The Nature room at Homo Faber dazzled visitors with an extraordinary collection of delicate materials—feathers, wood, paper, and dried flowers—all transformed into timeless works of art. The true magic lies in the hands of the master artisans who turn these fragile elements into something enduring. Among these creators is Valentine Huyghues Despointes, a vibrant force who works with an unexpected medium: leather.
Imagine the surprise of discovering that the lush, abundant table filled with lifelike fruits, sea creatures, and intricate designs was crafted entirely from colored leather. Valentine’s passion for vibrant hues sets her apart in a craft often dominated by classic, muted tones. Her specialty? Creating hyper-realistic leather sculptures that draw inspiration from the natural world, food, and sea life.
As the daughter of a leather upholsterer, Valentine grew up surrounded by the very material that would define her artistic journey. Today, she collaborates with prestigious international brands, designing scenography, hotel décor, handbags, and more. She brings her creative vision to life using traditional marquetry and upholstery techniques, blending craftsmanship with an unmistakable flair for color and detail.
There’s a joyous energy in Valentine’s work—a trio of boiled eggs stacked impossibly high, tropical fish darting through vibrant coral reefs, and sumptuous cakes that look almost too real to be made of leather. But each of these intricate, surreal pieces is meticulously hand-crafted.
Her journey began young, influenced by her father’s work, and she pursued her passion by training as a stylist at Studio Berçot before earning a professional certificate in leatherwork. In 2014, Valentine opened her own workshop, where she now creates alongside her collaborator, Mélanie Durand. Together, they transform upcycled scraps of goat and bullock leather from Parisian tanneries into astonishing pieces using two key techniques: gainerie, the art of covering wooden forms with leather to sculpt lifelike objects, and marquetry, where laser-cut leather pieces are pieced together to form intricate designs.
Her unique approach to color and form has garnered attention from luxury brands like Balmain, Hermès, and Dior. Valentine’s work breathes life into leather, proving that even the most traditional materials can be reinvented with imagination and artistry.
by Alexandra Ivancenco Mas
Discover more of her work at Homo Faber 2024 on homofaber.com.
