Delvaux: A Belgian treasure

20^th February 2012

Pooja Sahny

Pooja Sahny

20 February 2012

It all began in 1929 when artisanal Charles Delvaux added a shop window to his workshop based in Brussels. At the time he was focusing upon hand crafted travel trunks, which soon broadened to other leather goods such as suitcases and handbags.

During his reign at Delvaux, Charles was appointed official supplier to the Royal Court; Belgian Queen Poala was known to have a ‘Le Grand Bonheur’ bag, which is featured here.

Only in 1933 did Delvaux make a full 360°, when Franz Schwennicke took over with his visions. Since then, this brand has remained within the family.

Leathers used at The House of Delvaux, which is based in Brussels itself, come from young calves bred in Italy and France. The variety of animals used is remarkable. I always just thought it to be goat, alligator, snake and bullocks, but other exotic hides are used too; ostrich, lizard and salmon to name a few.

Here’s an interesting fact: it usually takes about 2m² of hide to create a bag, which uses 1m² of leather.

In case you have not realized, The House of Delvaux is very selective with the materials they use. Their testing is vigorous, only because they believe in the very best. I doubt you would purchase an item and complain about the colour changing or it not being water resistant.

Only a team of three to four will work on a bag, from start to finish. Everything is handmade. Delvaux works only with the best craftsmen, as well as top Belgian designers to carry on with their traditions. They have worked with the likes of Veronique Branquinho, Dirk Van Saene and, Wouters and Hendrix.

Delvaux is often compared to Hermes. They certainly have similarities as both are luxurious, sophisticated and definitely not cheap.

Delvaux also caters to men as well as women. This bag here is appropriately called the “Newspaper Bag” and was designed by Bruno Pieters as a handy briefcase for men. The price is a stunning 1720€.

Their more affordable range is the “Cabas Bag” starting from 275€ depending on the size and colour combination. The “Kangourou Bag” on the other hand is made of fabric and leather and has an imprint of the “Brilliant Bag” on it. This bag can be folded in a zipped pocket which has the shape of the famous D. The cost is a mere 340€.

If you want the best caviar, you buy Beluga. If you are looking for a refined leather accessory, The House of Delvaux is the way to go.

Pooja Sahny