Buying a leather bag is one thing. Making one yourself is a whole different ball game! At 120 boulevard Sérurier, in Paris’s 19th arrondissement, Ginès Atelier puts the tools in visitors’ hands, just a few minutes from Parc de la Villette. Here, you don’t simply pick a design from a display case: you choose your materials, colors and accessories, then learn how to put it all together so you can leave with a personalized creation, made with your own hands.
Conceived by Zoé Mataix, a leatherworker with a background in art direction and the luxury world, Ginès Atelier celebrates color and materials. Leathers in a range of shades, along with buckles, rivets and other finishing details, offer plenty of scope for experimenting with combinations, with results that vary widely to suit individual tastes. Some of the hides come from surplus stocks at luxury houses: high-quality leather that has already been produced but left unused, and which finds a new purpose here.
There’s no need to set out to make a large bag to try your hand at leatherworking. Belts, cardholders, leather-bound notebooks, glasses cases, bum bags or small accessories take shape over the course of the sessions. Depending on the design chosen, you’ll learn about cutting, punching, assembling, hand stitching and fitting hardware. Some pieces can also be personalized with a name or initials for the finishing touch.
The workshops are suitable for beginners and offered in French, English and Italian. Sessions are arranged by reservation, for individuals, couples or groups. And for those who would rather leave the tools to the professionals, Ginès also has an online shop offering ready-made accessories, customizable items and gift cards.
Here, there’s no need to chase after a designer label: this time, you’re the one putting your name on it.
Dates and Opening Time
From October 29, 2026 to December 31, 2027
Location
Ginès Atelier
120 Boulevard Sérurier
75019 Paris 19
Route planner
Access
Metro Line 5, Porte de Pantin
Official website
www.ginesatelier.com
