“Craftsmen first, businessmen second” is the motto of new home-grown handbag brand Mathilde

As the trend of Asian consumers embracing quiet luxury and local talents continues unabated, a pair of intrepid leather craftsmen have decided to seize the opportunity to launch their own label, Mathilde.

While Singapore may not be known for its craftsmanship heritage, Kenneth Teh and Fauzi Anuar are the rare gems in our midst. Both self-taught and initially acquainted through a Facebook group, they are tenured artisans in their own right. 

Teh, who discovered leathercraft in 2010 at a workshop, started his own business in 2015, creating made-to-order leather goods for companies and events. Sharing a similar passion and vision with Fauzi, an award-winning professional photographer and small leather goods entrepreneur, he had roped the latter in for a massive Marina Bay Sands project in 2022.

It turned out that their chemistry was perfect, and their skill sets complemented each other’s. Teh had years of trade and technical experience, while Fauzi came with an artistic flair and digital marketing skills, and had developed his innovative techniques in leather marquetry.

“Working together on bespoke commissions from luxury clients gave us the foundation and confidence to take the next step,” says Teh. And Mathilde, named after his discerning daughter whom he calls “the most ‘atas’ person in my life”, was born after two years in the making.

To the pair, true luxury goes beyond creating beautiful products based on fleeting trends. As Teh explains, “It’s about crafting pieces that resonate with quiet luxury and meaningful design values. We aim to build items that people cherish for a lifetime, made with the utmost care and sourced responsibly.”

One-of-a-kind

Mathilde’s use of leather marquetry, a metiers d’art technique uncommon in the European luxury space, much less in Asia, makes Mathilde stand out. Involving the cutting and assembly of leather to create patterns and designs requires the most skilled hands and meticulous attention to detail. 

Fauzi asserts, “This makes us one of the very few brands in the world to incorporate this into our regular collection.”

In addition to an impressive seven ranges under the regular collection at this nascent stage, the brand also boasts a limited-edition Signature line featuring rare materials or artist collaborations, as well as a custom-made service for its Cadenza design, which is a structured hand-carry bag with a detachable shoulder strap. 

The customisation process takes about four to six weeks, from initial consultation to delivery. According to the customiser feature on Mathilde’s website, there are over 278,000 possible variations. Every element, from the flap and base to the gusset (side panels) and handles, can be tailored using a selection of high-quality leather in a broad colour palette.

You can choose gold or silver hardware and even the shade of the lock insert. You can also add other personalised elements, such as monogramming and special messages with foil or blind deboss options. Upon completion, the item undergoes a thorough quality check before delivery. 

For the purse of your dreams, soon to be offered is also a fully bespoke service that incorporates an in-person or virtual consultation and the production of a sketch and sample. “We can create brand new, one-of-a-kind designs that are unique to our clients. They can also mix and match materials and colours to their choice. Even hardware and thread colours can be specified,” Fauzi states.

Another trademark feature that resonates with the modern luxury consumer is Mathilde’s commitment to sustainability. Its ethical material-sourcing practices include eco-friendly glues and exceptional-quality, long-lasting, full-grain leathers.

The items are ordered from the same tanneries as the world’s most exclusive brands. And they are certified by global organisations, namely the Leather Working Group (LWG) and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

As proud craftsmen, the duo stands behind their creations with a lifetime warranty. Fauzi says, “Your bag is an extension of you and should be with you for life. We are also confident of our quality in making this statement.”

Taking on the world

Launching an artisanal business in Singapore, with its small market and high overheads, is no mean feat. However, Mathilde is setting its sights far beyond our shores, encouraged by the success of other home-grown luxury handbag brands like EthanK and Aupen.

Elaborates Fauzi, “Our dream is to establish the brand as a global name synonymous with bespoke craftsmanship and marquetry. While proudly rooted in Singapore, our vision is to share our artistry and values with discerning customers worldwide who appreciate timeless design and meaningful storytelling.” 

Prices for a regular and customised Cadenza are $720 and $970, respectively. The 20-piece-edition Mathilde Marquetry Cadenza Harmony costs $900, while the highly exclusive, one-of-a-kind Concerto Mini Himalayan Signature Artisan retails for $8,900. 

Free express global shipping was already offered at the time of its launch. Beyond logistics, Fauzi uses his digital marketing knowledge to build a strong online presence, enhance the online customisation experience, and share the stories behind the brand’s craft.

Mathilde’s levels of artisanship translate to longer production times and higher costs, but Teh is emphatic about the quality and integrity of their work. “It can sometimes feel at odds with the realities of running a business. When we decide to sell a bag at a specific price, the first thing that pops into our heads is, ‘How do we maximise value to our client?’ whereas a more business-centric person will think, ‘How do I maximise profit?’.”

One of their earliest and biggest challenges was scaling the business while maintaining the level of care and precision that defines their craft. Teh continues, “It required finding the right balance — streamlining specific processes without compromising quality. This is why partnering with Fauzi was so pivotal; together, we’ve been able to share responsibilities and play to our strengths.”

At Mathilde, Teh leads the overall creative direction, sourcing of premium, ethical materials, as well as bag production. Fauzi concentrates on the technical aspects of crafting to incorporate distinctive creative touches. 

They are supported by a team of craftsmen across two studios — one in Singapore for the Custom and Signature divisions and another in Guangzhou, China, for the regular collection. 

Everyone involved is bound together by passion, adds Fauzi. “All our handbags are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans who share our dedication to quality and artistry. Our staff are all hired in-house, allowing us to control the quality to the highest standards possible.”

Know your stuff

What makes a good handbag also holds as a benchmark in Mathilde’s craftsmanship, which Teh lists out. 

“High-quality leather should feel supple yet durable, with a natural texture that ages beautifully. The stitching on a luxury handbag should be even, tight, and consistent, with no loose threads or irregularities,” says the co-founder, who adds that linen thread is his brand’s preferred type for its strength and durability.

“Saddle-stitching, featured on Mathilde’s Signature and bespoke bags, further adds a higher dimension of craftsmanship and quality.”

A well-made bag’s edges should be smooth and sealed, free from fraying or roughness. “To ensure this, we apply up to six coats of edge finishing,” Teh elaborates.

As for hardware, Mathilde only uses high-quality stainless steel hardware, which does not tarnish, flake, or rust compared to traditional zinc alloy. “We offer colour options to match the aesthetics and functionality of each design.”

Last but not least, one must consider the balance between design and functionality: “The design should enhance usability with details like secure closures, well-proportioned compartments, and ergonomic handles or straps.”