Bespoke Beauty
D’auchel introduces its brand of artisanal leatherwork to Hong Kong
Walking into a D’auchel atelier is an experience like no other. The lift that whisks you away from the busy Lyndhurst Terrace opens its doors unexpectedly into a place where you’re transported back in time. Greeted by the unique aromas of only the finest leather, your eyes can’t help but be drawn to the colourful yards of leather, seemingly flirting for your attention. Though it’s difficult to shift your gaze, you remain drawn to the select handbags, which can only be compared to works of art as two craftsmen sit at a work table, intensely examining and discussing the small stitching.
This all-consuming sensory experience is what Olivier Dauchez, the founder and CEO of D’auchel, explains is the basis for what he wants to bring to Hong Kong and to haute couture—a one-ofa-kind, truly authentic and quintessential luxury handbag that is entirely crafted with only the finest materials from France, right here in the heart of Central. “What we are trying to do here is that. The idea is not only to sell bags, but to offer an entire experience to our clients,” he says.
The experience starts when the client is invited to the atelier to touch, feel and explore the various materials and handbag styles on offer. Then, with the help of a consultant and working closely with a craftsman, the client chooses their style, colours, accessories and even the thread that will be used in crafting their own unique handbag, which can take up to three weeks to make. “Our clients are elegant women who already have a lot of bags and love this product, but they’re looking for something entirely different and unique—and they want pure quality,” says Dauchez.
Because clients work closely with their own craftsman, an intense relationship naturally develops between the client and their handbag. “They can ask whatever questions they want. They can build a relationship with the bag, so in the end when they come back to pick up the final product, they don’t just see it as a new purchase. They are aware and appreciative of all the work and expertise that is needed to create that bag.”
This unique experience, coupled with extreme attention to quality and detail, is what makes the brand stand out. Instead of machines, the D’auchel shop is an authentic atelier with French artisans on-site, crafting what Dauchez rightfully calls “masterpieces of patience.” Each craftsman at the atelier arrives with a minimum of 10 years’ experience working at high-end ateliers in France, bringing the best techniques and developing their own. For the first time, their skills are being showcased here in Asia.
“No matter where you go worldwide, the French craftsmen are the best,” Dauchez says. “They have so much history; the older ones teach the younger craftsmen and through many generations, they develop a technique. There’s lots of passion.”
Dauchez himself is a descendent of luxury, having grown up in a noble family at his mother’s French castle. His passion for quality is easily explained by the fact that he grew up around some of the most exquisite furniture and artworks that only the best craftsmen who spent years perfecting the craft could create.
This passion can also be seen in the signature Thais bag that not only utilises the natural movement of leather to open and close, but also has a stylish quality that aims to withstand the test of time.
Dauchez explains, “This is purely the work of the craftsmen and me. We worked on it together. That’s the biggest difference with any other brand—i don’t think anyone takes the technical part so seriously. So we can make something different in that way.”
More information on D'AUCHEL is available on dauchel.com.hk and by phone at +852 2116 9400