Juliette Noël

Atelier Julno

Leatherworker

©Caroline Bazin

©Alice Jacquemin

©Caroline Bazin

The sophistication of simplicity

Juliette became acquainted with leather work in Italy
She draws on her experience working for French fashion houses
She opened Atelier Julno in Rouen in 2016

Juliette Noël discovered the work of the leather craftsmen while she was in Rome studying History of Art: it all made sense to her. Since then, she has been devoting her studies and career to this noble material. After a diploma at the Grégoire Ferrandi School in Paris, she strengthened her experience working for a modelmaker atelier. In 2016, Juliette opened her own workshop in the heart of Rouen, Atelier Julno. She is elaborating her own collection of leather goods. Sophistication can be read in the simplicity and high quality of her pieces. Faithful to the savoir-faire and traditional making, Juliette likes to bring modern twists through her finishes. Custom made bags are among her favourite challenges: finding the perfect case for the right object.

Interview

©Caroline Bazin

©Caroline Bazin

Do you remember the moment you chose this craft?: Very romantic! It was on the Piazza Navona, Rome. I was passionate about my studies but could not think of the right job. As I was walking with my mother who came to visit, I told her about all the leather craftspeople I was interacting with. She gave me the idea of shifting to craftsmanship.
What does “well made” mean to you?: To be respectful of an expertise and of the origin of the material; which is above all, a living being. It also means an irreproachable quality so that it lasts over time.
What is little known about your craft?: The time spent on a small wallet or on a bag. Preparing the leather, cutting it, the reinforcements that are added to make the bag fit but whose presence should not be perceived. The behind the scenes creation of leather goods is impressive and unsuspected.
Do you think your craft could be considered in danger?: Top brands often buy out the tanneries; it is difficult to access certain products because of the minimum orders. Leather goods for major brands have never been so popular. Independent workshops can be considered in danger.

Juliette Noël are master artisans: they began their career in 2010 and they started teaching in 2017