The objects we carry daily should be companions on our journey, imbued with artistry and personal history. It is with this spirit that we introduce the Serena Tulip Tote. Designed for versatile elegance, this bag is not for a single occasion, but for a life of occasions to remember.
A shape for life’s demands
Like a tulip, the Serena’s top gracefully expands from a smaller, more structured base. Crafted from soft, drapey hides, the bag possesses an elegant slouch that feels both luxurious and approachable. Its ingenuity lies in its adaptability.
Above: The bag’s volume and profile are controlled by our signature side chains. When attached externally, the chains cinch the sides for a more compact, discreet silhouette. When moved to the inside of the bag, the bag’s sides relax outward, creating a larger carryall perfect for a day of exploring a new city or an impromptu trip to the beach. And when discretion is needed, the chains can be removed entirely, leaving only beautiful leather visible.
Made by London bespoke shoe-maker George Cleverley
True luxury is found in the details that tell a story. The straps of the Serena feature an elegant brogue pattern, a nod to the heritage of our artisan partner George Cleverley — a family-run, bespoke shoemaker in London. This traditional decorative technique, used on the caps and counters of fine shoes, is repurposed here as a signature of heritage and craftsmanship.
We select only the most beautiful hides, from soft calfskin and kangaroo to deep, rich suede, to elegant crocodile and alligator. The palette available in boutiques ranges from timeless black and brown to our signature Moutonière oxblood and cream and a sophisticated chocolate suede. For our established clients, the Invent-ory Custom Atelier offers the opportunity to create a truly unique piece from a collection of exotic and rare hides from animal friends around the world.
Functional interior
The Serena is designed for the rhythm of daily life. One side features a large, secure zip pocket, while the other houses a sleeve pocket generous enough to hold a laptop. A hook carabiner ensures your keys are always secure and accessible. The bag is instantly recognizable from its form and hardware, with logos only inside and discreetly blind embossed. Every element is considered to make this an ideal daily bag.
Jewelry as hardware
The bag’s closure and side chains are jewelry with design motifs from our Moutonière Fine Metals and Gems Collection. A central shepherd's crook — a cherished symbol of the house — secures the tote at the center. The side buttons feature engraved pole stars, symbols of our ability to navigate out on adventures and then safely back home. And the side and center chains feature the same rope knot links found on our necklaces and bracelets. While each bag comes with beautifully polished brass hardware, solid 18kt gold hardware is available separately and can be swapped by the wearer without tools. Custom and gem-set hardware are available from the Invent-ory Custom Atelier.
Perfect drop, perfect carry
The Serena’s dimensions have been refined for an effortless experience. The strap drop is designed to let you carry the bag comfortably by hand or wear it over your shoulder. When on the shoulder, the bag rests close against your side, preventing it from swinging and letting you walk confidently through the bustle of New York, the crowds of Tokyo, or the close quarters of a train. The Serena comes in the original large and a small size. And for those with specific requirements, custom sizes and drops are available through our Invent-ory Custom Atelier.
Origin story
Our cofounder Serena received the bag that would inspire the Serena Tulip Tote as a Christmas gift. It was commissioned as a bespoke piece in oxblood kangaroo from London shoemaker George Cleverley by a longstanding client of that firm, with bespoke hardware made by a London jeweler. The bag was envisioned to suit her lifestyle: casual enough for everyday outings, elegant enough for business lunches and meetings, large enough to fit a laptop, with gold chains that could be worn hidden inside the bag in a subway commute or outside at an elegant restaurant for full effect.
Serena loved the bag so much that Moutonière partnered with George Cleverley to introduce the bag to Moutonière’s clients, with some tweaks like a shorter drop and hardware made by Moutonière’s jewelers as part of our Fine Metals and Gems collection. Now named the “Serena Tulip Tote,” we think this bag exemplifies one of the original ideas behind Moutonière: making bespoke design and the world’s best artisanal talent available to clients at our boutiques.
The Serena Tulip Tote is more than a bag. It is a seamless blend of form and function, a testament to artisanal heritage that combines leatherworking with jewelry, and a versatile partner ready to accompany you, wherever you go. We hope you love it as much as she does!