Spotlight - Bazalte
Pure French artisanship
The conversation
F: How did Bazalte come about ? What’s the origin story ?
Gaëlle: I am French but studied leather goods in Montreal. Where I worked at an atelier in that made custom-made watch straps from high-end and exotic leathers, as well as small leather goods and a few men's bags. I lived there for 7 years before returning to the south of France - my home country.
F: What happened then ?
Gaëlle: This was almost 3 years ago, and I decided to create my own high-end leather goods brand to develop high-end accessories that combine traditional know-how and modern design into pieces that are both elegant and timeless. I set up my workshop. I work alone and do everything by hand from design to manufacturing.
F: Can you tell me and the readers more about your process ?
Gaëlle: I design and make all the leather goods by hand in my workshop. Customers have the choice to modify the leather, color of thread, hardware, etc. on some models. I make a point of choosing the most beautiful leathers to guarantee quality, durability, and a reduced environmental footprint.
F: You've already covered all the key points. Did you work in leather goods before starting your own brand? What leathers do you mainly work with? I see a few on the site, but if you want to elaborate, the audience loves details like this. Is there a signature/"halo" bag that you think best represents the brand?
Gaëlle: I mainly work with Taurillon leather from the Rémy Carriat tannery which is a few kilometers from my workshop. It is a full-grain grain leather, it is magnificent, supple, and high-end.
F: And used by some of the biggest brands luxury leather goods brands.
Gaëlle: Exactly. For small leather goods, I work a lot with leathers from the French Alran tannery. Once I have the hides, everything is made in small series, to order, and also custom-made.
F: Is there a bag that has become Bazalte’s halo product ?
Gaëlle: I wouldn't say that Bazalte has just one "halo" model. What customers are drawn to instead is coming into the workshop and chosing the leather and jewelry in person. This exchange between my customers and me as an artisan is very important because I can show them how I work and the materials I use.
F: Can customers go beyond a custom product and commission a bespoke design too ?
Gaëlle: Yes, I also offer 100% bespoke designs. After determining what the customer wants I start with a drawing, then a model. After which we choose the leather and start manufacturing it. Due to the time that it takes the costs are obviously higher, but clients sometimes like the freedom to express their vision and I translate that vision into a phyiscal object, and bringing it life in my workshop.
F: Thank you so much for your time Gaëlle, I will make sure to swing by the next time I am visiting Remy Carriat. Where can people find you and when are they welcome to the workshop ?
Gaëlle: My workshop is in the Basque Country (southwest of France), near Biarritz and the Spanish border close to San Sebastian. You can also shop the items online and get in touch via email or on Instagram.