Where Swiss-Quality Craftsmanship Meets Quiet Luxury.
“Leathercraft, to me, is a conversation between material, hand, and the person who carries it. A dialogue that shapes every piece I create.”
Every BY MONSIEUR piece is thoughtfully handcrafted in New Westminster using premium leather sourced mainly from European tanneries.
Designed with intention and refined through traditional techniques, our bags and accessories are made in small batches or custom to order — each one a quiet expression of quality and timeless style.
Looking for something unique?
Contact Joe to start your custom piece.
Photo: Dani Cruz Photography
For the holiday season (but really for any gifting occasion), Joe imagined a gift card like no other: a little leather envelope, handmade in his workshop, embossed with a value from $150 to $1500. The lucky recipient can use it for a custom order… and keep it as a cardholder of their own.
Craftsmanship, thoughtfulness, and something truly personal — all in one. ♡
“Trained in the Swiss tradition of meticulous craftsmanship, I believe in slowing down to create objects that last—both in construction and relevance.”
— Joe
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#design
Joe, also known as Monsieur, began his design journey in South Korea, where he trained in industrial and electronic product design at the prestigious Samsung Art & Design Institute. After relocating to Canada, he expanded his design expertise by studying interior design at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
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All photos of Joe were taken by Dani Cruz Photography at Hand & Sew in New Westminster.
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#luxury
Now a Canadian citizen, Joe spent several years in the heart of Europe, just a short drive from the French Jura—home to legendary ateliers like Hermès and Louis Vuitton. It was there that he began learning French and discovered his passion for luxury leather goods, setting the foundation for what would become BY MONSIEUR.
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#craftsmanship
While living in Switzerland, Joe completed an apprenticeship at Sattlerei Fiona Losinger, a respected atelier-boutique in Bern. He later pursued advanced leathercraft training at a private leather school in Seoul, and attended Lineapelle in Milan—the world’s premier international leather exhibition—deepening his understanding of materials and craftsmanship.
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#local
Since returning to Canada in 2021, Joe has dedicated himself to building BY MONSIEUR, launched in 2022. From his atelier in New Westminster, he handcrafts leather bags and accessories with care, precision, and patience. Joe is a proud member of Arts New West and of the Craft Council of BC.
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“My designs are meant to live closely with the individual: gaining character, softness, and story with time.”
— Joe
Tailored Services
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One-of-a-kind pieces tailored to your needs, whether for daily use or special occasions. Clients can choose leather type, color palette, finishing details, and personalization options.
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Handcrafted leather gifts designed with intention—ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or any milestone. Personalized initials available.
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Elegant, meaningful gifts for teams, clients, or partners. BY MONSIEUR offers custom leather accessories (card holders, passport wallets, desk trays, etc.) in small-to-mid-size quantities, with optional co-branding or discreet monogramming.
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A care service for cherished leather pieces—from minor scuffs and edge finishing to strap reinforcement and hardware polishing. Available for BY MONSIEUR creations and select luxury brands.
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Available exclusively for leather bags and for clients in the Vancouver region. This annual service helps maintain suppleness, restore finish, and extend the life of your bag. Complimentary for BY MONSIEUR pieces; available by request for select luxury bags.
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For designers, boutiques, and small brands looking to bring leather goods to life. Whether you’re developing a capsule collection or need a trusted partner for limited-run production, BY MONSIEUR offers tailored consulting, material sourcing guidance, and discreet white label craftsmanship.
The Basel Crossbody Bag — refined, balanced, and versatile, just like its namesake city.
A client favourite, designed to move with you through every part of your day.
Available in suede, leather and nubuck variations.
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First, Joe will reach out to discuss your vision for the perfect bag or accessory. Be sure to mention any timeframes you have in mind, especially if it’s a special gift.
Together, you’ll choose the type of leather, lining, colors, and finishes that match your vision. Once these details are set, Joe will provide you with a personalized quote. After approval, he will begin crafting your one-of-a-kind piece.
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The price of your custom bag or accessory depends on the complexity of the design, as well as your choice of leather and finishes.
