Leatherwork: Meeting with CMCM Graduates

Founded in 1989 in Montreal, CMCM offers a program in leatherwork where students learn to transform leather into handbags, belts, wallets, and other accessories. Through drawing, manufacturing, and research and development courses, Camille and Azzara have developed their own styles while drawing inspiration from their favorite designers and brands.

Despite their creations being completely different, the two graduates complement each other and help each other to stimulate their imagination.

 

AZZARA: Beadwork and Minimalism

Also a graduate in fashion design, Azzara has always been inspired by the French couturier Christian Dior. With simplicity at its core, the graduate's bags stand out for their meticulously crafted shape, resulting in a chic and contemporary look. It's important for Azzara that her creations are easy to manufacture, highlighting both the leather and its texture.

"I drew inspiration from the Lady Dior bag for one of the bags in my collection."

The young designer also draws inspiration from designers like Alexander McQueen for his use of black and red, and from Elie Saab for his beadwork techniques.

Her Favorite Piece in Her Collection

A rectangular Mexican accordion with embroidered beads, depicting The Creation of Adam, painted by Michelangelo.

 

What She Enjoys Most in Her Leatherworking Classes

Drawing, research, and assembly.

 

Her Favorite M.A.D. Shoppe Designer

MAISON PRÉFONTAINE

"I fell in love with everything she does."

 

Her plans in the near future

After her graduation, Azzara would like to further explore what she wants to do in the industry while traveling to discover other leatherworking techniques and visit tanneries around the world.

 

CAMILLE: Rebel and Chic

Passionate about leather since her early childhood, Camille decided to further her studies at CMCM after completing her bachelor's degree in industrial design. Inspired by brands like Coperni and Schiaparelli, as well as designers such as Jacquemus and Virgil Abloh, she is deeply interested in the material itself and the construction of her bags and accessories.

"I always try to rethink and deconstruct things."

In her creations, Camille explores the duality between the rebellious side and the more understated and chic image of leather. By mixing different types of leather and manufacturing techniques, she manages to create her own style of leather goods. She also delves into the symbolism of leather, especially in accessories, such as the harnesses from the London-based brand Fleet Ilya. Her desire is to mitigate the fetishistic aspect often associated with a leather harness by removing it from its context so that it becomes a fashion accessory like any other.

 

Her Favorite Piece in Her Collection

A bag made half of smooth black leather and the other half engraved with designs reminiscent of tattoos. This creation well represents the duality she enjoys working with.

 

What She Enjoys Most in Her Leatherworking Classes

Hand stitching, handling materials, and constructing prototypes.

 

Her Favorite M.A.D. Shoppe Designer

COOPER’S DEN

"I love that she is completely self-taught."

 

Her plans in the near future

After a short break during the summer, Camille hopes to do an internship in Europe or Korea. Her dream: an internship at Coperni or Jacquemus! Later, she also wants to launch her own brand and find her style to stand out both in Montreal and internationally.

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To highlight the exceptional work and craftsmanship of Azzara and Camille, their creations will be exclusively available at M.A.D. Shoppe. Designed for all styles and lifestyles, their genuine leather bags will accompany you every day for many years to come!

Also be sure to check out the vernissage for these two graduates!

Agora du Cégep du Vieux Montréal (255, rue Ontario Est, Montréal)

Vernissage : Friday June 7 2024 from 6PM to 10PM 

Exposition presented from the 7th to the 12th of June 2024

Schedule : Saturday June 8th from 12PM to 5PM ; Monday June 10th, Tuesday June 11th and Wednesday June 12th from 12PM until 6PM.