By a special treatment and a lot of love I gave designer handbags a second life.
Claire is the owner of Claire's Handbag Care, she is married to her childhood sweetheart Michael and they have two sons together: Fionn (12) and Gillian (9). Now that the boys are a bit older, there is room for Claire to do business. She has combined her passion for designer handbags with her creativity. Nowadays she restores many designer bags of many women.
Why did you start Claire’s Handbag Care?
My friends and I all ran into the same problem: where are you going with a damaged designer bag? You go to the shoemaker with shoes, but what about a bag? And besides, you don't want to leave a valuable bag just at someone.
It should be a professional, someone you can trust. In combination with my passion for bags, I came up with the idea.
How did you get the right knowledge to take care of the bags?
For years I looked at various restorers and obtained information. I also have studied various leathers, and I practiced a lot. After a couple of years I have already handled so many bags, I know exactly what a bag needs. But the most important thing is the personal attention I give every bag.
What was the very first bag you restored?
Which bag brings back a special memory?
The first bag I restored was a friend's bag: White Chanel Classic Flap Bag.
What is the most beautiful bag you have restored?
Difficult question.. But if I have to choose, the Kelly bag from Hermès. As a vintage-lover I could express all my love in this beauty.
My first Chanel bag from the Chanel boutique in Amsterdam. I went to Amsterdam with my 3 men. My husband finally said "Let's have a look at Chanel!". Before I knew, we were picking out a bag. It was such a fun day, one I will never forget.
How does Claire’s Handbag Care work?
You can request a quotation via the form on my website. Add some photos of the bag and communicate your wishes. I will make a quotation based on this information. The next step is to discuss how the bag will arrive at my studio. It is possible to do this by a postal service, with insured shipping. Or you can visit my studio, it’s located in a small town in the Netherlands. The treatment lasts around 4 to 6 weeks. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. I like the personal contact I have with my customers so much!
