From Heirloom to Icon: The Birth of a Repurposed Classic
It began with a single heirloom bag—too loved to let go, but too worn to use. That’s when Benita had an idea: repurpose the leather onto a new Birkenstock footbed.
What started as one pair turned into a full line. We now craft custom Madrid, Arizona, and Clog styles using leather from vintage handbags, suitcases, and garment bags—either provided by you or sourced secondhand and authenticated by us. Each pair is handmade, sustainable, and entirely unique.
We also use leftover leather to create keychains and AirTag holders, so nothing goes to waste.
Want your own? Contact us below with your size, preferred style, or details about your bag.
PROCESS
- You ship us your well loved vintage monogram bag or suitcase or you pick from our current stock
- The bag/suitcase is carefully taken apart stitch by stitch
- We salvage the best pieces and clean the material
- The style of your choice is made into a pattern fitted to your size
- Cut out of the pattern and relined with new soft suede. We use all new genuine branded components to craft your bespoke shoe
- Finished upper part is mounted to the sole and fitted on the shoe last
- Shoe cures
- Bottom sole is glued on and sandal is ready
Bespoke footwear takes between approximately 2 - 6 weeks to be made.
Bespoke footwear is final sale.
DISCLAIMER OF ENDORSEMENT:
Design Studio 7 is service-based company that breathes artistic new life into authentic, pre-owned handbags purchased legally on the secondhand market from trusted independent suppliers and also works for the owner of the bag. We do not use any new bags from the original brand owner, brand or authorized resellers. The Client acknowledges the Company will/has employed various methods including, but not limited to, cutting, sewing, and painting, to alter the item, which may affect the value of the item. Any product names, logos, brands and other trademarks or images featured or referred to are the property of their respective trademark holders. These trademark holders are not affiliated with Design Studio 7 nor with any of the products we recreate. We have no affiliation, sponsorship, or partnership with any registered trademarks. We stand independently as the sole creators of Design Studio 7. Vintage bags, suitcases and garment bags are pre-owned, used and not sold with the original packaging/documentation. Design Studio 7 does not profit from the sale of designer handbags, but only for the work performed on or with the bag by the Artisans at Design Studio 7. Some client owned bags are up-cycled by their request due the vintage nature of the original and are deemed otherwise un-salvagable. Design Studio 7 doesn't work with counterfeit products and will ensure the client's bags are authentic. Slight imperfections, fading and 'scars' are unique aspects of pre-owned finds.
