FabSugar

Nancy Gonzalez Loves a Challenge

FabSugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 09:00:22 -0700

Not too long ago, Saks invited me to meet handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez. For those not familiar, Nancy has been delivering decadent - read: exotic - handbags since 1998. Think of a Nancy Gonzalez bag as a classic - up there with Chanel and Bottega Veneta - only spicier. That is because Nancy hails from Colombia and splits her time between New York and her native country. She was very warm and vivacious. But when it came her to her bags, she was serious.

Others serious about Nancy's bags include Mary-Kate Olsen, who has recently been carrying her clutches, and a couple appeared in the Sex and the City movie. They're everywhere really; you just have to keep an eye out, as there's no mistaking her bright croc signature. Here's what goes on in the designer's brain.

What made you decide to work with animal skins for your bags?

"I have always worked with precious skins. The collaboration with nature has always fascinated me."

How do you get your colored bags so bright?

"My colors are inspired by the exuberant landscape of my native Colombia. All our skins our naturally dyed and then buffed, which brings out this particular radiant, colorful luster that my bags have."

To read the rest, read more

Which is your favorite bag from your latest collection?

"I am always attached to those bags which are hardest to do. Such as the woven crocodile ones. In particular, one woven in the shape of leaves."

Your bags are pretty pricey. Are you going to be doing anything in a lower price point in reaction to the current economic crisis?

"One's own state of mind will inform the time and style in which one lives. My job as a designer is to interpret the times with imagination, artistry, and daring. I want to provide a chic, effortless, modern, approachable, and beautiful product at the right price."

Describe the women who wear your bags.

"Every woman that wants a universal, unique, true, exciting, sincere, and joyful experience."

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Handbag Designer Spotlight: Danielle Nicole

FabSugar — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 03:00:22 -0700

I'm totally besotted with Danielle Nicole handbags. What makes Danielle's collection stand out from the rest is her precise eye for detail. Take for example the cream hobo, my fave piece from her collection, seen left; so funky, flawless. It's the perfectly placed fringe knot or purposeful splash of color that makes her creations so refreshing. Quality doesn't come cheap - Danielle's bags range from $200 to $600 - but hey, I like to see it as an investment. Interested? Shop her bags!

To see more bags from Danielle Nicole, read more.

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Handbag Designer Spotlight: Jasmin K

FabSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:00:22 -0700

Sometimes, all I want is a simple bag. Sounds easy enough, but you'd be surprised with the number of nasties I've run into lately. Some designers tend to mistake simplicity for drab, but not Jasmin K. Her handbags evoke a cool, modern aesthetic without looking busy. Succinct and sexy.

Jasmin's newly launched line encompasses a casual lux attitude and I'm loving it. My favorite is the Tia Shoulder Bag ($310). I like the slouchy shape and better yet, it's affordable! Most of her bags range from $150 to $300, which is not bad for a handcrafted piece. I suggest you nab one before they go mainstream.

To see more designs from Jasmin K, read more.

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Handbag Designer Spotlight: Bird

FabSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:00:22 -0700

If the name Liz Carey sounds familiar to you, it's probably because you've seen the model/actress walking the runways of Alexander McQueen or Versace. Or maybe you caught a glimpse of her in the movies Spanglish or The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Now fast-forward. Liz has taken a new role - handbag designer - and it looks like she's found her niche.

Her handbag collection, dubbed Bird, is all about the exotic. Taking pieces from her worldly travels, the budding designer has created a line filled with personality and culture. From ostrich to snakeskin to Guatemalan wedding shirts, Liz's rich-hippie aesthetic had me - and Lake Bell, and Rachel Bilson - at hello. Oh yeah, and if you're wondering why Liz named her collection Bird, it's because the word also means "girl" in British slang.

To see more handbags from Bird, read more.

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Handbag Designer Spotlight: Andarei

FabSugar — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:00:22 -0700

Andarei handbags are made from fine Italian leather so they are highly reliable. They are feminine but have a bit of attitude to them.

