Honey Taylor Leather Clutch Bag by Costella
Costella’s bags are not for wallflowers, but they are fabulously fun pieces. This croc embossed foldover clutch in honey is quite classic, but the gold studs give it an edgy look. Designer Luciana Ellington says she designs with strong, independent women in mind, so she’s not afraid to go bold with her bags. They’re really fun pieces. I think every woman should have a Costella handbag for the days when she wants to be extra bold.
Temple Pillar blue African textile suede clutch by Solomon Appollo
Solomon Appollo’s “Colors of Marriage” collection includes bags that mix soft suede and leather with bright African textiles, inspired by the opulent outfits worn in traditional Nigerian marriage ceremonies. This cotton and suede clutch is a great example of London-based designer Ozie Amadi’s “Afropean” aesthetic.
Touche-Touche pochette in light brown by Jules Sainte Rose
Jules Sainte Rose is based in Paris, where she creates luxurious leather handbags in beautiful colors. Her Western collection was inspired by saddlery and Texan styles. The rich leather comes in an array of stunning colors and the bags are functional twists on classic styles.
Little Crab mini bag in turquoise by Jules Sainte Rose
I’m a little in love with this Little Crab bag. The adorable little fringed pouch is such a fun piece and totally embodies Jules’ trademark “chic-relax” style. I love her bigger bags, too, but her pouches, like the Touche-Touche pochette, are truly irresistible little treats.
Ana Clutch Ferrari Red by Roque Bags
I’ve never been to Argentina, but flipping through Roque’s photos makes me feel like I’m there. The designers are based in Switzerland, but their hearts are truly in Argentina. This Ferrari red leather clutch is one of my favorite Roque bags, although I really do love them all. How gorgeous is this photo? At the moment, it’s the only thing getting me through a dreary London day…
Meet five designers who use inventive techniques and completely original materials to create bags that bear their signatures. From stitch-free bags to novel fabrics, these designers push the boundaries of the bag to create truly inimitable pieces.
Large Geo Clutch by Bracher Emden
Bracher Emden’s collection was inspired by the superheroes of DC and Marvel Comics. If Wonder Woman had a formal event on her agenda, this is the clutch she would carry. Need I say more? I. Want. This. Bag.
Boticca’s Style Hunters Chiara and Philippa are always on the lookout for designers who unique pieces with original materials. Leather is particularly interesting because it is very adaptable, but there are many steps it must endure before it is ready for use. Discover the beauty and effort behind every leather bag.
Studio Tote by Studio Harlen
Bauhaus bags with Brutalist-inspired graphics? Yes please! Studio Harlen’s bags are super-functional and feature incredible geometric prints. The Studio Tote is huge (big enough to tote my so-overwhelming-it’s-almost-embarrassing arsenal of magazines and papers). With an arresting pattern and dramatic size, this bag looks like it should be displayed on a wall – this is truly wearable art.
Another week, another influx of creative and unique designers.
The Israel-based bag line Meckela is truly a family affair. Sisters Ofir (also known as Meck) and Ela founded the brand after reconnecting with their creativity on a trip through Asia. The line is something of a tribute to the women in their family, who the sisters describe as “strong and gentle, assertive and feminine, careerist and family-oriented.” These inspiring women took a group jaunt through Europe before they settled into married life, and it is this trip that inspired the Meckela aesthetic: Beautiful, understated and classic.
Milliner Lisa Battaglia believes that a hat can completely transform any look. That’s why she creates hats that turn traditional styles on their heads (so to speak). Lisa makes each hat by hand, sculpting the materials just so for a piece that is completely original. Inspired by memories and iconic images, Lisa calls her aesthetic “modern vintage.” Her pieces are creative, modern nods to a time when hats were essential accessories, so we find this description quite fitting.
