Faye's Stories

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

The most beautiful leather bags under the Christmas tree

December radiates warmth and magic. Cold outside, cozy and atmospheric inside, with soft candlelight and a sense of anticipation that puts us in a festive mood. It’s the perfect time to give something special; a gift that truly resonates. Perhaps a luxurious leather bag that will last for years to come.

Timeless luxury, with a story

A handmade leather bag by Faye Parker Brady is more than an accessory. It is a symbol of style, authenticity, and refined craftsmanship that accompanies you every day: from business meetings to evenings out, from coffee dates to city trips.

My collection of handmade leather bags is thoughtfully designed and crafted by hand in my atelier in Naarden. Each piece is created with attention to detail; from carefully selecting the finest leather to placing the final stitch. The material lives with you and develops a warm, distinctive character over time.

A gift with meaning

In a world where mass production is the norm, I offer something that truly fits you: a bag that reflects your identity. From a classic shoulder bag to a playful crossbody, each design aligns with your style, rhythm, and personal taste.

Looking for something truly special? Choose a fully custom-made design: a color that highlights your character, extra compartments for your essentials, or a lining that makes you smile every time. This way, you’re not giving a standard gift, but something that earns a special place in someone’s life. Perfect as a Christmas gift for her or for yourself.

Inspiration for under the Christmas tree

Looking for the ultimate Christmas gift? Here are a few ideas guaranteed to bring a smile:

A timeless leather bag from the capsule collection, ready to place under the tree.
Small luxury accessories such as an elegant keychain or passport holder.
A gift voucher for a personalization experience, so you can choose your own colors and details. (Please email me with this request.)
A bespoke, custom-designed bag, fully tailored to your wishes and personality.

Each item is lovingly wrapped, ready to give straight away, complete with a touch of Christmas magic and elegance.

Sustainable craftsmanship, with respect for people and the planet

In a world of fast fashion, I consciously choose a different path. Every bag is created with love, care, and precision, in small batches.

The leather I use comes from high-quality European tanneries, where I pay close attention to both quality and sustainability. Sometimes I work with special leftover leather pieces that deserve a second life. These unexpected finds give a bag a pure, natural character: an appearance that only grows richer the more you wear it.

This way, you choose a sustainable leather bag that not only looks beautiful, but also feels good.

Personal and exclusive, in Naarden

My atelier in Naarden is where every creation comes to life. Surrounded by the scent of fresh leather, soft threads, and sketches, a design emerges that truly suits you. Many clients love to visit to feel the materials, explore colors, and shape their ideal bag together with me.

Would you like to stop by sometime? You’re more than welcome to discover the collection or discuss your own bespoke ideas. The cappuccino is ready! Who knows, you might find that one Christmas gift that perfectly suits the person you want to surprise, or yourself.

A bag with a personal touch

A Faye Parker Brady bag is not a fashion item you quickly replace. It is a loyal companion that moves with you through life: from everyday moments to special milestones. Each use adds another layer to the story you carry together. A tangible memory, full of meaning and personal value.

For this year, under the Christmas tree

Give something that brings warmth. Something made with care and designed to invite new memories.
A handmade, stylish, and unique gift: created especially for you, or for the one you want to shine during the festive season.

Discover the collection online in my webshop or plan a personal visit to my atelier.

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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