After discussing the details of your order, Joe will provide you with a personalized estimate.
A deposit of 50% of the total amount is typically required to begin the handcrafting process.
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A small leather good typically takes 2 to 3 weeks to complete. For a handmade leather bag, please allow 5 to 6 weeks.
Please note that due to demand, there may be a waitlist, and lead times can vary depending on the complexity of the design, as well as your choice of leather and finishes.
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You can read our return policy here.
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"Ordered a custom bag, and the result was even better than I could have imagined! I’ve had it about a week now, and have received so many compliments already. Incredible attention to detail. The ordering process was also excellent; I appreciated the timely and clear communication. Couldn’t be happier!"
Cassandra
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"Absolutely thrilled with the work Monsieur did for my dog, Romeo! He took the time to measure Romeo, ensuring that the custom made leather harness was a perfect fit. What's more, he personalized it by adding Romeo's name on the back, which was a lovely touch. The harness isn't just practical; it looks fantastic too. The quality of the leather is top-notch, giving it a sleek and stylish appearance. I'm so grateful for the care and attention to detail. Huge thanks to Monsieur for such a wonderful job!"
Fatimah
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"I’ve always wanted a long wallet. I got this one from By Monsieur last year and have been using it every day ever since. The leather is nice, the quality is great, and the price is reasonable for a handcrafted wallet."
Korea_RTS
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"I ordered a custom leather shopper bag. Joe suggested soft, vintage-feel horse leather, and the design was finished very neatly. It’s very comfortable and easy to match with my daily life. Very satisfied 😊."
Seokyun
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« J'adore mon sac BY MONSIEUR, une pièce très unique qui correspond parfaitement à mon style et à ma personnalité! »
Coline
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"Joe did a brilliant job for our little dog Mickey for his birthday. He is so nice and patient with all of our requirements. We highly recommend him."
Mehrnaz and Kevin
Share the Craft
Every piece is locally handcrafted by Joe
One-of-a-kind and limited editions only
Premium leather sourced from world-class tanneries
Hand-selected linings and hardware
Meticulous finishings, such as hand-painted edges
Complimentary custom hot foil stamping/embossing + branded dust bag + certificate of artisanship for select pieces
Free annual conditioning for leather bags in the Vancouver region
Thank you so much for being part of our journey and for supporting handcrafted luxury.
Photo: Nina Laflamme Photography
Photo: Nina Laflamme Photography
Photo: BY MONSIEUR
Photo: BY MONSIEUR
Photo: Nina Laflamme Photography
Photo: BY MONSIEUR
Photo: Nina Laflamme Photography
Photo: BY MONSIEUR
Photo: BY MONSIEUR
Photo: BY MONSIEUR
Photo: BY MONSIEUR
Photo: BY MONSIEUR
Photo: BY MONSIEUR
Photo: BY MONSIEUR
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*NEW*
BY MONSIEUR x CCBC Shop & Gallery
We’re proud to share that the Craft Council of British Columbia (CCBC) has selected BY MONSIEUR, following their rigorous Standards of Quality jury process, to be showcased at their Granville Island Shop & Gallery — a crossroads of local craftsmanship where some of our signature pieces, from the Basel Crossbody to the Geneva Pochette to the new Lausanne Backpack, are now available.
Granville Island
1386 Cartwright St, Vancouver -
*COMING SOON*
BY MONSIEUR @ Got Craft Holiday Markets
Joe is thrilled to be part of not just one, but both weekends of the Got Craft Holiday Market this year!
NOVEMBER 22 + 23 · 10am-5pm
NOVEMBER 29 + 30 · 10am-5pmCroatian Cultural Centre
3250 Commercial Drive, East Vancouver -
*COMING SOON*
BY MONSIEUR’s Atelier & Showroom
We’re delighted to announce the upcoming opening of BY MONSIEUR’s Atelier & Showroom in Vancouver’s Marine Drive area — a private, by-appointment-only space dedicated to our loyal clients, where custom-order conversations unfold, signature pieces can be discovered, and every creation is crafted by Joe’s own hands.
More details to follow.