Jolie Leather

Leather

Jolie Leather is a one-man workshop in County Down, where traditional craftsmanship meets minimalist design to create timeless, sustainable leather goods by hand

Bio

Jolie Leather is the work of Florian Charier, a French-born maker now based in Newcastle, County Down, where he handcrafts premium leather goods using traditional techniques that are slowly vanishing in today’s world of mass production. What began as a personal curiosity about heritage materials evolved into a deep passion for leather, the last true craft of Ireland, once woven into the everyday lives of tradespeople, travellers, and storytellers.

Each Jolie Leather piece is cut, stitched, and finished entirely by hand in Florian’s small workshop, using full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather, the highest quality available. This leather ages beautifully over time, developing a rich patina that tells the story of its journey. It’s a conscious rejection of fast fashion and disposable design in favour of timelessness and durability. For Florian, leather is more than just a material, it’s a living thing, one that grows, changes, and endures.

Rooted in the principles of sustainability, simplicity, and integrity, Jolie Leather offers a lifetime warranty on all products, a statement of faith in both the materials and the craftsmanship. This promise reflects a philosophy that objects should be repaired and valued, not replaced. Every wallet, belt, or bag made under the Jolie Leather name is an invitation to slow down, to invest in quality, and to rediscover the power of well-made things.

Florian draws inspiration from minimalist design, natural landscapes, and the traditional crafts of Northern Europe. His work speaks quietly but confidently, offering functionality with refined elegance. As part of the Northern Ireland craft community, he is dedicated to reviving and preserving authentic leathercraft for future generations.

Where to Buy My Work

Painted Earth, Newcastle, Co Down

  • Commissions / Workshops / Private bookings
Yes, I take commissions. Whether you're after something practical, personal, or entirely unique, I take the time to understand your needs and craft a piece tailored just for you. Leather has been used for thousands of years in almost every way imaginable, from tools and travel gear to ceremonial items and everyday essentials. That rich history makes the possibilities for bespoke leatherwork nearly limitless. Over the years, I’ve created everything from oxygen tank bags and axe covers to knife sheaths and personalised wallets. If you have an idea, no matter how specific or unusual, I’ll work closely with you to bring it to life using high-quality, full-grain leather and traditional handcrafting techniques. I also offer bulk orders for groups and organisations such as churches, youth groups, hotels, restaurants, weddings, and events. These can include personalised items like keyrings with your logo, bookmarks, luggage tags, notepad covers, coasters, and more—perfect for gifts, branding, or special occasions. To see examples of past commissions or bulk work, please visit my website or get in touch to discuss your ideas.

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