Manuel Dreesmann: My Honest Handbag Review
In February 2024, my husband and I took our first trip to Barcelona, a city that instantly captivated us with its breathtaking architecture. Every street felt like a work of art—ornate facades, curving balconies, and the unmistakable influence of Gaudí’s genius at every turn. Beyond its visual splendor, Barcelona pulsed with energy, from its rich history to its vibrant culture and unforgettable cuisine. Today, I’m thrilled to bring a piece of that magic to you through two exquisite handbags from Manuel Dreesmann, a Barcelona-based designer whose minimalistic aesthetic and bold geometric shapes transform leather goods into wearable art.
“Artists do not need monuments erected for them because their works are their monuments.”
Atelier Madre (how clever is that abbreviation for Manuel Dreesmann?!) kindly sent me two stunning handbags, and I’ve had so much fun wearing them around Scottsdale over the past couple of weeks. If you want to see them in action, head over to my YouTube channel for my full review vlog!
The first bag I want to show you is the Croissant bag—because, honestly, could the name be any cuter? Its architectural silhouette truly mirrors a croissant, and naturally, every time I wear it, I find myself craving one. I took it out for a spin last weekend, and I lost count of how many compliments I received! This bag sparks so much joy with its unique shape, making it an instant standout piece. But beyond its eye-catching design, it’s surprisingly practical—despite its sculptural form, it fits way more than you’d expect (another shameless plug for my vlog, where I show exactly how much fits inside!). I have it in the ‘brown’ shade, a versatile neutral that pairs effortlessly with just about everything.
What sets Atelier Madre’s bags apart is their beautifully deconstructed approach. Instead of traditional polished finishes—like interior linings—you get an unfiltered look at the impeccable craftsmanship and quality of the leather itself. This minimalist design lets the material’s natural beauty shine, showcasing its unique textures and characteristics. There’s no excess, no unnecessary embellishments—just intentional design and expert artistry. And that’s exactly what has made me fall in love with this brand!
The next bag I want to introduce you to is the Saka—one of Atelier Madre’s best-selling styles (and for good reason!). It’s an incredibly versatile design that can be worn three ways: as a crossbody, a shoulder bag, and a clutch.
I’ll be honest—when Atelier Madre first told me they wanted to send me this bag, I was a little hesitant. Based on the online photos, it didn’t immediately feel like my style, and it wasn’t calling to me the way the Croissant bag did. But that completely changed the moment I saw it in person and started styling it with my outfits! The woven leather details are absolutely stunning, and the craftsmanship becomes even more apparent up close. Like the Croissant bag, it has no interior lining, allowing the raw beauty of the leather and the artistry behind its construction to shine. This bag is subtly giving Reputation TV vibes (I’m forever clowning 🤡) so I obviously had to put together some outfit inspiration for my fellow Swifties!
I took the Saka out for a date night with Freddy last weekend, and I loved how effortlessly it adapted to the evening. I carried it as a clutch for dinner, but when I needed to be hands-free (like when we had to haul our takeout boxes up three flights of stairs!), I simply pulled out the strap which I had tucked inside, and it instantly became a chic crossbody. Practical, beautiful, and incredibly well-made—this bag has completely won me over! The Saka is also the perfect size to hold all your essentials—plus a few extras, like an eyeglass case (which, fun fact, Atelier Madre also makes!). It’s surprisingly roomy while still maintaining its sleek silhouette, making it just as functional as it is stylish. Head over to my vlog to see exactly how much fits inside!
After spending the past few weeks styling and wearing these bags, I can confidently say that Atelier Madre has completely captured my heart. Their commitment to craftsmanship, intentional design, and understated luxury makes their pieces feel so special—like wearable works of art. Both the Croissant and Saka bags have seamlessly integrated into my wardrobe, proving that timeless design and versatility can go hand in hand. If you’re looking for a beautifully made, statement-worthy bag that stands out while remaining effortlessly wearable, I can’t recommend Atelier Madre enough. Be sure to check out my vlog for an even closer look at these stunning pieces in action!