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handcrafted in Germany

Tessa

Tessa

Vegan East-West shoulder bag

$949.00
$949.00
SALE SOLD OUT

The modern East-West silhouette. TESSA sits close to the body with an elongated architectural line, available in multiple vegan leather finishes.

Colour

Cherry

ELEVATE®

Black

MIRUM®

Cognac

MIRUM®

Espresso

ELEVATE®

In the atelier · ships in 1 to 2 business days

Made with innovative bio-materials
Exquisitely handcrafted in our German atelier
Custom 18ct gold-plated buckle by German master goldsmith
PETA-approved vegan
Description

TESSA interprets the modern East–West silhouette through elongated proportions and architectural clarity. Sculptural yet understated, the bag moves fluidly between day and evening. The Cherry and Espresso colorways are crafted from ELEVATE®, a plant-protein based performance material with a smooth, refined leather-like finish. The Black and Cognac colorways are made with MIRUM®. Handcrafted in Germany, TESSA unites precision, modern proportion and responsible material innovation in a confident East-West signature.

Material & Craft
  • MIRUM® or ELEVATE® vegan leather
  • Organic cotton lining
  • Waxed linen threads
  • Gold-plated recycled brass hardware
  • Handcrafted in Germany
Dimensions & Fit
Dimensions
L 33.0 × W 8.0 × H 12.0 cm
  • East-West silhouette with elongated architectural lines
  • Lightweight construction
  • Double shoulder straps for comfortable, secure carrying
  • Spacious horizontal interior for everyday essentials
  • Zip closure for safe storage
Shipping & Returns

We ship worldwide. Shipments to the EU, UK and Switzerland are free and arrive within 2–3 business days. International shipments take 3–5 business days.

30-day returns on all unworn pieces. Return shipping within the EU is free. Refunds are processed within 5–10 business days.

Care & Repair

Our materials are low-maintenance by design. Wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust or light marks. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat. Store your bag in the included dust bag when not in use.

When wear meets life. Our atelier offers a lifetime repair service — write to atelier@melinabucher.com for an assessment.

View full details
  • handcrafted in Germany
  • PETA-approved vegan
  • German Design Award 2025
  • 30-day easy returns

The material

ELEVATE®

ELEVATE® - 99% bio-based vegan leather based on plant protein by Uncaged
99%
Bio-based
USDA Organic certifiedPeta-Approved Vegan

The atelier

Crafted by artisans

Tessa is entirely handcrafted in Germany. Each product takes hours to complete and is made responsibly, combining traditional methods of crafting leather goods with sustainable, vegan materials.

When we say handcrafted, we mean one person at a table, not a line. Using traditional tools and years of experience in crafting long-lasting leather goods.

Melina BucherFounder · Creative Director

Sculptural Elegance

TESSA translates the East-West bag into a modern architectural line. The elongated silhouette sits close to the body and holds its shape with confident clarity. Refined curves and defined edges form a visual rhythm that feels both minimal and expressive.

Masters of Craft

The TESSA Bag is designed and meticulously handcrafted in MELINA BUCHER’s own atelier in Germany. The custom 18ct gold-plated brass hardware is made in Italy and Spain. TESSA represents the fusion of contemporary proportion with century-old European craft tradition.

Material Innovation

TESSA features two exciting vegan material options: ELEVATE®, a plant-protein-based performance material with a luxury surface feel and elevated structural integrity (cherry and espresso colorways) and MIRUM®, a plastic-free, biobased material made from natural ingredients with a refined, leather-like expression (black and cognac colorways).

Everyday Ease

TESSA offers an elegantly spacious interior while remaining light and effortless to carry. The elongated horizontal form brings natural organization, refined ease and modern versatility to everyday wear - from weekday appointments to weekend movement.

Every detail

Full transparency on all materials

Tessa
Leather

MIRUM® or ELEVATE™

As featured in

“Handcrafted in Europe, combining elegant design and sustainable materials”

Vogue Germany

Questions

Good to know

What materials are used?

ELEVATE® — 99% bio-based vegan leather.

Bio-based: 99%.

MIRUM® — 100% plastic-free vegan leather.

Bio-based: 100%.

  • MIRUM® or ELEVATE® vegan leather
  • Organic cotton lining
  • Waxed linen threads
  • Gold-plated recycled brass hardware
  • Handcrafted in Germany
How durable is Tessa?

Our items are designed to last for years. Every material undergoes rigorous abrasion, flexing, and UV-resistance testing that meets or exceeds standards applied to traditional leather goods. Every piece is handcrafted with reinforced seams, edge finishing, and quality hardware.

How do I care for Tessa?

Our materials are low-maintenance by design. Wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust or light marks. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat. Store your bag in the included dust bag when not in use.

ELEVATE®: Wipe the surface gently with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat.

MIRUM®: Wipe the surface gently with a soft, damp cloth. No need for impregnation. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat.

Can I return my order?

We offer 30-day free returns on all orders. Return shipping within the EU is free. Refunds are processed within 5 to 10 business days.

Do you ship internationally?

We ship worldwide! Shipments to the EU, UK and Switzerland are free and arrive within 2 to 3 business days. International shipments take 3 to 5 business days.

Where is Tessa made?

Tessa is handcrafted in Germany.

What makes Melina Bucher different?

Most vegan leather on the market is PU- or PVC-based plastic. We refuse both. Our materials are bio-based to the greatest extent possible, some even 100 % plastic-free. Recognised by the German Sustainability Award, the German Design Award, and PETA.

Is your packaging sustainable?

Our packaging is 100 % plastic-free and vegan. Each bag ships in a reusable dust bag made from organic cotton, inside a recycled and recyclable box.

Recognised for design & sustainability

Our work has been recognised for material innovation, design excellence, and pioneering a new standard in luxury.

German Design Award

2025

German Design Award

Excellent Product Design

German Design Council

PETA Progress Award

2024

PETA Progress Award

Next-generation materials innovation

PETA UK

German Sustainability Award

2023

German Sustainability Award

Pioneering plastic-free luxury

German Sustainability Award Foundation

PETA Vegan Fashion Award

2022

PETA Vegan Fashion Award

Most innovative vegan leather piece

PETA Germany

Tessa

Tessa

$949.00