Homeluxury bag → The bags made in Vic...

The bags made in Vic that sweep Japan

The Mercules accessories firm continues to win fans all over the world thanks to its 'Made in Spain' creations made by hand by lifelong artisans.

Clara Ferrero

Mercules manufactures all its parts in Photo: Courtesy of Mercules

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Mercedes Gallego designed together with Galliano during her time at Dior, she learned to work leather at Loewe and got carried away by the dizzying pace of low cost during her time at Massimo Dutti. His passage through three giants of the fashion industry would mean for many the most resounding success. But the way to understand his true triumph had to do with going back to the beginning. «Back to basics», what the musicians would say. In 2010 he decided to start his personal project, a brand of bags made far from the temples of luxury and big productions. The creations of Mercules (halfway between the name of the designer and that of Hercules, the Greek god of strength) come to life in a small workshop in Vic, Barcelona. «It is a family space with ten workers who belongs to the third generation of artisans, a 48-year-old couple. We have a very close relationship and we like to work without product sheets, laying out each bag on the spot as if it were a sculpture or a collage," Gallego tells S Moda.

During these seven years sculpting bags, Mercules has gone from being an unknown firm to being seen on our streets or in those of France, the United Kingdom and Japan, the three countries where its creations are best sold. Also for those of the virtual world, of course. If you have spotted bags marked with a golden arrow on Instagram, you are looking at a Mercules. If you've had your eye on a star-studded crossbody bag or fringed jacket, you probably have too. In a market crowded with new brands, Mercules has managed to differentiate itself thanks to its studs and metallic decorations. "We have always wanted to create products based on the classic pillars but with a twist, combining the luxury of craftsmanship with functionality and always manufacturing by hand in Spain," says the designer. This translates into pieces that are easy to wear on a day-to-day basis at affordable prices (from 120 euros and without exceeding 300 in any case). Bags of all kinds and for all tastes –shoulder bags, handbags, shoppers…– made with hand-cut Italian leather assembled by hand. Pieces that flee from eccentricity but are allergic to boredom. Because you can be timeless and original at the same time.

'Dusty', one of the delicate designs of the Spanish firm. Photo: Courtesy of Mercules

And also follow the trends. The last two seasons, Mercules has left his comfort zone to dare with the bags of the moment. Last summer they opted for the carrycot, the accessory that, without a doubt, defined the season. But not just any carrycot. They launched several models that combined the technique and appearance of a lifetime –created by a craftsman in Denia– with the hallmark of the house: colored leather as a strap and various decorative strips. This fall, they repeat the formula. In collaboration with Comme des Machines, a Spanish studio expert in 3D printing, the firm has created its own jelly bag. That is: a plastic basket with a retro look, one of those used in the past to go shopping. The same one that little girls continue to play with and that, due to a whim of fashion, the older ones will wear with pride. A synthetic bag in an expert leather brand? They have also been able to adapt it to their DNA by inserting a wallet inside. "One of the wonders of manufacturing with local suppliers is their quick response, so we can ensure that trending products can be purchased immediately," explains the designer.

The 'jelly bag' is the trendy piece that they have created this fall. Photo: Courtesy of Mercules

But Mercules is already much more than bags. Purses do the same as belts, leather gloves or a line for the home starring, for the moment, blankets. Navaja-inspired blankets made by artisans in Ezcaray (La Rioja) based on soft wool and mohair. One of those that become an instant decoration object and that serve as an advance guard to continue diversifying. «Our idea from the beginning is to create a global Mercules universe, we want to surround the accessories with products that we find special and that coexist with the collection. For this, we look for Spanish suppliers that offer a product that suits us and we develop new ideas, we do not care if it is something handmade like the baskets or ultramodern like what they do at Comme des Machines, in the end what counts is making pieces with soul» Gallego confesses. The most immediate thing will be to add a men's capsule collection and a line of superior quality bags and "calmer design".

The firm also sells blankets. Photo: Courtesy of Mercules

Mercules pieces are sold internationally through their online store but they also have more than 50 physical points of sale in places such as Japan, Korea, the United States or France. And two own stores in Spain. The first was opened last year in an old grocery store in the Neguri neighborhood of Getxo (Vizcaya), the second has just opened its doors on Calle Conde de Aranda in Madrid. "The one in Vizcaya was somewhat accidental," acknowledges the designer. «Part of the team –today Gallego has two partners, Alejandra O'Shea and Gabriela Laiseca– we live in Getxo and were looking for an office-warehouse close to home. We found a wonderful place in a little commercial area but decided to use part of it as a store in case we sold something from time to time. In the end it turned out to be a success and it has encouraged us to open a physical store in Madrid.” Because let's face it: buying on the internet is very fast and very comfortable, but when it comes to getting hold of a special piece – especially if it's leather – you usually want to grope, try and tinker a bit. «We believe that having a physical store is essential, even if it is only as a showcase. It is a space that breathes the essence of the brand and where the entire collection is grouped and that is the best way to understand the product. Many people who know the bags online but who wanted to touch them before buying have already passed through the store, ”says Gallego.

Detail of the new Mercules firm store in Madrid. Photo: Courtesy of Mercules

In his new collection for this autumn-winter, presented in an evocative dreamlike universe, new materials such as the most appetizing sheep are sneaked in the face of the imminent drop in temperatures. But the firm's best-selling model is still the Bullet, a rectangular shoulder bag available in various colors and sizes crowned by the iconic golden arrow. “It has been in the collection for years and we will probably never kill it. It is the one we sell the most every season in any color. Because bag lovers, like musicians, also go back to the basics.

Studs, fringes and arrows are the hallmark of his creations. Photo: Courtesy of Mercules

Tags: Bags|Made in Spain

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