Cherchbi

Cherchbi was established by Adam Atkinson in 2007 with the initial vision of creating bags from the discarded wool of the ancient Herdwick breed. In 2018, the brand transitioned to Mowbray Leather Goods, while Adam continued to lead all design-related decisions. This collaboration has enabled Cherchbi to evolve into the highest quality and most sustainable version of itself, combining Adam’s extensive experience in design, quality control, and customer engagement with Mowbray Leather Goods’ expertise in leatherwork, bag making, and sustainable material sourcing. Every Cherchbi piece reflects a commitment to honest luxury, crafted meticulously in Melton Mowbray, England. Their skilled leather workers and bag makers handcraft each bag using exceptional materials, adopting a low waste, robust design philosophy coupled with local and quality sourcing. This approach ensures that each item is not only luxurious but also highly durable, designed to be carried throughout a lifetime. Cherchbi’s design process centres on intuitive functionality. Their modern designs are both easy to use and aesthetically refined, with design details pared down to their essential elements to highlight the natural qualities of the materials. The process begins with inspiration from vintage, utilitarian, and military styles, combined with research into ergonomics and practical use. Initial sketches and line-plans shape the collection architecture, followed by detailed specification drawings and calico mock-ups to perfect construction, shape, and size. These are refined through revisions before prototypes are crafted, ensuring each final sample meets their exacting standards. Production then proceeds with detailed notes and photographs documenting the many steps involved in manufacturing. Cherchbi proudly incorporates British materials to reinforce their heritage and quality. They use AW Hainsworth’s iconic woollen cloth from West Yorkshire, a fabric with a legacy of serving British royalty and military. This military-grade wool features prominently in their True Heritage collection, embodying the brand’s commitment to made-in-England principles. The linings are crafted exclusively from 100% dyed cotton sourced from Manchester’s prestigious Behren’s mill. Where possible, English-cast brass buckles and metalware are used, complemented by Swiss-made Riri zippers, renowned for their superior quality. All Cherchbi bags are bench-made in one of the last remaining leather goods factories in the UK, located in Melton Mowbray. Each item is constructed using a robust style inspired by English saddlery and equestrian leatherwork, ensuring lifelong durability. Textile components are hand-cut, and leather parts are precision-cut with shaped knives, with highly skilled craftsmen assembling each bag stage by stage using machines and benches. Their leather is sourced from premier Italian merchants, specialising in the finest vegetable-tanned hides that combine style with longevity. Through this blend of heritage British materials, expert craftsmanship, and a thoughtful, sustainable approach, Cherchbi creates premium bags that stand as enduring symbols of honest luxury and functional design.