Translated by
Nicola Mira
Published
Jan 6, 2017
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Marli upcycles leather offcuts into tote bags

Translated by
Nicola Mira
Published
Jan 6, 2017

Marli, an emerging French handbag label launched in May 2016 by Amélie Prêtre, has made upcycling its distinctive feature right from the word go. Its first tote-bag collection was created using upholstery scraps unearthed in flea markets or at garage sales.



A Marli tote bag made out of leather offcuts - Marli


Founder Amélie Prêtre has now turned to leather offcuts recycled from a French couture house, while sticking to its single tote-bag model, available in several sizes.

Upcycling is part of Marli's DNA, and its founder intends to use new types of salvaged material to make each collection distinctive. She said she loves to play with materials, because it gives her bags renewed appeal every time.

The material for next summer will be deckchair fabric. The designer will use it to add clutch bags and kit bags to her collection, and will also create one using her own offcuts. Marli models are all hand-crafted in France by two ateliers that employ people with disabilities.

The label will exhibit at Paris' Who’s Next trade show from 20th to 23rd January, looking to expand its distribution network. Marli products are currently available on the brand’s French e-store and via two Swiss distributors, and should soon be available at Paris concept stores.

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