Inspired by the structure of a book, Polène’s latest handbag transforms folded leather, intricate stitching and artisanal craftsmanship into a quietly distinctive design. With the Boky, Polène continues to explore the possibilities of leatherwork through an unexpected source of inspiration: the book. For its latest handbag, the French Maison draws on the folds, layered pages and techniques of bookbinding to create a silhouette that feels both graphic and understated.
Derived from the English word book, the Boky carries the reference through to its very construction. Multiple leather panels are assembled like pages, while a twisted central fold serves as the design’s defining signature. The stitching, meanwhile, echoes the precision of traditional bookbinding, creating a play of volumes that gives the bag its instantly recognisable form.
Beneath its apparent simplicity lies a considerable degree of craftsmanship. The leather edges are painted by hand, while the central fold and selected seams are finished manually. The leather is also thinned using a specially developed plate, allowing the folds to retain their suppleness without compromising the bag’s structure. Up to 25 individual leather pieces can be required to create a single Boky.
Designed with everyday versatility in mind, the bag can be carried over the shoulder or worn crossbody thanks to its adjustable strap. Two zipped compartments frame a more discreet central pocket, while the metal hardware remains deliberately understated, allowing the construction itself to take centre stage. Available in seven colourways, ranging from classic Black to Black Cherry, Camel, Taupe and Smoky Green, the Boky also introduces a new supple Spanish leather with an exceptionally fine grain that appears almost smooth from a distance. With the Boky, Polène continues to make the fold a defining element of its design language. It is an exercise in transforming one of the simplest gestures — turning a page — into an entirely new expression of contemporary leather goods.