The Fall/Winter '07 collection includes Fede, a pleated satchel; Capri, a pleated clutch with a flap; Sempre, a crocodile clutch; Sogno, a patent clutch (pictured); Nipote, a ruched clutch; and Godere, a tri-color clutch . They can be purchased in store or online at Harmony Lane and Rumor Prices range from $298-$698.

To see more Andarei handbags, read more

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Handbag Designer Spotlight: Novella Royale

FabSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:00:22 -0700

Check this out. Handbag line Novella Royale doesn't believe in waste. In fact, leather from each bag is hand cut from vintage jackets. Cool, right? That means each piece is one-of-a-kind in color, distressing, and seaming. As if that's not enough, each bag is lined with organic fabric and handmade in LA. Luxury handbags without unethical practices - I'm all over it. My favorites from the Fall line are the big-studded satchels and small-studded shoulder bags. Now if only I had more arms . . .

See Novella Royale for yourself.

Handbag Designer Spotlight: November XVIII

FabSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:00:08 -0800

You know when a bag's leather is so soft and buttery you just want to eat it? OK, that's a bit extreme, but you know what I mean. Meet November XVIII. The designer, Patricia Lukoszek, is all about slouchy, soft bags with a nondescript allure. You'll find no flashy hardware. Lukoszek claims, “I actually approach the handbags as if they are clothing.” The collection, which is named for her birthday, will be available at Barneys in the Spring and I'm calling it the next big bag thing. The prices aren't cheap - wholesale prices from $210 for a clutch to $395 for an oversize bag - but it's that yummy leather we all covet.

To see a few more November XVIII bags, read more.

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Handbag Designer Spotlight: Nivaldo de Lima

FabSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:00:22 -0700

Nivaldo de Lima has created quite a buzz with his intricately handcrafted handbags. Run out of a small family workshop in Mallorca, each of Lima's designs are made with the utmost care and consideration.

Known for classic styling with a modernistic twist, his approach to designing came from the unusual partnership of photographer Louise Bobbe. Bobbe's city flavor and Nivaldo's classic instincts melded together to create timeless, coveted creations. His recently launched online store will surely garner the attention of many urbanites looking for a cute and functional bag.

To see more from Nivaldo de Lima, read more.

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Handbag Designer Spotlight: psnob

FabSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:00:22 -0700

In fashion we always like to talk about the fusion of art and style, and nothing in that mix speaks louder than designer Rebecca Robinson's psnob handbags.

They truly are a work of art. Somewhat of an art snob, Rebecca set out to create unique, hand-painted clutches, which will one day become collector's items. That is yet to be seen, but one thing is apparent now: Her creations, retailing from $500 to $1,200, are stunning.

Rebecca's background in Visual Communications includes fine art, art history, printmaking, photography, graphic design, and advertising. Unlike a real snob, however, Rebecca is all about giving back. Her special donation program, Collage for a Cause, offers an organization the opportunity to auction a psnob accessory in order to receive profit towards the charity or benefit project.

To see more melding of art and fashion from psnob, read more

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Handbag Designer Spotlight: Michelle Vale

FabSugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:00:22 -0700

It all started last year with the quest for a handbag that goes with everything.

Tired of coming up short, native New Yorker Michelle Vale created her eponymous line of handbags with interchangeable hardware. Each bag comes with straps that can be swapped out, so, your options - wear the bag like a clutch or slung over the shoulder with a gold or silver strap.

While functionality is always a plus, Michelle also believes that practical doesn't have to mean plain. The line may still be young, but Cameron Diaz carries the Mushroom Jete clutch (left, $595) in her upcoming movie What Happens in Vegas and Kate Bosworth was spotted with the Entrechat ($895) on her birthday. More spottings are to come, I'm sure . . . maybe even as close to home as slung over my shoulder.

Michelle Vale Handbags are available at Kataphileo or MichelleVale.com and the Spring collection runs $495-$1500.

To see more from Michelle Vale, read more.

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