Introducing...

I have to say, I feel so lucky sometimes. An example of this would be the opportunities I have to interview new designers. But, more than that, when I speak with an amazing designer who makes gorgeous handbags, I can’t wait to share everything with all of you! Not that long ago, I had the chance to talk with Erin Voorhies, the founder and creative designer of KEMPT handbags. We had a fantastic conversation over the phone where I was able to learn a little more about how she got into the handbag business, her line and herself.

Erin was gracious enough to send us a few KEMPT handbag samples so we could see them in person. Erin and I agreed, purchasing handbags really is a complete experience. It was great to hold the bags, try them all, notice the amazing attention to detail and feel the amazing materials (ie: anaconda and ostrich) she uses. Vlad shot the bags here in our studio and he talked about how immaculate the quality of the bags was for days! We hope you enjoy the introduction as much as we did.

PB: How long have you been interested in handbags?

EV: Since I was a little girl, I have always been interested in accessories. My grandmother was a huge influence. For as long as I can remember I was always making bags for myself and my friends. In 2006 I started the collection. For me, if my hands aren’t involved in creating something, I get antsy, I always need to be creating something.

Click here to keep reading and see some of the KEMPT handbags!

We all love our favorite designers. You know, those designers we’ve followed since as long as we can remember. But, I have to say, I love keeping an eye out for up and coming designers and here is one I’d love to share, Ellie Handbags. As so many of us spend most of our time in front of a computer, it is no surprise that my first encounter with these handbags was over the internet. I was pretty impressed with the images but then when I got a chance to see the bags in person, they truly are gorgeous.

I truly feel that not just buying but also lusting after handbags should be a complete experience. And as much as we all love our current favorite designer, if nothing else, it is always fun and exciting to broaden your horizons and maybe even be turned onto new designers. In fact, I love when I am carrying a lesser known designer handbag and I get stopped by someone who is admiring the bag. It makes me feel like I am on the cutting edge! What about the image to the right? Does it intrigue you a bit? Luckily, I had a chance to see a few of the bags in person as well as have the designer, Ellie answer a few questions. Click here to learn a bit about Ellie and see some of her fabulous handbag designs!

We are excited to introduce Abbe Held, the creative director, behind the designer handbag line Kooba. As Megs and Vlad plan their next trip to NYC, and line up their meetings, we are thrilled to think about the interviews, insider information and fun details we will be able to share with you upon their return. We’ve been in contact with the wonderful people at Kooba and while in NYC Megs and Vlad will have the opportunity to meet Abbe in person. But, until the full interview occurs, we thought we would whet your appetite just a tad. Abbe was gracious enough to answer a few questions for us and we love that we can offer some insight to all of our readers. We hope you enjoy this teaser and eagerly await the full interview like we do!

PB: Abbe, how did you originally get involved in the handbag world?

Abbe Held: Actually, it was my mother who got me involved….she has a great passion for accessories and vintage shopping and continues to be my style inspiration. As we shopped for bags, we would never find exactly what we wanted to wear – handbags that had an edge or contemporary sense of style. Living in New York City, I was struck by how much sameness there was in the marketplace, so my mother and I took the leap and founded Kooba.

Click here to read the rest of the questions we asked Abbe!

Recently, we had the chance to sit down with New York-based designer Kara Ross, discover her collection of exotics and learn more about her background, knowledge and motivation. Enjoy!

Click here to read the full interview!

I’m going to be honest here, I don’t think I ever heard the name Camila Alves until she started dating Matthew McConaughey. So, when Megs recently mentioned that Alves has her own line of handbags, I was instantly intrigued. Thankfully, the internet makes information gathering so easy (really, what would we do with out it?!?!?!) that within a couple searches, I found out quite a bit. Of course, I looked at the handbags as soon as I finished admiring the many Matthew McConaughey images. Hey, can you blame me? The Muxo line, which means “Goddess of the Water”, by Alves does have a certain hippie vibe; a hippie vibe for those who can afford to drop big bucks. Honestly, I’ve been told for years that I am a tad hippie-esque, and I have to say, I find it hard to believe many of my day to day fellow hippies would drop this kind of cash for any of her bags. Even if you just like the hippie look, what do you think of her bags?

Out of the bags I looked at, the Camila Hobo (image at the top of this post) was the only one I could *maybe* see myself carrying. Of course, the material is beautiful and the detail is note-worthy. I do like the distressed croc-embossed leather with drawstring detail and topstitching. Her other bags use similar material and have a similar feel while offering different shapes, colors, designs, and details. The bags I looked at run anywhere from about $600 to over $1,000. I understand the material being used and the craftmanship drives the price up, but personally, I don’t really like any of the bags enough to buy them. But, if you have this kind of money to spend and say you want to buy the Camila Hobo, you can do so through Shopbop for $1,056.00.

