A MAISON MOTEMA bag is made to move with you: through city mornings, long flights, dinners, meetings, departures, and returns. Each piece is handcrafted in our Dakar Atelier using full-grain leather, a natural material chosen for its strength, texture, and ability to develop character over time.
Leather is alive in its own way. It responds to light, touch, humidity, movement, and care. With the right habits, your bag will age beautifully and remain part of your wardrobe for years.
1. Store It Properly
When you are not using your bag, store it in its dust bag in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, heat, and damp spaces, as these can affect the leather’s color, texture, and shape.
To help your bag keep its structure, gently fill it with tissue paper, soft fabric, or the original stuffing. Avoid newspaper, as ink may transfer.
Do not hang your bag by its handles for long periods. This can stretch the leather over time. Let it rest upright or lying gently on its side.
2. Protect It From Water
Full-grain leather is durable, but it is still sensitive to water. If your bag gets wet, do not use direct heat to dry it. Avoid hair dryers, radiators, or strong sunlight.
Instead, gently pat the leather with a clean, soft cloth and allow it to air dry naturally at room temperature.
If you live in a rainy or humid climate, consider using a leather protector spray suitable for full-grain leather. Always test first on a discreet area.
3. Clean It Gently
For everyday care, wipe your bag with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust.
If needed, use a slightly damp cloth, but never soak the leather. Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol, baby wipes, or household cleaners. These can strip the leather, stain it, or change its finish.
For deeper cleaning, we recommend taking your bag to a professional leather specialist.
4. Avoid Overloading
Our bags are made for real life, but leather responds to weight. Avoid overfilling your bag, especially with heavy items, as this can stretch the handles, distort the silhouette, or put pressure on the seams.
For travel pieces such as the Mini Voyage, distribute weight evenly and use the shoulder strap when needed.
5. Be Mindful of Color Transfer
Light-colored leather can absorb dye from dark denim, suede, or heavily pigmented clothing. Dark leather can also transfer slightly onto pale fabrics in humid conditions.
To protect your bag and clothing, avoid prolonged rubbing against materials that may bleed color, especially when new.
6. Let the Leather Age
Small marks, softening, and subtle changes in tone are part of the life of full-grain leather. They are not flaws. They are signs of use, movement, and time.
A MAISON MOTEMA bag is not designed to remain untouched. It is designed to be carried.
7. Care for the Details
Avoid placing your bag on rough surfaces that may scratch the leather or hardware. Keep makeup, pens, perfume, oils, and liquids inside protective pouches.
For bronze hardware, gently wipe with a soft dry cloth. Bronze may develop a natural patina over time, which is part of its character.
A Final Note
Your bag was made slowly, by hand, with attention to construction, materials, and longevity. Care for it in the same spirit.
Store it well. Carry it often. Let it become yours.