More CSE Pictures

Kelly Christy Fitting a Hat

A Guest Perusing Classic Style

Gary Seaward and Guest

Dean Girling at Work

Dmitri Onistsuk of Demeter

Sources: April in Paris

April in Paris is the San Francisco boutique of master leather artisan Beatrice Amblard. Born in France, Amblard began her career as an apprentice at Hermes, one of the world's finest suppliers of leather goods, and worked there for 15 years before opening her own workshop in 2000.

Amblard’s specialty is working with French calf, ostrich, stingray and alligator. She is best known for her custom handbags, usually finished with the traditional saddle stitch, the same way it was done 200 years ago.

The April in Paris shopping site features handmade leather products such as credit card cases, wallets, business card cases, passport cases and belts. The quality is excellent.

Each item is made to order, in either Grain calf and Millennium Alligator. Amblard favors Millennium alligator because its soft, low gloss finish gives a sophisticated and timeless look. The grain calf is imported from France, and exudes modern and contemporary elegance.

Product prices range from $350 for a grain calf credit card case to $2,400 for an alligator men’s belt with a gold buckle. The pictured business card case in alligator is $675.

Web site orders require about two weeks (completely customized pieces like Amblard's handbags require three months). All sales are final.