“Severed limb…. but make it FASHION!”

A 55-year-old UK woman who needs to have her left leg surgically removed due to peripheral arterial disease has expressed a desire to make a leather handbag from the skin on her amputated limb, and is look for a manufacturer for help.

The woman, known only as Joan, made her request to Sewport, an online marketplace that connects brands and manufacturers. She said she couldn’t bear the thought of her leg becoming medical waste after the surgery, and wanted to get in touch with a leather processing expert about having a leather handbag made from the skin on the leg.

“I know it is a bit odd and gross, and some might think I’m crazy, but it’s my leg and I can’t bare the thought of it being left to rot somewhere,” Joan wrote in her message to Sewport. “It’s part of me and I want to keep it.”

“I know it’s gross, but people keep their baby’s umbilici chords and have relative’s ashes on display, so it’s not really that weird if you think about it.”

To show that she was serious about her plan, she emailed Sewport a sketch of the accessory she had in mind, a medium-sized bag with a short strap (see above and below).

The experts at Sewport read Joan’s message and determined that her reasons were valid, so they decided to help her with her search.

Sewport revealed that Joan decided to get in touch with them after reading another unusual request from a woman who wanted a dress made out of her mother’s hair. She said it had inspired her to do something similar and decided to go with ethically made handbags for her accessories.

Right now, Joan is reportedly in talks with the hospital to see if she can even keep her amputated leg after the surgery. “I’m finding out whether I can keep my leg after the surgery and the discussions have been positive so far, so fingers crossed!” she wrote.

Sewport is currently searching for manufacturers willing to help Joan with her unique request and are asking anyone who can help to email them at support@sewport.com, with the subject line “amputee handbag”.

Any handbag designers/manufacturers out there willing to help Joan get this made?

(via Oddity Central; photos Sewport)