Manuel Dreesmann (Atelier Madre) Saka Bag Review: A Unique, Minimalist Bag That Stands Out

I’ve been using the Atelier Madre Saka bag for a while now, and I have a lot to say about it. When I first saw it, I was drawn to the woven leather design—it’s so different from anything else in my collection.

But I also had doubts. Would it be practical? Would it fit all my essentials? Would it hold up over time?

Now that I’ve used it daily, I can confidently say this bag is not just about looks—it’s one of the most thoughtfully designed bags I’ve ever owned.

From the handcrafted quality to the adjustable strap and easy-to-use closure, here’s my honest experience with the Saka bag.

First Impressions: A Bag That’s Different

The first thing that caught my attention was the woven leather design.

Instead of traditional stitching, the leather pieces are woven together to create the shape of the bag. It gives the bag this almost seamless look and makes it feel sculptural but still soft and natural.

This bag is handcrafted in Barcelona, Spain, in Atelier Madre’s workshop, where they actually make the bags right there in the store. I love that.

There’s something special about knowing your bag wasn’t mass-produced in a factory but instead carefully crafted by hand.

When I first held it, I was surprised by the texture. The leather is buttery smooth, but the bag itself feels structured and sturdy.

It doesn’t feel delicate or fragile, which I love because I actually want to use my bags, not just look at them.

Size: Small vs. Large vs. Oversize

This is where I had my biggest surprise. I originally thought I had accidentally gotten the small size, and I was convinced it would be too tiny to hold anything.

Then I realized I actually have the medium size, and it holds way more than I expected. I think my size is perfect, as it fits everything I need.

Plus, there’s no risk I’ll overstuff the bag with unnecessary things I’ll then have to carry around all day long.

Here are the dimensions of all Saka bags:

• Saka Small: 18 × 10 x 6 cm / 7.1 x 3.9 x 2.4 inch
• Saka (my size): 21,5 × 13 x 5 cm / 8.5 x 5.1 x 2 inch
• Saka Big: 26 × 17 x 7 cm / 10.2 x 6.7 x 2.8 inch
• Saka Oversize: 30 × 18 x 8 cm / 11.8 x 7.1 x 3.2 inch

At first glance, the bag looks compact, but I was able to fit all my essentials with room to spare. Here’s what I usually carry inside:

✔ Cardholder

✔ AirPods

✔ Phone

✔ Lip gloss & lip balm

✔ Pack of wipes

✔ Sunglasses

✔ Car keys

Even with all that inside, there’s still extra space on top. It definitely holds more than I expected.

If you’re looking for something super compact, the small size might be better. But if you carry more than just the bare essentials, I’d recommend going for the medium size.

Opening and Closing: Effortless but Secure

One of my biggest frustrations with bags is when they’re annoying to open. I don’t want to spend five minutes fighting with a complicated clasp just to grab my lip balm.

Thankfully, the Saka bag is super easy to open and close. It has a strap closure that you simply pull in and out. It stays firmly shut, but when you need to open it, it’s quick and effortless.

This makes it a great everyday bag because you’re not constantly struggling to get in and out of it.

The Leather: Locally Sourced & High-Quality

Let’s talk about the leather because it’s a huge part of what makes this bag special.

The Saka bag is made from full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather, sourced from a tannery close to Barcelona, Spain.

This is not the kind of leather that feels plasticky or cheap—it’s the highest grade of leather you can get. The quality is undeniable.

Here’s what makes the leather special:

• Full-grain leather (the strongest, most natural part of the hide)
• Vegetable-tanned (develops a beautiful patina over time)
• Made from vachetta, calf, novillo, or cow leather
• Locally sourced near Barcelona

Because it’s vegetable-tanned, the leather will develop a patina over time, meaning it will darken slightly and get even more beautiful with age.

The Strap: Adjustable & Removable

One of my favorite things about this bag is the adjustable and removable strap.

It’s a single, smooth piece of leather that can be adjusted to different lengths, so you can wear it as a crossbody bag, as a shoulder bag, and even without the strap as a clutch.

And here’s something interesting—this bag has almost no hardware. The only metal piece on the entire bag is the 24k gold-plated button that’s used to adjust the strap length. That’s it.

The rest is pure leather, which keeps the design minimal and elegant.

Personalization: Make It Yours

Another thing I love about the Saka bag is that it can be personalized.

I have mine personalized with my initials (MM) on the front. It’s a subtle but meaningful detail, and it makes the bag feel even more special. If you love customized pieces, this is a great option.

Discreet Branding

I love bags with minimal branding, like my Polene Neuf. If you love minimal branding too, you’ll love the Saka bag.

The only branding is the word “Madre”, which is discreetly stamped just above the initials inside the bag.

You don’t even see it unless the bag is open, so there are no big logos or flashy branding.

If you prefer understated luxury, this is exactly that.

Colors: More Than Meets the Eye

My Saka bag is in “Natural”, a warm beige that works with everything. But there are other colors available, including:

• Brown
• Black
• Olive green
• Natural (mine)
• Red
• Orange
• Marine blue
• Dark brown

Pro tip: They actually have secret colors that aren’t officially listed, so if you’re looking for something special, it’s worth asking them about additional options.

Extra Details: Dust Bag Included

The Saka bag comes with a dust bag, which is always a nice touch.

Since it’s made of high-quality leather, I like keeping it stored in the dust bag when I’m not using it.

It helps protect the leather and keeps it looking nice for longer.

Final Thoughts: Is the Saka Bag Worth It?

Absolutely.

The Atelier Madre Saka bag is one of the most unique bags I own. The woven leather construction makes it stand out, and it’s just as functional as it is beautiful.

I love how much I can fit inside, the easy-to-use closure, and the adjustable strap.

If you’re on the fence about the size, I’d say go for the size I have—it’s surprisingly spacious while still looking compact.

And if you love minimal branding, high-quality leather, and unique craftsmanship, this is the kind of bag that only gets better with time.

Would I buy another one? Honestly, yes. I’m already thinking about getting it in black.