An Vandenberk

08/06/2026

For many years, luxury has been associated with rarity, exclusivity and possession.

Yet the objects that remain closest to us are often not the rarest.

They are the most meaningful.

The ones that become woven into our daily lives and personal stories.

Perhaps luxury is not about having access to something extraordinary.

Perhaps it is about recognising what is already profoundly relevant.

How do you define luxury today?

06/06/2026

When I look at a piece of leather, I do not only see material.

I see years of use, moments of care and the passage of time.

Those marks are often considered flaws.

I see them as chapters in a story.

Would you restore it or replace it?

04/06/2026

We live in a world that constantly encourages us to buy more.

Yet the objects that matter most are often the ones connected to a story, a relationship or a memory.

What if the future is not about owning more things, but valuing what we already have more deeply?

What object holds the most meaning for you?

01/06/2026

One of the unexpected gifts of recent years has been meeting people who gently expand the way I see.

Last winter, my friend 3 Rooms plus Kitchen introduced me to the work of Finnish designer and glass artist Katriina Nuutinen.

It reminded me that creativity is not about making more. It is about seeing more.

Perhaps abundance begins in the worlds we help one another discover.

Has someone changed the way you see the world?

26/04/2026

𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘁 𝘇𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗮𝗿 𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿, 𝗺𝗮𝗮𝗿 𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗻.
𝘎𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘹𝘵 is zo’n tas.

Deze bespoke belt bag en crossbody werd gemaakt als cadeau voor een dochter, nadat zij verliefd werd op de paarse Gitte van haar mama. Dezelfde basisvorm, maar helemaal opnieuw geïnterpreteerd in haar eigen kleuren, materialen en verhaal.

Het mooiste detail?
De klant bracht een oude, geliefde tas van 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘣𝘺𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘩 mee. Een tas die ooit veel betekende, maar niet meer gedragen werd. En dus kreeg ze geen einde, maar een nieuw begin.

Ik verwerkte zorgvuldig onderdelen van die tas in het nieuwe ontwerp, gecombineerd met lichtgroen plantaardig gelooid leder, gouden fournituren, een praktische dubbele ritssluiting, een voorvakje voor kaarten en een zachte, verrassende binnenkant in twee groentinten.

Compact, elegant, handsfree en persoonlijk.
Dat is voor mij de essentie van maatwerk: niet alleen iets nieuws maken, maar waarde, herinnering en materiaal een toekomst geven.

Lees het volledige verhaal van 𝘎𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘹𝘵 via de link in de eerste comment.

Droom jij van een tas die niet alleen bij je past, maar ook iets van jou meedraagt? Dan ben je welkom in mijn Brussels atelier voor een eerste gesprek.

04/04/2026

Leatherwork is built in small gestures.

In rhythm, precision, attention and time.

What you see here is only one quiet moment in the process, yet it is exactly in these moments that the quality, character and longevity of a piece begin to take shape.

27/03/2026

Over the past few days, something has shifted quite deeply for me.

Not long ago, social media mainly felt like pressure. Too much noise. Too much forcing. Too much obligation.

And now, only a few days into The Abundance Game, I can already feel something very different: more energy, more clarity, more joy, and a real desire to create again.

What I am realising is that abundance is about much more than money, results or opportunities.

It is a state of energy from which you live, create, connect and build.

It is about giving, receiving, and setting multiplication in motion — then allowing that movement to continue and flow into more areas of your business and your life.

That is what makes this so enlightening for me.

Because yes, social media is part of it too. The way we use it matters. It can drain us, or it can become a place where generosity circulates, where visibility has meaning, where connection grows, and where abundance keeps moving.

That is the shift I am feeling right now.

Less pressure. More flow.
Less obligation. More intention.
Less performance. More genuine connection.

A heartfelt thank you to Kim Vandebergh and Katrin Van de Water for creating something that is already bringing so much clarity.

And also a warm thank you to Saskia Shutt Designs , whose connection led me to Katrin in the first place.

It already feels like something important has started.

This Is No Disco

24/03/2026

Our Commitment to Sustainability | An Vandenberk-Leathercraftswoman-This Is No Disco

Behind every finished piece lies a process shaped by dialogue.

In her Brussels atelier boutique, designer An Vandenberk-Leathercraftswoman-This Is No Disco approaches each commission as a collaboration. Material, proportion and narrative are explored before form takes shape, allowing identity and intention to inform the final piece.

The atelier, located in Schaerbeek and easily accessible from the European quarter, offers a private and considered setting for design encounters undertaken by appointment.

Private design consultations may be arranged via: www.anvandenberk.be/en/atelier-brussel/

📹Learn more about our ‘Commitment to Sustainability’ initiative: https://tinyurl.com/54a63bpf

15/02/2026

A quiet surprise. A milestone birthday. A piece made to stay.

In December, a client booked a discreet appointment in my atelier.
His wife would turn 60 — and he wanted a gift that wouldn’t be “just a handbag”, but a personal object.

This is Le Présent.
Created around C.’s story and her wishes, down to the smallest detail. Sent last Wednesday. Given today, on Valentine’s Day.
Her message this morning said it all: “Magnifique… everything matches what I wished for.”

Curious about a bespoke piece (for yourself or as a gift)? Send me a message to book an atelier appointment.

09/02/2026

A quiet invitation from my atelier.

Until 15 February, selected This Is No Disco pieces are reduced — a rare window to step in, try the work, and see what belongs in your wardrobe.

This week (today–Saturday), you can also book a private atelier visit (max. 5 people per slot) for a calm try-on and personal guidance.

The newsletter is posted below with all details + links.
Read it, then choose your route: online or atelier.

Your moment to try bamboo...