Thirteen Thirteen

ThirteenThirteen presents MATADOR Spring/Summer

This collection is more than personal, it comes from a place of uncertainty, but choosing to move forward anyway. Working with leather was something I had never touched before, something that felt unfamiliar and intimidating. There was no sense of control, no guaranteed outcome, just the risk of failure sitting in front of me.

But instead of waiting to feel ready, I wanted that discomfort. I let myself create without permission, mastery, and without answers. In that space, I found something honest, something I couldn’t have reached if I stayed where it was safe.

The Matador collection is built from that decision.

I designed and created leather totes, along with wallets, clutches, and purses, each one made by my hand. Working without prior knowledge became a kind of freedom. There were no rules to follow,  just instinct, intention, and trust in the process.

Every piece still holds true to my values at ThirteenThirteen: ‘INTENTION OVER EXCESS’

There are around 20 bags in this release, but each one remains one of one. The leather varies in every piece. Texture, markings, and character, making each bag entirely its own.

The interiors are intentionally raw. Unlined, exposed, and honest. You can see the seams, the stitches, the construction. Every detail exists on purpose, every mark a reflection of the process behind it.

To share this work still feels unreal. But this collection is proof that creating without certainty can lead to something real. I'm on the edge of my dream, to every eye on me thank you. And to everyone who has shared a kind word, I see you and I won’t let you down. 

MATADOR IS HERE

CHRISTA SUNDERLAND