in a new way. These charms are hybrid objects: they adorn a handbag, but can just as easily be attached to jeans, a tote bag, or a keyring.

You must have had to consider the constraint of colour. Can you tell us about that stage?

When you start with dormant stock, you don't get to choose the colour. And these are often the hardest colours to work with. For example, we wanted to make the Rattan Yellow brighter. We carried out a lot of trials. Which colour or metal would make it look best: gold? Silver? We did the same with the Rose, revived with a pop of blue, and silver metal. As for grey, it's a colour that's easy to work with, so we had less need to add a pop of colour.

You must have had to consider the constraint of colour. Can you tell us about that stage?

The different colors

rattan yellow shade

concrete grey shade

rose quartz shade

What did you like about working with Le Tanneur?

I love the fact that Le Tanneur is part of France's heritage. I've always seen it as a brand that makes beautiful,well-crafted classics. I remember the first time I had to buy my father a wallet, naturally I headed to Le Tanneur. For me, it's a brand that offers well-made, long-lasting pieces. I'm attracted by the craftsmanship and handmade creation that the fashion house stands for. When this opportunity for collaboration presented itself, I thought we could do something interesting together.

What did you like about working with Le Tanneur?

Le Tanneur has been established for over 125 years. Kitesy Martin Studio isn't even ten years old. I don't know if maybe one day Kitesy Martin Studio will reach its 125th birthday, I hope it does, but working with such a well-established brand is a huge inspiration to me for the future.

Discover Le Tanneur x Kitesy Martin exclusive pieces in the Paris boutique at 16 Boulevard des Capucines and online at letanneur.com.