The inside of the store is characterized by a criss-cross of walnut wood complemented by leather and Xuan paper. Twelve tons of leather offcuts were upcycled to create compressed bricks, an innovative material with an almost mineral feel. The use of Xuan paper stands as a testament to Chinese cultural heritage. Produced from the Blue Sandalwood tree and rice straw, this traditional paper is subject to a precise artisanal process, passed down orally over generations.

The experiential “Craft at Work – A theater of artisanship” space offers a dreamlike escapade at the very heart of artisanship. The first scene is dedicated to Paris, its leather brought to life by patacabras*; the second offers a country getaway to the nature of Ubrique, the birthplace of leather and home to Polène’s production; the grand finale portrays a leather workshop transformed into a theater, where miniature bags glide along overhead conveyors, greeted by their larger-than-life cousins.

*The patacabra is an emblematic leather-working tool which is especially representative of the savoir-faire of Ubrique. This little hammer flattens, forms, and fashions the leather.