FAQs

Upcycling means taking something that already exists - a vintage designer bag, leftover atelier fabric, deadstock textile - and transforming it into something new instead of sending it to a landfill. For Claire Akkan Bags, that means every piece starts with materials that have a previous life. 

Two main places: vintage designer bags that are disassembled and reworked, and leftover fabrics from fashion ateliers that would otherwise go to waste. Some pieces use deadstock textiles sourced from fabric markets. The mix changes with every piece, which is part of what makes each bag different.

Yes. Because every bag starts from existing materials - not a bolt of new fabric or a production run - no two bags are exactly alike. Even bags made from the same source material will have variations in cut, placement, and detail. When something sells out, it's gone.

Yes. Custom work is available, including reworking your own vintage designer bag. The Custom Gucci is a good example of what that process looks like — you can see it in the shop. If you have something specific in mind, reach out at claire@claireakkan.com and we'll figure out if it's doable.

At 15 stores across the United States. The full list of stockists is on the Stores page. 

Because the materials vary by piece, there's no single answer — a bag made from vintage silk needs different care than one made from canvas or leather. When in doubt, spot clean with a damp cloth and keep it away from prolonged moisture. If you're unsure about a specific piece, email us and we'll tell you exactly what we'd do.