The Challenge
When ANNA VALLOIRE approached us to create their debut collection, the vision was clear: combine a bold, feminine design language with a strong commitment to sustainability. The material of choice was LEAP — a next-generation vegan leather alternative made with apple production residues. At the time, LEAP was still in an early development phase and had never been used in commercially available fashion accessories. Our task was to explore how this biobased material could be translated into a full product line, while ensuring both durability and premium feel.
Our Solution
We partnered closely with the ANNA VALLOIRE team to bring their first collection to life — from early sketches through to production. Our work began with extensive testing of LEAP in our atelier to understand its structure, surface behavior, and processing limits. We adapted traditional bag-making techniques to suit the material, refining every detail from reinforcement and edge finishing to construction methods and closures.
The result is a confident, modern collection that includes three handbag styles, a card holder, and a belt — all handcrafted in our German atelier using LEAP as the primary material. The pieces reflect ANNA VALLOIRE’s distinct aesthetic and demonstrate how a biobased material like LEAP can be elevated into fully realized luxury accessories.
The Materials
• LEAP (partially biobased apple leather alternative)
• Hemp reinforcement
• Tencel lining
The Methods
• Material research & lab testing
• Technique adaptation for early-stage biomaterial
• Prototyping of 3 handbags, 1 card holder, 1 belt
• Small series production in German atelier
