Faye's Stories

Here I share the stories behind my handmade bags - where craft, material and inspiration come together in my studio in Naarden.

Discovering suede - an unexpected find in my atelier.

Suede may resemble leather, but it feels and behaves completely differently. While creating a custom-made bag, I dove deeper into this special material than I had before. A client asked me to make a bag that was soft, natural and elegant, yet not too stiff. That request sparked something in me - I knew suede mainly from shoes and jackets, but working with it for such a specific purpose brought an entirely new experience.

What is suede, actually?

Suede is made from the inner side of the hide, where the fibres are open, giving the material its characteristic soft, velvety texture. It’s lighter, more flexible and much softer than regular leather, and it radiates a warmth that feels almost tangible. It’s a living material that moves along with use and touch, and it also requires more care. It’s delicate, sensitive to stains and moisture, yet it’s precisely that fragility that makes it so fascinating.

Difference compared to leather

Although suede and leather originate from the same hide, they differ in many ways. Leather is usually made from the outside of the hide: firm, dense and smooth, with a protective layer that offers resistance. Suede is taken from the inside, where the fibres are looser and more delicate, giving it that special softness and movement. In practice, I find that leather offers more resistance and keeps its shape, while suede shapes itself and flows.

This difference doesn’t just require a different working method, but also a different way of seeing. With leather you can work firmly and build structure; with suede you almost have to move along with it, follow its flow and maintain calm. It asks for an observant hand and a sense of respect for the material.

Discovery during the making process

The process of designing, cutting and stitching suede revealed how special this material truly is. Under the sewing machine it responds with softness and fluidity, and it calls for a light, calm approach. Seams and stitches show marks more quickly if you’re not precise and deliberate. The material invites you to slow down, to feel, to listen - it settles at the right moments, bringing a sense of calm to the entire making process.

Why I find this so beautiful

That vulnerability gives the material a rich character. It makes the bag not only unique, but also lively and feminine. It moves, it breathes, and you can feel that it has been made with care and attention. Perhaps that is the true magic of suede: that softness and strength can exist together. It shows that delicate materials don’t have to be fragile at all, but can radiate power precisely through their vulnerability.

How do you care for suede?

Suede requires a bit more attention than regular leather, but it’s absolutely worth it. With the right care, the material stays soft, supple, and beautifully authentic.

My key tips:

Protect before use:
Use a special suede or nubuck spray to protect the surface from moisture and dirt. Spray the bag before using it for the first time and repeat this regularly.

Brush gently:
Use a soft suede brush to refresh the surface and lift the fibres. Always brush in one direction to maintain the texture and keep the nap even.

Avoid water stains:
Suede doesn’t love the rain. If it does get wet, gently blot the moisture with a clean cloth and let the bag air-dry away from heat. This preserves the structure and prevents stains.

Let it breathe:
Store the bag in a fabric or cotton dust bag—never in plastic. This allows the material to breathe and prevents mould or stiffness.

Embrace signs of use:
Discoloration and creasing make the bag truly unique and give it character. They show that it’s a piece that lives and breathes, with a story of its own.

Suede asks for attention and a gentle touch. The products you see above can beautifully care for your bag, but it’s important to use them thoughtfully. That’s why it’s wise to test them first, so you can see exactly how the material reacts.

Always test each product on a small, inconspicuous area of the bag before applying it fully. Use is at your own discretion. If you’re unsure, let an expert handle it for the best possible result.

Finally

You may have already seen my post about the handmade suede bag on Instagram. But this is a depth that continues to evolve - in the making, the caring, and especially in listening to the material. I bring that same attention and refinement into every bag I create, so your design can truly come to life, exactly as you envision it. Because to me, true craftsmanship begins with respecting what you create and the unique, natural qualities of every material.

And you?

What speaks to you more: the strength and structure of leather, or the softness of suede? I’d love to hear your thoughts. You can share them with me through the: contact form

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