photo © Milena Perdriel (milenap.com)

After a "first life" as a professional, Valerie turned to the leather goods sector, fascinated by travel trunks and antique luggage. With her workshop, "the WORKSHOP", she gives free rein to her imagination in creating her accessories and regularly collaborates with brands (including Chardon Paris!) to offer them gilding services; an art that requires a special know-how and meticulousness, which can only be acquired with experience.

This lover of beautiful materials and authentic objects shares her travel habits with Chardon.

Who are you? 

I am Valérie, a Parisian of Lyons origin, a translator by training, who became involved in CSR by chance in a multinational company at the beginning of my career, and who is now a craftswoman and founder of a leather goods and gilding workshop. 

How often do you travel? 

I travel a lot less since my professional reconversion. It's difficult for me to be away for long periods of time and what I like about travelling is being able to settle down and take the time to discover, to mingle with local life and to leave a bit of room to wander.

Expatriation is probably the best way I found to travel as a student and young adult!

Business or personal travel? 

I love that my gilding business allows me to travel a bit now that I can do it less personally. I wouldn't have imagined it when I started in this business, but some brands ask me to run shops in the provinces or abroad. When I can, I try to stay an extra day.

Carry-on or checked luggage? 

I find it very difficult to travel light! So hold. And when it's professional, my tools have to go in the hold (the only time I had to do it, I was not at ease the whole trip !!!). I don't like to fly (not out of fear, but because of the associated constraints), I much prefer to take the train when it's possible, and it allows me to avoid problems of size or suitcase content.

How do you fill it? Do you have any tips on how to avoid being overloaded? 

No tricks, I always plan a bit too much!!!

What do you always have on hand when you travel? 

Music always. Reading to pass the time; some light and some serious, and then I choose according to my mood. A pashmina because I often feel cold because of the air conditioning. 

At the airport, how do you handle the security check? 

As soon as possible to avoid stress, and with suitable clothing (easy to remove shoes, no belts, etc.)

A favourite destination? 

A fairly old trip now, to Alaska. A 3 months stay during the summer and incredible memories: everything was huge and spectacular. I'd like to go back to experience winter: the cold, the night, the snow, the northern lights, and see how life adapts and organizes itself.

 Your next trip? 

Apart from health issues, it is impossible for me to know when this trip will take place, but the one I dream of is a month in Japan, discovering Japanese culture and its incredible craftsmen.

To follow Valerie and her creations,

it's here, or there!

LeWORKSHOP, leather goods and gilding workshop.