Sigrid de l'Epine
The creator of DELEP cases
DEL'EP is a fine leather goods house founded in January 2020 by Sigrid de l'Epine, who after a career as a model worked for 20 years in the world of fashion, image and creation (notably at Hermès alongside Martin Margiela, at Balenciaga with Nicolas Ghesquière and Karl Lagerfeld, and as head of Haute Couture at Chanel).
She learned from them about creativity, quality, aesthetics and the power of luxury.
The birth of the project DEL'EP
How did this collection of leather cases come about?
I created these cases for people who often need their glasses and waste a lot of time looking for them . I wanted a case that was as chic as it was functional. So I set out to find a case that I could wear around my neck like a piece of jewelry , so that my glasses would always be close at hand. Since I couldn't find one anywhere, and couldn't resign myself to the "grandmother's chain" that doesn't protect my glasses, I decided to design it and have it made, in exceptional raw leather and in a traditional, sustainable way.
"I looked for it, I couldn't find it, so I created it".
With our cases, with a flick of the wrist your glasses are in your sight, with another flick of the wrist they're back in their case, always there when you need them.
Building on the rapid success of our eyewear case, we've created a whole range of chic and practical unisex leather cases, to be worn around the neck or slung over the shoulder.
our cases are used and appreciated by our most demanding customers as luxurious, timeless and indispensable "must-haves".
Why did you choose to have your leather goods line made in France?
It's very important to me that these cases are made from French vegetable-tanned leather- a longer process, but one that doesn't use chromium - and that they are made by French craftsmen in the traditional way and thus contribute to maintaining know-how while respecting people and our environment. It's also in the interests of ecology and to avoid overproducing that we've chosen not to hold a lot of stock, as our craftsmen are close by and reactive: the model you order can be delivered within 3 weeks.
It's always a pleasure to visit the workshops and listen to the craftsmen talk about their know-how, their different techniques, their love of leather, the way they have to adapt to each skin, the difficulties they may encounter, their passion for the craft and their desire to keep this French know-how alive.
Visibility in the international fashion press
CITY Magazine
Photographer: Serge Talayssat
HERMÈS catalog
Photographer: Koto Bolofo
HERMÈS catalog
Photographs: Koto Bolofo
W Magazine US
Photographer: Deborah Turbeville
W Magazine US
Photographer: Deborah Turbeville
"One girl, one style
VOGUE FRANCE
Photographer: Elin Hörnfeld
ELLE CHINE
Photographer: Kate Berry
POP UK
Photographer: Christopher Sturman
New York Times magazine
Photographer: Rob Maxwell
HERMÈS by MARGIELA
MAD exhibition catalog