Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images of designer CC Skye, models, jewelry, and handbags, courtesy of CC Skye
Although we attended the Holiday 2008 INTERMEZZO show with the express purpose of finding some eco-fabulous bags, we’d be remiss if we didn’t report on CC Skye.
Yes, she DID have some Eco Totes, [below] but there was so much more to get excited about at the packed booth [part of Cynthia O’Connor & Company’s huge space]. We were drawn by the heavy crowd and buzz of excited voices and were barely able to angle our way in to inspect the eco totes perched on the top shelf. We noted down the contact information, and what we later learned about CC SKY made us a fan.
WHO & WHAT IS CC SKYE?
CC SKYE is the kind of young design talent we love to report on. She and her story are proof positive that a young designer CAN succeed today. Young aspiring designers, take note: even if you don’t have an LVMH patron behind you and aren’t in New York, Paris, or Milan, you CAN “make it”. CC Skye is based in Los Angeles and is a hit with the Hollywood IT GIRL set. She’s only been in business since 2006, but already, IN TOUCH magazine has crowned her “HOLLYWOOD’S HOTTEST NEW DESIGNER”, and has been nominated by GEN ART for BEST NEW ACCESORY DESIGNER.
THE CC SYKE ESTHETIC
We were smitten after hopping onto the website, www.ccskye.com
What girl or woman, WOULDN’T want to engage in CC Skye’s luxe and fun lifestyle? The company nails the IT GIRL style and vibe squarely on the head. While CC SKYE is LA based, IT girls are everywhere, coast to coast, and in every country. The CC Skye woman is glam, hip, and a little edgy [even punk at times] and always well accessorized. Ms Skye [shown here in a black military coat] looks just like the IT GIRLS who buy her bags and jewelry.
WHAT SETS CC SKY’S BAGS APART: the chunky gold hardware that’s crafted in CC’s jewelry factory. She started in 2006 with jewelry, and then debuted her handbag collection that shares the same esthetic.
The handbags feature sumptuous Italian leather in bold colors and interesting silhouettes and the chunky gold plated hardware. Add these two together, and you’ve got a winning handbag collection.
ABOUT THE ECO FABULOUS TOTES AND THE ECO FABULOUS MOVEMENT
The biodegradable canvas eco totes are screen printed with the “Down to Earth” motto. They are eco, but they’re ECO LUXE. They boast the same luxe-y details as the “real” bag – the chunky 18k gold plated chain. The woven handles of Leather and 18k gold Plated is a clever play on a high end/ low end “mixed” materials. “Down To Earth” is the prevailing theme - “a play on the current cultural trend of Being Luxuriously oriented yet down to Eco-minded and effectively Down to Earth at the same time” as fashion industry leader Barneys NY did so effectively this past Christmas. A few months earlier, we reported on Earth Pledge's most recent fashion show that took place during NY Fashion Week and was styled by Vogue’s Brana Wolf. Thanks to Vogue and Barney's tireless Fashion Director, Julie Gilhart, just about every high end designer you can think of contributed an environmentally friendly outfit.
AVAILABILITY
CC Skye's eco tote will be available as of June 1st on the following online shopping destinations.
www.shopkitson.com
www.ccskye.com