Earlier this week I brought you the Sang A River Square Tote, which has become a staple for this flourishing young designer. Sang A is worth talking about and worth the slow growing hype. The Korean-born Sang A did not start out as a designer, though her track in life has been anything but ordinary. Sang A was a popular stage/television actress and singer and release three pop music albums on a major label by age 26. Talk about accomplished. But one of her true loves and passions came from costumes, colors, and styling of her stage outfits, which ultimately lead her to take on design and move to New York City. Her accessories were launched in the Spring of 2006 and since the launch her popularity has shifted from being known as a singer to being known as a designer. Sang A focuses on the art of luxury; using exotic skins that are meticulously treated. The style lines are clean and leave an impression. When speaking about her designs Sang A states, “My design exudes the essence of modern classic with a dose of avant garde”. Below are four of my favorite handbags from the Fall/Winter 08 line from Sang A. The colors stand alone, the skins are extravagant, and the designs are the perfect touch of modern. Find more information on the designer at Sang A online. To order call 212-564-4433 or email store@sanga.com . Also, Vivre sells Sang A and has a great selection!

Sang A Rosette River Woven Eel | $2156
The classic River Tote is updated with a detailed rosette effect, which gives the perfect texture on this exotic eel skin.

More from Sang A for Fall 2008 below...

At first, we had only planned to go visit the Sola Showroom in New York City back in April to check out what designers they represented that we could write about and introduce to our readers. What we did not expect was that we’d be crossing paths with a lady that was sitting at the table in the showroom. She was chatting it up with the PR girls while petting her chihuahua. As it turned out, this lady was the successful handbag designer whose bags represented nearly a quarter of the entire showroom floor. We arranged another meeting and a few days later we sat down with Jane August and got to know the confident, business-savvy designer that we had only read about previously in fashion magazines. Jane was a blast, very outspoken and she allowed us to learn intimate insights into the intricate business aspects of what it means to be an independent fashion designer these days. Also, make sure you sign up for our Jane August Giveaway!

Click here to read the full interview!

There is nothing more invigorating for a handbag enthusiast than to be introduced to a new line that excites you. There are so man ordinary handbag designers out there now, in fact, the handbag world is cluttered with designers and it becomes hard to sift through the masses to find the gems. There is a new gem that will be on the talk of the handbag world soon enough, and that is JT Handbags. I was introduced to the line by Sari Brown from Lux Couture and then further introduced through emails and phone calls from the duo Jeffrey Parker and Tony Ta, the “J” and the “T” of JT. The men behind JT Handbags considered themselves to grow up professionally in New York, but decided to move to Florence, Italy where the right product with the right artisans could be created.

Click here to read the rest of this article...

1) Zagliani Crocodile Frame Bag | $6,235
2) Zagliani Crocodile Tote | $11,300
3) Zagliani Crocodile Puffy Satchel | $11,800

The handbag world has been buzzing about Zagliani bags, which are injected with silicone to add a super buttery feel to the bags. We featured the Zagliani Metallic Python Clutch earlier and from the moment I laid eyes on it I was in love. Now my only issue is deciding whether to go for one of their python bags or crocodile bags. Decisions, decisions. The designer behind the bags, Mauro Orietti-Carella, started in the field of dermatology, learning to make patients skin smooth and beautiful. And now this technique is being used on handbags and has everyone talking. It is brilliant though. Why not treat the skin of the bag you are about to buy? If you are splurging on an expensive exotic handbag you want a sturdy bag that will last forever. Zagliani bags are working their way up the handbag chain, garnering the approval and love of handbag enthusiasts and celebs world-wide. So what is your take on this handbag line? Fab or Drab?

“Zagliani was founded 70 years ago as a company that specialized in exotic skins bags. We are not following a fashion moment. We do not make as much as the market demands because we are concerned about the use of too many skins, and will only work in an ethical and environmentally responsible way.” – Zagliani designer Mauro Orietti-Carella

4) Zagliani Yume Python Satchel | $2,900
5) Zagliani Metallic Python Clutch | $2,195
6) Zagliani Metallic Python Puffy Bag | $3,385

Smythson Nancy Clutch

‘Frank Smythson opened his first shop on 29th September 1887 at 133 New Bond Street. His trade card described his business as ‘First class stationery, leather goods and cabinet work’.’ Smythson still stands on New Bond Street, directly across from the original shop, where it continues to thrive and catch the attention of handbag and accessory lovers worldwide. The handbags have been produced for over 100 years now and have kept touch with Smython’s London roots. Bags are named to show a strong British connection; Bond Street, Mayfair, Bridgwater and Berkeley. The designs are simple, but highly usable and elegant. The designs have continued to provide utmost usability to the buyer. After I was introduced to the new Nancy line from Smythson, I immediately fell in love with the clutches. Made in a wide variety of colors, the Smythson Nancy Clutch is a design aimed to be alluring and timeless while adding a colorful punch. The clutch is available in black, white, turquoise, taupe, yellow, red, and emerald. While some versions are all leather while others are fabric with leather trim, the clutch features a framed top and luscious quilting on the front. My only problem is deciding which color I would like. The wide variety of colors makes me want a different color for a different occasion, but if I am going for a neutral I am leaning towards the taupe. It is subtle and elegant. Dimensions are 6.25″ x 11″ x 3″. View all of the Nancy Handbags from Smythson at their online store.