This month, Alexis Bittar introduced his debut collection of Handbags. “Expanding into that world is something I’ve wanted to do for a while,” he says. “The complementary relationship between jewelry and bags seems like such an obvious one to me.”
The collection includes seven all leather styles, that combine graphic silhouettes with 14k gold plated sculptural hardware that evokes Bittar’s beloved jewelry. Here, we share more about the inspiration behind the collection.
For our Angular Clutch, Alexis' design references ranged from a 1950s Cadillac to Debbie Harry to an imagined party at Maxim's Paris in 1980s. The results - a futuristic trapezoid-shaped flap and twisted, liquid link metalwork detail.
Above: Original sketch of our Angular Clutch in Black and model, Grethe.
Above: 1950s Cadillac and 1980s Debbie Harry.
Above: Our Angular Clutch in Coral and 1980s Maxim's Paris.
The In My Dreams Chain Crossbody Purse offers a touch of surrealism, with a 14k gold plated hand that gently rests across the center. Alexis was first drawn to the hand motif in Victorian jewelry from the 1800s, which felt modern for the time and he loved the idea of making his own version, where it seemingly closed the purse.
Above: In My Dreams Chain Crossbody Purse in Seafoam and model, Vineeta.
Above: Original sketch of our In My Dreams Chain Crossbody Purse and an antique Victorian brooch.
