THE FOUNDER
Zeineb M’Khinini, the sixth of eight children, was born 1986 in Sousse, a coastal town in Tunisia known for its natural beauty and pristine beaches. Her family has always been an infinite source of strength and inspiration. From a young age, she was always drawn to nature and loved to touch the objects around her and feel in her small hands the subtle forces of matter.
After obtaining a scientific baccalaureate with honors, she decided to pursue an engineering degree in Tunis, in many ways honoring her family’s desires and following in the footsteps of her older sisters, keeping in mind her father’s passion for new technologies.
Her decision to move to Paris to further her studies was
a turning point in her life. She fell under the spell of this
city where every street corner awakened her inner desire
for creation and creativity. Finally, in the City of Light,
she felt culturally and artistically fulfilled. Enamored by
the Parisian way of life, she decided this is where she
would commence her career.
After graduation, she worked in the fast-paced and fast- growing telecoms sector, where she quickly rose through the ranks. But she knew her calling was elsewhere and in 2017 decided to follow her dreams and signed up for night courses studying model design at ESMOD. Driven by her artistic dream, Zeineb decided to create her own handbag brand in Paris. It took several years of hard work, patience, some trials and tribulations to finally create these unique pieces of art using numerous distinctive techniques including the dazzling porcelain and straw marquetry that mark her latest collections
Her artistic creations are unique, in every respect. Each one is hand-made and each part of the process is handled by artists and artisans whose techniques have been passed on from generation to generation. Combining a unique design with some long-lost traditions using hard- sought artists, she has managed to create something truly matchless in this market. 3 Through her designs, you can find echoes of her rebellious soul, her love of her late father and her oriental culture, which she has managed to blend with Western influences. The end result is a unique creation that juxtaposes different cultures, challenging epoques and reinventing our notions of desire, of class and luxury. How do you create something that will transcend time and become immortal? Every part of the process has been thought through carefully selected. The materials have been carefully chosen, each piece individually crafted. The wood used to make these bags for example is chrysalis, chosen for its distinct colour, feel and durability. When Zeineb M'khinini left her job in 2018 to start working on bringing her dream to life and creating these magical pieces of art, the mission was clear. She wanted to create something she could have on a mantlepiece and admire, but also wear and dazzle. She wanted to ensure every creation was made with passion, of astounding beauty and designed with the precision of an engineer. It had to be perfect, in the way it was assembled and in how it made you feel. This is what she aspires to every day in her workshop and what she seeks every day. What is the jewel in your crown? Simple: a M'khinini handbag.