LANCASTER PARIS, KATHERINE KWEI, HARE +HART, Me Char
High-end handbags of quality leathers and hardwear-
made beautifully-and just a bit different from the designer flogged initialed haulers- are the ideal gift for the hard to please woman-especially if that woman is yourself
ha.
A visit to LA/NYC based Caro Marketing yielded up several fab labels-one we knew-
Lancaster Paris, a rather esteemed name from France- re-visiting these shores---and new to us Katherine Kwei, Hare + Hart, and Me Char.
The diverse group shared similarities-feminine modern handbags and carry-alls-of semi structured or structured shapes that bear the thoughtful details of a woman's touch in the design process. Meaning room for the stuff every gal hauls around-even the clutch size purses…and shapes that ranged from boxy smooth leather-to soft plush bags that are big enough to stash workout clothes in.
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Caviar Grain Leather-comes with detachable shoulder strap-$395, three color options |
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Marina-Full Grain and Salfano leather $305 |
Lancaster Paris is one of those well regarded French brands -known for its classic, lady like purses when we lived there many years ago.
Well say
bonjour to these spot on, 21st century-newer styles-that feature bolder solid tones, terrific color block handbags and zipped totes with a nautical vibe, very cool spring shades for city friendly leather backpacks, and new fun python leathers in saturated-and unexpected tones that would appeal to a younger market of bag enthusiasts.
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Full Grain leather $265 from Scarlett collection |
Also-embossed leather accessories for all modern electronic gadgets...
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Soft Vintage leather |
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Exotic Croco-embossed leather-up top $385 |
@lancasterparis
Leather shredded-or more likely, laser cut-we have never seen anything like the purses by NYC based
Katherine Kwei who began her collection S/S 2007 line after stints working at Louis Vuitton, Zac Posen and acquiring an MA degree from the prestigious London College of Fashion.
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Donna Lamb clutch comes in several colors available early winter... |
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Plexi Box Clutch $505 |
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Box Evening Clutch-snakeskin + lambskin $670 |
An homage to the designer's Chinese heritage and the Chinese Eternity knot inspired weave-the results are truly chic-and very eye-catching. No wonder celebs' and the stylists who dress them- are drawn to the small, medium and large size purses…that also includes hobo and satchel shapes, practical and modern.
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Lulu-snakeskin lambskin multi-hued satchel- |
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Backpacks and Bucket bags---$595-$715 |
With time spent in Argentina-the two designers behind label
Hare + Hart fully embrace the tail to toe philosophy-crafting distinctly modern leather bags and "zero waste" jewelry from bones and leather skins. Functional zippers and subtle, just enough hardware embellishments -enhance the very clean, modern feel of these structured and semi-structured geometric shapes-including hand clutches, convertible shoulder bags, multi-tasking zippered pouches, and roomy bucket bags, -all made in Argentina using Argentinian leathers-from local tanneries.
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Stunning-Satchel $895 |
Bonus points: the shout-out (in jest, we assume)-to former Veep Al Gore for inventing the internet-on the
About Us section.
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bangles$46- $59, dangle quill earrings $125-$149 |
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iPad holders-or whatever-2 sizes $175-$210 |
#hareandhart
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in front-Jones Clutch $185-$265, |
Immediately we were bowled over by the imported from Italy, leather quality-
and the so practical shapes of the
Me Char Collection. Designed by talented Parsons grad Chamaine Ho--the East meets West/masculine/feminine harmoniously comes wonderfully together in a savvy collection of handbags, small leather goods and mixed textured clutches.
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Holly Tote-$645-here in mirrored gold-also in solid leather-in a cool shaded nude or black- $440 |
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Large Brigid Satchel $450-Bubble lambskin leather-other colors-black, and eye catching jade with gun metal hardwear |
Highlights of some Spring 2014 bags-the rose gold zippers-bold and functional of the Brigid Satchel. We love the interior layout too- featuring zipped compartments and a roomy main compartment for stuff. Women on the go carrying the necessities for a day-to night out, work-to fun life will appreciate the design-while their fashionista side will love how feminine and modern the bags are.
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fuschia- a signature color looks edgy, not girly with python details. This clutch is roomy enough to carry as a day purse-but sophisticated enough for glam evenings. Available now in black this special EDITH CLUTCH is a great gift. $285..
@MeCharhandbags #MeCharhandbags |