Meet this ethical brand

That is reinventing work bags

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Bleu de Chauffe, a French brand inspired by the industrial universe of the 20th century, has reinvented work bags in a contemporary and urban way. Professional bags with a clear and sharp design, Bleu de Chauffe products are simple, practical and stylish.

The best part aside their beautiful designs is that social and environmental values are at the centre of their approach and guide their actions. Proximity and traceability of all components help to reduce their carbon footprint.

The cutting, fabrication and stitching of their bags are hand-made by qualified artisans renowned for their skill, experience and expertise. Bleu de Chauffe leathers are natural leathers with vegetal tanning agents and, after used, the water is left to settle, then clarified and released into the river just as pure as it was before.

Origami collection by Bleu de Chauffe

We loved Bleu de Chauffe so much that we couldn’t pass the opportunity to do an interview with the brand creative designer and co-founder, Alexandre.

Hello Alexandre,

Could you tell us more about yourself?

Alexandre: I have worked as a designer for big luxury groups and sportswear/streetwear brands before I created Bleu de Chauffe. I mostly worked as an accessories/leather designer, but also in horology.

When did you start Bleu de Chauffe? What is the idea behind?

Alexandre: I started Bleu de Chauffe 10 years ago. It was a crazy idea back then to launch this adventure. I was only 30 at the time, and the idea was to produce in a different way, back to the roots. Our wish was to create fashion that we like, outdoor and workwear inspired, and crafted in France.

The Brand is all made in France and ethical right? Who is manufacturing the bags?

Alexandre: All of our products are made in France, in our workshop based in Aveyron, in the South of France. We started 10 years ago with 1 craftsman, and we now have a team of approximately 15 people making our bags. In our workshop, nothing is assembly-line production: every craftsman makes his bag from start to finish. Our craftsmen have a real savoir-faire (know-how): this is not a marketing concept but a reality. We only use natural leathers with vegetal tanning agents - vegetal tanning is the process of transforming leathers by means of natural agents: mimosa, chestnut, acacia.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Alexandre: From everywhere. We got our inspiration from old iconic workwear and outdoor pieces found in flea markets but also in fashion, on the streets, and architecture and design feed us every day. We also experiment a lot in our workshop with prototypes, a very important phase of creative process.

What is the material you like the most to work with why?

Alexandre: Leather is an incredible material to work, it has a nice, sensual feel. It is also very technical for our craftsmen, and regarding its high cost there is no margin for error, and this is very stimulating.

What is your best design/work memory? Or the most stressful one?

Alexandre: My best design is still yet to be created. Creation is the most interesting and challenging part of my work.

If you had one advice to give to new brands, what would it be?

Alexandre: Launching a Brand is a very difficult process, but not impossible. You have to persevere, don’t think about failure and always question everything!

Any new exciting projects coming soon?

Alexandre: Yes, a lot of things are happening for the brand now, on new markets and territories. We are working on new lines and new collaborations but unfortunately I can’t say more at the moment…

What is your morning routine?

Alexandre: At this moment, spending time with my 2 and a half years old son.

And Finally, could you tell us what is your favorite city in the world? Why?

Alexandre: The city or country I like the most, is the one I still have to discover. Discovering is the most interesting part in traveling and I like wandering in cities. I would love to travel to Yemen or Saana, but I will probably never have the chance to go….
Check out their amazing video
https://vimeo.com/299440398 and shop one of their bag here https://www.bleu-de-chauffe.com/en/7-view-all

If you keep up with us, then you must’ve seen we’re having a super special Giveaway to celebrate 20k followers on Instagram! And in this Giveaway you can find an amazing bag by Bleu de Chauffe. Go check it out and participate!

If you enjoyed this article, you should check out our interview with the founder of Cuscuz Design.