A set of unique crocodile pieces, accented with 18-karat gold, the Celine Haute Maroquinerie collection is at once artisanal, personal, and rare.

Each item embodies exceptional savoir-faire and is housed in a lacquered eucalyptus wood coffer, panelled with exquisite black leather used for bags. Masterful craftsmanship permeates the exclusive range of goods, with each bag created as a single piece by a solo artisan, who only begins cutting the leather when an order has been placed.

Recognisable for its large oval scales, the exotic Nile crocodile leather used in the Haute Maroquinerie collection is known for its association with ultra-luxurious artisanship. Marrying contemporary design with the centuries-old tradition of tannery, different sections of the leather are polished with an agate stone to preserve depth of colour and shine. This meticulous process ensures that each item is rare and imbued with heritage.

Masterful craftsmanship permeates the exclusive range of goods, with each bag created as a single piece by a solo artisan, who only begins cutting the leather when an order has been placed.

The bag is accentuated by stunning bijouterie in 18-karat white or yellow gold, whilst closures can be customised with pavé diamonds or solitaires for an additional touch of elegance. Initials may also be embossed on the goatskin lining.

An inspiring inaugural creation by Hedi Slimane for Celine, the Haute Maroquinerie collection’s twin leading lights are two signature bags: the 16 and Triomphe. The 16 bag is named after Celine’s atelier at 16 Rue Vivienne in Paris. Its classic structured frame and smaller top flap are inspired by the characteristics of bags from the 1960s.

Reimagined by Hedi, the 16 design requires 17 hours of workmanship. The handle is saddle-stitched by hand and each article has the number ‘16’ embossed along the rise of the inner pocket. Inside is a mirror bordered in crocodile leather, and each closure is crafted with 18-karat yellow or white gold, with the option of a diamond solitaire set within the plate, which is hidden by the flap or pavé diamonds on the sides or bottom of the clasp. The all-gold lock can also be customised with a solitaire underneath, or a pavé setting on the outward-facing side.

The Triomphe is equally exceptional, with a contemporary aesthetic that requires 12 hours of craftsmanship. Its closure also comes in 18-karat yellow or white gold, with a solitaire on the concealed part of the clasp, or pavé diamonds inset along the top. This closure is inspired by the heraldic motif of the chain encircling the Place de l’Etoile in Paris.

The Haute Maroquinerie collection and, notably, its headline acts, the 16 and Triomphe, represent a striking first offering from the Maison that’ll leave Celine devotees eagerly anticipating what comes next.

Images courtesy of Hedi Slimane for Celine. Visit Celine.com and follow @Celine on Instagram.