Personalized
handbags

What else do you carry your world around in? Your handbag. An extension of you. Your life within it. The creation of this line of handbags is the perfect expression of my love for design and use of colour.

Each bag is personally designed by me, from the concept through to the choice of materials and adornments – some of the treasures I have discovered on my world travels. Each piece is unique. For me, the bags epitomise luxury and make a bold statement – like a favourite piece of jewellery – something precious to finish your outfit and lift your spirits.

The design andproductionprocess

Purely Swiss Made. I design each bag personally, in Zurich. They are handcrafted in a Swiss atelier in Canton Zurich where bags from Hermès, Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga are carefully restored. The workmanship is impeccable. The atelier now works almost exclusively for BYGABRIELE.

Due to the work involved, production is limited to just two bags per week.

The fabrics

The fabrics used in BYGABRIELE bags are sourced from internationally renowned designers including Andrew Martin London, Bevilacqua Venezia and other fabric gems from around the world. Innovative techniques are used in their production, such as handblocked lacquer on velvet (as seen on the monochrome zebra print bag in the Animal Print collection).

The exotics

Ecological Arapaima

This magnificent, rare and natural leather is sourced from the Amazonian Arapaima fish which is found in the same waters as its famous cousin, the Piranha. The Arapaima’s amoured scales are unique and provide a gorgeous texture and luxurious natural sheen. It is sourced sustainably and has been tanned using ecological processes by experts. Find out more: www.piscisleather.com.

Plumería Perfection

On a recent trip to Mexico I was enchanted by the artisans working with feathers using techniques dating back to the Mayas – this art form is called “plumería” and was practised in the pre-Hispanic and Colonial periods but has become very rare due to the intricacy of the work involved. I was inspired to create some unique pieces to share the beauty of this art form with you. I am spellbound by its perfection.

Ornamentation
adornments

I commission the brass icons, surrounded by baroque pearls or semi-precious stones, from an artist in New Delhi. He travels all over India for inspiration and takes casts of ancient moldings and reproduces his favourites in his foundry.

The hand woven silk tassels are made by an artisan in Canton Aargau in specific colourways chosen by me to complement the bag’s fabric. Each tassel takes the artisan a day to make.