Lifestyle, ExperienceAnne MouletJanuary 21, 2017Airbnb, Agnelle, Claire Châtaignier, Peausserie PoulainComment

THE EXPERIENCE BY AIRBNB: THE MASTER OF LEATHER

Lifestyle, ExperienceAnne MouletJanuary 21, 2017Airbnb, Agnelle, Claire Châtaignier, Peausserie PoulainComment

Today, I did an experience.

I was invited by Airbnb to try there new concept. What kind? Now that I have your attention, I know you can't wait to learn more about it! The idea of Airbnb Experience is to make you discover during a few hours or days a city off the beaten tracks. How? By meeting inhabitants, entrepreneurs, craftsmen that will tell you about there activities, jobs and passions.

What are the possibilities? Plenty! It's even hard to choose. You can make experiences on various themes: gastronomy, arts, music, history, fashion, creation, craftsmanship...

Personally, I decided to go with the Master of Leather - you know how obsessed I am with textures, guys! The plot? Discovering the story of leather, from the fabric to the creation. If I had to sum up what I experienced and learnt today in one word, it would be:

PASSION

THE MASTERS OF LEATHER

Let me tell you my discoveries more in details - another of my favorite topics! This afternoon, I went to the meeting point set by the lovely Claire Châtaignier: the Peausserie Poulain.

The Peausserie Poulain is one of the oldest and finest leather factory of France. Iconic. Most of the couture and luxury maisons purchase the leather there for their collections. You know small brands going by the names of Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton? Yes my dear, the leather they use for clothes and bags comes from the Peausserie Poulain.

Located Boulevard Richard Lenoir, the discrete Peausserie Poulain is a real treasure chest. When I arrived, I was welcomed by Claire Châtaignier, who organized and hosted the whole tour, and Monsieur Poulain, himself.

Monsieur Poulain at the Peausserie Poulain

The first things that caught my eyes were the shelves full of colorful leathers. After telling how much I loved the texture of leather, Monsieur Poulain started to show me the diverse kinds he had in his factory. You know what stroke me the most while listening to him? His kindness and his passion.

This man obviously know what he is talking about, but he loves what he is talking about. This is priceless. Trust me I could listen to him for hours.

After Monsieur Poulain showing me his treasures, it was Claire's turn to explain me her profession and her family history. Claire Châtaignier comes from a long line of leather craftsmen. Her family started to work in this business in 19th Century! Do you realize, guys?

For her part, Claire is a tailor. Yes a tailor! Another old profession, that required a lot of savoir-faire. But what about leather? Actually, she uses leather - purchased at the Peausserie Poulain of course! - in her creations. And I can tell you, guys, this woman is gifted. This afternoon she was wearing a coat she designed: it was to die for!

As she was explaining me the importance to feel the leather when you craft it, she made me create a little bookmark. It was truly an experience in the whole experience. Even though I was just cutting it with scissors, it had nothing to do with anything I cut before! Claire also showed me how to make a hole in the leather (as shown in the video below)!

Once my bookmark done, it was time to take a cab to go to the Agnelle store in the center of Paris. Agnelle is the French luxury glove maker. Created in 1937, Agnelle uses the finest leather - from the Peausserie Poulain - and fabrics to create one-of-a-kind, fashionable and exquisite gloves. There, Claire introduced me to Sophie Grégoire, the grand-daughter of the founders of Agnelle, and Samira, the lovely swaggy girl working with her.

For the third time of day, I met truly passionate people who explained me how gloves are made. They also told me about the history of Agnelle, how it was created, who they work for, and so much more. They even showed me gloves made in the 50s.

Oh! ... and I also learnt that Ralph Lauren asked Agnelle to design custom-made gloves for Melania Trump to match her outfit for the Investiture Ceremony. They also did some for Gabriel-Kane Day Lewis and collaborated with Jean-Charles de Castelbajac! Only a true high-end maison could craft gloves in such different styles and people! This is what we call savoir-faire, guys!

(Photo courtesy of Agnelle's Instagram account)

After three hours, the experience finished. I left the Agnelle boutique and Claire Châtaignier, with stars in my eyes. It was an extraordinary experience, thanks to the kindness, passion and knowledge of the lovely people I met today.

#DETAILSMATTER

Why a bookmark?: When Claire made me do my little bookmark, she explained me her choice. Yes it is simple to make, but it is not the reason why. She select the bookmark idea comes from the fact she is telling a story. The story of leather. Circle completed!