Isabell Mathenge crafted Nimu a graceful leather tote with a warm, personal feel, turning her wish for everyday elegance into something she can carry with joy. What's your wish? →
View material & custom-made details
These photos show a Bespoke Leather Tote Bag With Kitenge Lining made by Isabell Mathenge as a custom everyday handbag in dark brown leather. It is a useful example for anyone considering a feminine open-top leather tote with a colourful African print interior and optional personal branding.
- Request: The brief was for a standard-size leather tote with a feminine look, made in dark brown and finished with a simple kitenge fabric lining.
- Final result: The completed bag was an open-top leather tote with clean structure, a rich brown exterior and a bright kitenge interior that added contrast without changing the classic outer look.
- Design details: This project combined smooth leather and African print lining, showing how a tote can stay understated on the outside while feeling more personal and distinctive inside.
- Process: Progress photos documented the leather sourcing, stitching and final assembly, and the finished bag was later updated with a matching embossed leather branding patch.
- Helpful for: A good reference if you want a custom work tote, daily handbag or gift with subtle personalization, visible craftsmanship and a balance of timeless leather and bold textile detail.
Every unique piece tells a story. What’s yours?
This design was custom-made exclusively for Nimu. Let it inspire you: customize this design to fit your vision or start with a completely new idea. You chat directly with our artisans, and we handle the secure process.
A request by Nimu from Nairobi , Kenya
I would like to have a feminin leather tote bag.
Size: standard
Colour: dark brow
The Journey of Creating Bespoke Leather Tote Bag With Kitenge Lining
Negotiation & Planning
Bespoke Leather Tote Bag With Kitenge Lining - design ideas and artisan proposals
Hello Nimu
My name is Isabel and I would love you make the tote bag for you.
I have attached several designs that I would like you to go through then let me know which one you prefer.
Many thanks
Isabel
Hello Isabell, than you for the images. The third image that you sent is what's closest to what I'd like.
I've attached some pictures for reference as well.
May I have the name 'Nimu' to be engraved at the top of the bag?
Hi Nimu
Noted and this is possible.
We will engrave the word Nimu no problem.
Do you wish it to have a top zipper and a cloth lining inside if so plain or Kitenge?
Let me know.
Otherwise I will be happy to start this
Regards
Isabell
hello,
No, I don't want a top zip, I'd like for it to be open like the last picture I sent. Yes, I'd like a simple kitenge inside for the lining.
How long will it take to make and be ready?
Hey
Well noted.
It will take about 4 to 5days...as I have to source for the materials.
Looking forward to making the bag.
Regards
Isabell
Hi Nimu
I am happy to start on this project.
Thanks
Isabel
Crafting Process
How to make a Bespoke Leather Tote Bag With Kitenge Lining – work in progress
Hi Nimu
Trust you have been well.
I have managed to purchase the leather and other materials to start off the project.
Kindly check the leather skin I have used .
I have also designed the bag and started stitching hoping to get the bag ready for you soonest.
I will keep you posted more.
Best regards
Isabel
That’s great news, looking forward to seeing it. Thank you for the update.
Hi Nimu
Please find the attached photos for the bag production and the final bag.
Awaiting your feedback.
Regards
Isabel
Hey Isabel,
I love the bag and the lining, it looks beautiful!
Hey Nimu
Wonderful!
Thanks so much I know you will even love it more when you see it in person.
Regards
Isabel
I cant wait to see it!
Hey Nimu,
Hope you’re well. This is Virginia, I’m supposed to do your bags branding. Here’s a photo of tags I’ve done for you to refer to then we can discuss.
I charge 250 for embossing and it can be done in a mater of minutes as soon as the work is confirmed.
Looking forward to hearing back from you and apologies for the delay.
Love and light
Virginia K
Hello,
I like the tag that’s black leather.
Hey Nimu,
Ok perfect. What do you want it to read?
I will use leather similar to the one that has made yours.
Love and light,
Virginia K
I would like for it to read AWM.
Thank you.
Hey Nimu,
The embossed part will be this size. If you give me the go a head I’ll cut and stitch it
That looks good. Thank you.
Ok. I’ll go ahead and have it stitched
Okay. Thank you
Hey Nimu,
The initials are occupying a very small space. I would suggest making 2 names full and then 1 be an initial
Or
Have the initials and add something else, maybe like a date
Cause we remove the patch that’s already there, we’ll need to stitch another one of the same size and at the moment, it’s not proportional.
Hello, yes we can remove the patch that’s already there. And put in a smaller patch with just the initials.
Hey hey,
If we replace it with a small one, the parts that had been stitched will have the stitching marks so we’ll need to put a patch the same size as what’s there.
Okay.
Hey Nimu.
There it is. Kindly review and revert. Thank you
That looks good! Thank you.
Ok. I’ll send it back to Noel
Ok. Already sent it. Noel has it.
Done
Thank you
You’re welcome
.
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON004971E-23841
Cost structure of this project
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
39.49
|
| Cost of labour |
15.8
|
| Cost of packaging |
1.58
|
| Local Transport to photoshoot and parcel drop-off |
3.16
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
60.03
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
6
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
6
|
| Total (excluding shipping & taxes) |
72.03
|
- Secure: Transparent ordering & approval
- Personal: We support you at every step
- Fair: Direct local value creation in Kenya
Note on shipping & taxes
The cost breakdown above shows how the value of this individual project is composed.
Shipping costs and any applicable taxes (e.g. VAT) depend on the delivery country and the specific setup and are therefore not shown as fixed amounts here.
All additional costs are communicated transparently before placing a binding order.
If you have any questions, you will find our contact details further down this page.
