Introducing: Katherine Kwei Handbags
One of my first stops when looking for new designers in the handbag world is Lux Couture. Lux Couture, dubbed the haute spot for designer handbags, often introduces the work of new designers who ultimately make a name for themselves. The people behind the website, like the fabulous Sari Brown, are on top of the game. Sari introduced me to the stunning designs behind new designer Katherine Kwei, and it is evident with the meticulous craftsmanship and funky designs that these handbags are sure to be a hit. Lux Couture put together a fabulous bio for Kwei, which can be read below:
A former PR rep for luxury giant Louis Vuitton, Kwei was familiar with high-end skins and craftsmanship long before she started her own line. By drawing on her heritage and the tradition of Chinese knotting to make her modern luxury bags, Kwei gives her designs a special, personal quality (a far cry from what you find with her former employer’s logo covered totes). There’s no decorative bling or extras, it’s the intricate knotting that makes these bags so stunning. You might think so much handiwork would make her bags seem precious, but they look edgy and tough – a perfect representation of the modern woman who’s both feminine and strong.
Coming from a designer background, Kwei picked up on what the eye loves and hones in on her skill of knotting and crafting her materials to design stellar handbags. Available on Lux Couture right now are the Katherine Kwei Donna Clutch and the Katherine Kwei Teresa Hobo. The clutch uses shiny water snake with slit tactic to shape the material into strips and then is knotted at the bottom. The hobo is a treat for the eyes, featuring knotted strips of leather that are so precisely devised that the hardware can barely be seen by the eye. With the amount of time that must go into this handbags, the price is beyond reasonable. And the more I am looking at these handbags, the more I am falling in love.
Buy the clutch for $850 and the hobo for $700 at Lux Couture.
I love cute bags from lesser-known designers. There’s an exquisite feeling of elitism that comes with carrying an obscure designer, and it usually comes at a lower price than carrying something ostentatious. As a result, I’m always on the lookout for cute bags from new designers. Treesje is an emerging L.A. design duo and they make bags with sweet little embellishments attached to very classic shapes. This Treesje Garden Grande handbag is a perfect example. Ruffles play strongly into Treesje’s handbags, and they’re adorably feminine and unique. I’m usually against irresponsible use of ruffles, but somehow this bag does not abuse ruffles, even while it employs a zillion of them. I love the blue jean color – perfect for summer – and the no-fuss shape and minimal hardware. The ruffles on the handles are an excellent touch, and the front flap – sans ruffles – adds interest and practicality to the handbag. I’d love to see this bag in person so as to do a proper evaluation of the leather, but it looks pleasantly pebbled, distressed, and smooshy. To see more styles, check out 
Ashlee Simpson continues to sport her new look, which completely resembles her big sis Jessica, but I must admit her choice in handbags is impeccable. Ashlee Simpson’s style has transformed over the years and her handbag style has completely matured into classy designer bags. Take the hot and new to the scene line by Badgley Mischka. Ashlee has taken a keen liking to the Lolita, which is also being carried by her sister. The Badgley Mischka Lolita Handbag intricately intertwines buttery soft leather along with soft and shiny python. While Ashlee sports the brown version, there is also a creamy and sultry ivory version which has an inner zip pocket and tassle detailing. Fitting in perfectly with the big bag trend, the bag measures 16 1/2″ w X 12″ L X 6″ deep. I have both good news and bad news. The bad news is this bag is out of stock at the moment, but the good news is that Badgley Mischka handbags are being carried at Lux Couture. 
We have a new category called “Introducing…”. This category is where I can post all new designers that I have heard of and are trying to break into the world of handbags. I recently received an email from Oovoo who create handbags that have a unique blend of Asian and Western influences which makes them handcrafted works of art. The name of the company is so much fun and the bag of my choice is the Oovoo Bella Handbag which is ‘flirty, feminine and fun!’ This bag is a clamshell zipper bag with black leather pleats and handles. The hand-embroidered accents add the Asian and Western feel Oovoo focuses on and gives the bag something extra. Measurements are 14”W X 14”H X 2”D and this bag is available via 
