This leather journal cover is going viral and here's how you can make it too

In addition to the fashion fall trends of 2026, including the Tabi ballerinas (which have been in the shopping basket for a few weeks now, waiting for the last few euros from my wallet), a “15-minute workout” and “day in my life”, my TikTok is awash with do-it-yourself videos, or DIYs.

Let me be honest: when I think of “DIY”, childhood memories come to mind. Three days in a row brewing Bel sticky smurf slime with my sister. Of course in no time in the bin.

Anyway, my feed is full of people who have been creating. One thing stands out (head and shoulders): leather journals. Bullet, junk and travel journals in a new look. It is a nod to French brand Louise Carmen, where you can score the most beautiful custom-made leather-bound notebooks. Stylish ánd elevated. Not surprisingly, Kendall Jenner, Lana Del Rey and Shay Mitchell have also been spotted wearing them.

Regardless of the fancy cover, the need for “journalling” does not come out of the blue. In a world full of screens and digitisation, there is a growing need for something tangible. Something that doesn't light up, ping or disappear into a cloud. Journaling brings you back to paper, to peace and to yourself for a while. Associated health benefits come as a gift.

It is scientifically proven that writing 5-20 minutes a day can lead to a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure AND fewer visits to the doctor. You fall asleep faster, lower your stress hormone (cortisol) and improve your working memory and pattern recognition, leading to better decision-making. And I can certainly use the latter in a world full of stimuli and choices.

Moreover, those journals have long since ceased to be merely functional. Besides offering protection, the covers are a stylish piece of art in themselves. Think cow print, bordeaux and polka dots, gold charms, dashing bobbins or an elegant pearl. Whereas we hung bag charms en masse on our bags last summer, they now dangle from our journals. As far as I am concerned, this will be the new trend of this year.

Should this creabea virus get hold of you too, you can go all out. DIYs do not go unnoticed in the Netherlands. Laptops, lighters, passports and tissue boxes are given such warm jackets. So cosy. I have succumbed. Click on the image to see how I made my own journal-coat.