Veronika & Bastien Boisanfray

Leatherworker

©Dve Lamy

©Petra Baranovičová

A father's legacy

Bastien and Veronika use traditional techniques in a contemporary way
Minimalism and the natural textures of leather inspire them
They have made accessories for Slovakian president Zuzana Čaputová

Bastien Boisanfray's father started teaching him how to make small leather goods when he was just 13. In 2013, when he decided to retire, Bastien and his wife Veronika took over his workshop and moved it from Normandy to Slovakia, where Veronika is from. "Here, we perpetuate the traditional techniques he taught us, such as saddle stitching, to make durable leather goods for clients," says Bastien. Customers can choose from the husband-and-wife team's made-to-order bag designs, or have a unique bespoke piece made according to their own desires, down to the last detail. The couple also train apprentices, just as Bastien's father trained him.

Interview

©Petra Baranovičová

©Petra Baranovičová

How do you create your designs?: Bastien: Our designs are quite minimal in order to enhance the details and patterns. Simple design allows us to achieve the highest possible quality and make the final product long-lasting. However we don't call ourselves minimalists, we just follow our instincts and rely on our craftsmanship.
How would you describe the bespoke nature of your work?: Each piece is made to order, which means that you can choose the leather, the colours, the fittings and even request to change features or add your initials. We will then handcraft your product by reproducing the techniques learned from our master – my father.
What type of products do you offer?: Our product portfolio includes signature bags, clutches and briefcases. Most of our production consists of made-to-measure products including smaller leather goods and accessories. One particular design in our portfolio came from my father, and we have kept it that way ever since.
What has been your biggest challenge?: One of the most interesting challenges was designing a pair of travel bags made of very thick leather, which could fit into a car. Recently, we were honoured to create several designs for our current President of Slovakia, Zuzana Čaputová.

Veronika & Bastien Boisanfray are expert artisans: they began their career in 2013 and they started teaching in 2019