The Journey of the Sera Bag: From Upcycled Leather to Wearable Art
I’m so excited to share the story of our beloved Sera Bag with you. You may already know that ALL of our pieces are handcrafted in Italy from upcycled and recovered leather luxury brands throw away. The Sera bag is particularly special because it is 100% made by hand . This isn’t just any bag; it’s a beautiful symbol of creativity, sustainability, and artisan mastery. Let me show you the amazing process that turns all of our rescued luxury leather off-cuts into this stunning, handcrafted piece of art.
Step 1: Collecting and Sorting the Leather Off-Cuts
It all starts in our cozy studio, where we gather luxury leather off-cuts. These are the pieces left over from high-end manufacturing processes. We sort through them carefully, handpicking the best ones to ensure every Sera bag is top-notch. It’s like finding hidden treasures that deserve a new life! 🌿
Step 2: Creating Leather Cording
Next, these precious off-cuts are sent to a guardilificio in Italy. It took me two years to find a guardilificio willing to work with leather scraps and off-cuts! This is a super-specialized factory that only makes leather cording. Here, the leather is transformed into strong and beautiful cords using specialized machines that date back many decades. After this process, it is ready for the intricate macramé work that’s to come. 🧵
Step 3: Macramé Artisans Weave Their Magic
The leather cords then travel to the talented hands of our macramé artisans. Each Sera bag is 100% hand-macramé, which means it’s braided and knotted with incredible skill. While many luxury brands outsource this type of handcraft work to less expensive countries like India or those in Eastern Europe, our bags are still 100% made in Italy. Even though only 10% of a product needs to be made in Italy to be labeled "Made in Italy," we ensure that every step of our process happens here to maintain the highest quality and authenticity. These artisans pour their hearts into every knot and braid, making sure each bag is a unique piece of art. 👜
Step 4: Finishing Touches with Deadstock Silk Lining
After all that careful braiding, the bags head to another factory where we add the final touches. Each Sera bag gets lined with luxurious deadstock silk. Deadstock is the fashion industry term for left over materials that have been ordered but never used. This silk lining not only feels amazing but also adds to the bag’s functionality. Plus, using deadstock means we’re being kind to the planet by not letting good material go to waste. ✨
Step 5: Quality Control and Packaging
Finally, the Sera bags come back to our studio for a final quality check. I go over each bag with a fine-tooth comb to make sure it’s absolutely perfect. Once they pass this test, they’re carefully packaged and sent off to their new homes. I love knowing that each Sera bag will be treasured by its new owner. 📦
The Sera Bag: A Testament to Creativity and Craftsmanship
The Sera bag isn’t just another accessory; it’s a testament to what we can achieve with a little creativity and a lot of love for our planet. By upcycling rescued luxury leather, partnering with skilled artisans and using traditional macramé techniques, we turn what could have been overlooked into something truly beautiful. Each bag is a wearable piece of art that tells a story of sustainability and skill. 🌟
Key Features of the Sera Bag
Made in Italy: Every step of the process takes place in Italy, ensuring the highest quality and authenticity.
Luxury Leather: We use upcycled luxury leather off-cuts, making each bag unique and eco-friendly.
Handcrafted Excellence: 100% hand-macramé by skilled artisans, showcasing true artisanal craftsmanship.
Sustainable Fashion: The Sera bag embodies ethical fashion principles by using recycled materials and supporting local craftsmanship.
Braided Leather Design: The intricate braided leather technique adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Evening Bag with Fringe: Perfect for any occasion, the Sera bag features a stylish fringe detail that makes it a standout accessory.
Thanks so much for being part of this journey with me! Your support means the world and allows us to keep creating gorgeous, sustainable fashion that honors both our planet and the amazing artisans who make these designs come to life. What do you think of the Sera bag? I would love to know your thoughts or what you would love to see from Sieme next!
With love from Florence,
Founder and Designer
Cassandra Kane
