I am Marlene Fernandez, a Dutch-Nicaraguan designer and the heart and soul behind my own label. From a young age, I was drawn to leather, fashion, design, and sustainability, and I decided to turn this passion into my career. In 2016, I graduated from HKU (University of the Arts Utrecht) as a product designer with my bag collection CLOSE, which was highly praised. After that, I trained intensively in handmade leather bag design while building my own brand.

Every Marlene Fernandez bag is designed and carefully handcrafted by me in Rotterdam. My designs are timeless, robust yet elegant, and sometimes a little edgy, often featuring small surprising details and vibrant colors. Sustainability is central to my work: I only use unused leather from leftover stock and overproduced pieces from well-known European fashion and leather brands, giving these high-quality materials a new life. Because of this, every bag is unique, exclusive, and made to last.

Travel and different cultures inspire my work. The linings of my bags are carefully chosen during my trips, adding a personal story to each piece. Many bags can also be personalized, making them truly one-of-a-kind.

I am happy to answer any questions by email.