Last updated on February 26, 2026 by Eve Dawes
Atelier Madre Manuel Dreesman: why this unique bag excels in quality, design and wearability
Atelier Madre Manuel Dreesman has quickly become one of my favorite under-the-radar, mid-range, handmade bag brands. This Barcelona brand is famous for its unique bag designs such as croissant bags, quiet and luxurious feel, practicality, and workshops that you can actually visit like a gallery. In this Atelier Madre Manuel Dreesman review, we will take an in-depth look at quality, craftsmanship, leather, design, size, wearability, and whether Manuel Dreesman bags are worth the money.
Atelier Madre Manuel Dreesman review: quality
Let’s start with locally produced leather and dyeing methods. Atelier Madre’s vegetable-tanned leather is sourced directly from two tanneries in the historic leather-producing city of Igualada. If you’ve read or seen my other handbag reviews, you’ll know how much I prefer full-grain quality cowhide and sheepskin. This is because they are more durable and the bag has better structure and lasts for a long time.
Full-Grain Leather: The outermost layer of leather, retaining its natural texture and markings such as pores, grains, and small defects. This is the strongest and most luxurious leather known for its durability and patina forming ability. Atelier Madre
The fact that vegetable-tanned leather is used rather than chrome-tanned leather is another factor in making high-quality handmade bags.
Vegetable tanned leather and chrome tanned leather
The tanning method used is an important factor in determining the quality of the leather. It is a fast process that uses chromium salts for efficiency, so approximately 95% of the leather is chrome tanned. However, these salts are harmful to the environment and human health, and require severe dyeing and surface treatment to achieve the final appearance. They also tend not to feel or smell good and are easy to wear.
Vegetable tanning leather, while a more traditional and environmentally friendly method, takes much longer and uses natural tannins derived from plants. This creates a more durable leather with a higher quality texture and a better smell that will age well over time.
What makes Atelier Madre Manuel Dreesman bags unique and special?
A few things that make this Barcelona bag brand stand out to me are the design, handcraft, and quality.
- They only use vegetable-tanned, primary-selected leather to ensure the highest standards.
- They use cowhide, a by-product of the meat industry.
- Tannery expertise: To ensure high production standards, we select only the best tanneries outside Barcelona that comply with EU regulations.
- You can visit the workshop in Barcelona to watch the production process and purchase it.
- Online customers can create their own bags by checking out limited edition colors instead of the colors shown on the site.
The combination of these elements creates a durable, beautifully handcrafted, sustainable quality bag unlike anything I’ve found in the US or UK.
Atelier Madre Manuel Dreesman Review: Croissant Bag
The Atelier Madre Manuel Dreesman Croissant bag was my first Atelier Madre bag. I bought the bag because I liked how structured and unique it was. I have also been looking for a navy leather shoulder bag for a while. Constructed from 5 panels of full grain vegetable tanned leather, sturdy brass rivets, exposed construction, magnetic closure, no lining, no hassle. If you’re looking for a minimalist bag, something unique and statement, or a quiet luxury bag for under $1,000, be sure to check out these styles.
The Croissant bag is available in two sizes with the same width and strap length. However, the new ‘Big’ Croissant bag is 3cm taller and 8cm longer.
Croissant bag magnetic closure size (this is what I have):
• Height x length x width: 16 x 36 x 10 cm.
• Weight: 300g
• Strap: 25cm (drop length)
Croissant Bag Big Magnetic Closure size:
• Height x length x width: 19 × 44 x 10 cm.
• Weight: 500g
• Strap: 25cm (drop length)
Atelier Madre Manuel Dreesman Review: Panino Bag
The Panino bag is the latest addition to my bag collection. Similar to the croissant bag in the making, it’s handcrafted in a Barcelona atelier and has a folded silhouette, but with less curves and adjustable straps, allowing it to be converted between a shoulder and crossbody bag.
- Height x length x width: 14 x 28 x 8 cm
- Weight: 400g
- Adjustable strap: 21 – 55 cm (drop length). Strap length is set by a knot inside the bag.
This bag is even more special. I sent them a picture of my Chanel slingback shoes and asked if they had matching colors. So they handcrafted my Panino bag in one of the limited edition colors. What do you think about the match? I am very impressed and like the idea of such a unique bag with a limited edition color that is made to order.
Atelier Madre Manuel Dreesman custom bag
As well as my Panino bag, Atelier Madre Manuel Dreesman can make any bag in the limited edition colors they have in their workshop. Just ask! This makes for a really special bag, and it’s great if you have a dress or outfit for a special occasion, or like me, a pair of shoes to create a really cohesive look.
Atelier Madre Manuel Dreesman Bags: Pros and Cons
Honestly, I can’t think of any downsides except that I don’t like cow leather and prefer sheep leather. But if you’re shopping for a unique, quiet luxury bag under $1,000 that’s also long-lasting, handmade, and sustainable in a modern, minimalist, and striking design, check out our full leather goods collection. They also make belts, laptop cases, wallets and more, which make great gifts and offer free worldwide shipping on orders over $100.
Is Atelier Madre a quiet luxury alternative?
Yes, especially at this price point. Finding modern handbags that feel luxurious for under $1,000 can be difficult, and this is where they excel. No logos, no excessive hardware or decoration, this is a high quality, statement and minimalist bag.
