Our Story
Motherhouse began in Japan with a simple belief: true beauty starts where things are made.
In 2006, founder Eriko Yamaguchi set out from Bangladesh to build a world-class brand that uplifts people and materials at their source.
The idea was simple, to design with
respect, create with care and connect people through products made to last.
Today, that spirit guides everything we do in Singapore. We create pieces
that feel good to carry and good to stand behind.
Born in Japan, made with
heart across Asia. Motherhouse creates handcrafted bags that respect people and
materials at their source. Thoughtful design, lasting quality, and a story you
can feel every day.
Our Craft
Each bag is handcrafted by artisans using thoughtfully selected materials from across Asia.
In Bangladesh, our own factory Matrighor
focuses on safe, fair workplaces and skill growth. Every stitch reflects the
hands that made it.
Design is quiet and purposeful: durable builds, practical pockets, easy openings, and forms that work from weekday to weekend.
Our Leathers
Every Motherhouse bag begins with carefully selected natural leather sourced mainly from Zebu cows in Bangladesh, known for their strong yet supple fibers. Unlike synthetic leather, our genuine leathers retain their natural character, grain and strength, and they continue to evolve beautifully over time.
Each type of leather we use is developed to express a unique personality:
Refined Milling Leather (RM Leather)
Refined Milling Leather features a fine texture and supple feel, shaped through a molding process that enhances durability. Each grain varies naturally, giving every piece its own character.
Big Milling Leather (BM Leather)
Also known as tumbled leather,
this material develops its natural texture during the tanning process, not
through embossing. It has a soft matte finish and a sturdy hand feel, making it
ideal for business or travel bags that demand both elegance and strength.
Camelia Leather (CM Leather)
Lightweight, soft and comfortable to carry, Camelia Leather is crafted
through combination tanning and milling to create a smooth, flexible texture
with a fine grain that resists scratches. Perfect for everyday use.
Antique Leather
Richly oiled and full of character, Antique Leather carries a warm, vintage look. Its distinctive pattern is created through a time-intensive hand-spray dyeing process, giving each piece its own unique tone and depth that deepens over time.
Goat Leather
Once used exclusively for our Irodori series, Goat Leather is now developed specifically for selected bags. Its natural grain is enhanced through an extra finishing process, highlighting its distinct pattern and strength. We source thicker, high-aged goat hides in Bangladesh for lasting durability and refined texture.
Leather That Lives With You
Every Motherhouse leather tells a story, from the moment it is tanned to
the years it stays with you. With care and regular use, each piece grows softer
in touch and richer in colour, becoming truly yours over time.
Our Journey
From our first workshop in Dhaka to stores in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong
and Singapore, our purpose stays the same. We connect makers and customers, and every Motherhouse piece represents honest craft, fair work and care in every
detail.
We believe fashion can create good, one handcrafted piece at a time.