Under-the-radar picks: Hereu Studios
By Nina Vukelic
This year, one bag model, in particular, has caught my eye: the influx of Bottega Veneta Jodie knockoffs swinging from the wrists of nearly every other passerby. There are only a couple of uniform styles that these textured leather variations seem to allow. It makes me question the current state of artisanal leatherworking and drives my search for fresh alternatives that embrace modern aesthetics, remain true to craftsmanship, and come with an accessible price tag.
For as long as I can remember, I've loved a sturdy handwoven straw basket—my go-to for grocery runs at the local farmer's market. There's something captivating about the precision of geometric lines and architectural shapes in handwoven crafts, a skill honed by cultures from Colombia to Morocco to Vietnam for centuries. But for when I am going other places, I’m looking for a handwoven effect that’s less of your grandmother’s handbag style but something more chic and surprising. A breath of fresh air.
Lately, I have been looking for bags that incorporate braided effect as a detail or to elevate contrasting leather surfaces. When I think of the brands that evoke these particular elements Hereu Studio comes to mind. Made in Spain, uniting traditional craft practices by artisans with perfectly slouchy silhouettes could be the quickest way to describe the emerging brand.
The mini box bag alternates between a shoulder and a crossbody bag. This orange version just screams summer to me and dreams up memories of balmy evenings with soft golden light spilling across the open terrace where the world feels unhurried.
There are also other toned-down options to choose from. I do still think many brands are afraid of brighter colour expecting it would only work seasonally when in fact they are a great piece to add a pop of colour in the colder months. The long straps on the orange-tanned Hereu model make it a practical choice to sling over thicker coats and jackets that become mandatory in the colder months.
The brand’s founders José Luis Bartolomé and Albert Escribano state their pursuits of honouring local craftsmanship. There is one peculiar detail that excites me about Hereu’s wish to preserve local craftsmanship that’s deeply rooted in their Mediterranean origins. While their designs draw inspiration from classic, utilitarian pieces—like woven baskets historically used by locals and tourists alike—the spirit they espouse feels almost futuristic. By acknowledging the diverse roles these bags have played beyond fashion, Hereu's models highlight the nuances of their history and open up new possibilities for future wearers.
Spain has a long history in leather production, particularly that sourced from the historic Padrón tannery, which has been in operation for more than 150 years and has always been dedicated to sourcing local materials and treating them according to traditional techniques mainly carried out by hand. This is the place where the materials for the Hereu studio designs come from. Weaving is a traditional craft practice passed through entire generations of the same family, and I think the defining allure of the woven leather effect lies not only in its ability to reveal the natural beauty of the material but also in its capacity to evoke powerful memories of everyday objects we all share.
