Maison Joseph Duclos has always drawn me in because of its layered history. The Maison dates back to 1754, when Joseph Duclos was granted a royal warrant by King Louis XV to create fine leathers in Lectoure. His workshop gathered artisans from across Europe and quickly became known for craftsmanship and forward thinking, long before those ideas became buzzworthy in luxury.
After a long time, Franck Dahan revived the brand in 2021, bringing in Ramesh Nair as creative director. Nair’s background is impressive, but what matters most here is how he works: He has a way of pulling heritage into the present without losing its soul. He ties Joseph Duclos’ origins to the present day.
Maison Joseph Duclos Introduces the Appoloni
This season in Paris, the Maison introduced the Appoloni, its first new design since the Fontélie in 2023. It was shown quietly during Fashion Week, and the moment felt intimate, almost like being let in on a secret. The Appoloni carries history, but it is also built for modern life.
Inspired by Travel
The design looks back to the 18th century, when travel meant long journeys and heavy trunks. For those who wanted to move more freely, leather bags became essential. They weren’t just for belongings; sometimes they doubled as pillows on the road. Joseph Duclos himself traveled often between Lectoure and Versailles, and it is that sense of purposeful movement that the Maison draws from today.
The Appoloni borrows from those early travel companions with a structured silhouette that feels classic yet current. It is compact at first glance but surprisingly roomy.
The Story in Its Name
Names matter, and Appoloni is full of meaning. It calls to mind Apollo, the sun god and twin of Diane (who already lends her name to one of the Maison’s collections). Apollo represents light, art, and culture, which are values that Joseph Duclos holds close as part of what it calls “enlightened luxury,” where craft and culture are inseparable.
Details and Availability
The bag measures 9.45″ × 5.12″ × 4.72″ and is available in two leathers: Héritage Grainé, which is supple and designed to develop a patina over time, and Tempo, which is resilient and crafted to last. The hardware, inspired by ceremonial bags from the court of Louis XV, gives the bag quiet richness without overpowering its clean lines.
Appoloni will be available in December 2025 in a palette of classic and unexpected colors: Châtaignier, Bleu Occitan, Marron Glacé, Bordeaux, and Kaki. Prices start at €4,300, and fewer than ten pieces are available in each shade.
With the Appoloni, Ramesh Nair continues a story that began in the 18th century. It is about travel, craftsmanship, refinement, and breathing life back into a heritage house for a new generation. The Appoloni feels less like a seasonal trend and more like an heirloom, intended to be kept, cherished, and carried forward.
Discover more at JosephDuclos.com.
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