At the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris, the concierge service offers exclusive encounters with the artisans who embody French excellence. In the intimate workshop of Atelier Penso, located in Paris’s 10th arrondissement, visitors discover the world of handcrafted leather goods alongside Adrien Penso, the brand’s founder.
Thanks to the hotel’s special relationship with this workshop, which remains little known to the public, participants enjoy exclusive access and personalised guidance to design a bespoke creation.
From the choice of materials to the finest finishes, this immersive experience reveals exceptional craftsmanship and a sustainable vision of luxury, founded on authenticity, the passing on of tradition, and the creation of unique pieces.
The Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris opens the doors to a discreet and exclusive venue, far removed from the traditional circuits of Parisian luxury. Nestled in the 10th arrondissement, Atelier Penso is one of those places that has remained untouched, where time, craftsmanship and passion continue to be at the heart of creativity. Thanks to the special relationship between the hotel and Adrien Penso, founder of the workshop, visitors enjoy exceptional access to this artisanal world, rarely open to the general public.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by Adrien Penso for an immersive experience at the heart of French leather craftsmanship. They discover the history of the house, its approach to design and its commitment to local, responsible and sustainable production. Each piece is designed and crafted by hand in the workshop, using methods that prioritise quality, precision and longevity over mass production.
The experience then invites visitors to design their own creation. Guided by the craftsman, they select the leathers, colours, textures and details that will make up their future bag. This personalisation stage allows them to design a truly unique piece, reflecting the tastes and desires of its owner.
Throughout the tour, the artisans reveal the various stages of production: cutting the leather, assembly, stitching and finishing. Participants discover the richness of the materials, the traditional tools and the technical expertise required to create an exceptional piece. Every movement demonstrates a demanding level of craftsmanship, passed down and perfected over the years.
One of the highlights of this experience is the opportunity to speak directly with Adrien Penso. With the support of the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris, visitors can discuss specific projects and envisage entirely bespoke creations, designed to suit their needs or inspirations. Whether it is a unique bag, a personalised piece or a special commission, this direct access to the founder brings highly exclusive projects to life.
Beyond the discovery of an artisan craft, this immersive experience highlights a contemporary vision of luxury: a luxury founded on quality, sustainability and a close relationship with the artisan. It also offers the opportunity to discover a hidden gem that even many Parisians are still unaware of, far from the capital’s best-known brands.
By offering this exclusive experience, the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris reaffirms its commitment to the talents that keep France’s artisanal heritage alive and to an approach to luxury based on authenticity and the passing on of tradition.
Mandarin Oriental
"Grâce aux relations privilégiées entretenues par le Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris avec cet atelier encore méconnu du grand public, les participants bénéficient d’un accès exclusif et d’un accompagnement personnalisé pour imaginer une création sur mesure."
