It’s something the big brands have known for a long time: If you have fans, build their allegiance further through line extensions. That’s why Bulgari and Chopard, among others, have enhanced jewelry offerings with sunglasses and bags, and why a few independent jewelry designers are now taking a page from these playbooks by duplicating certain efforts. Here are five jewelry designers who are making bags and why.
“All the bags all genuine Italian leather and are hand made in Poland, with non-removable closures made in sterling silver and natural certified Baltic amber. You can match the buckle with a necklace (the shapes of buckles match the shapes of our necklaces, bracelets, rings, or cufflinks). We cooperate with fashion designers and this is why we not only experiment with jewelry but we also try to play with accessories (bags, hair jewelry, etc.).”
—Gosia Gliwi?ska, marketing director
Bag made in Poland of Italian leather with a silver and Baltic amber closure; $650 as shown
Matthew Campbell Laurenza debuted a handbag and jewelry line in 2011, inspired by Art Deco styles and Chinese art (particularly the colors in the latter). A kaleidoscope-like array of gemstones and patterns make up jewelry offerings, while adding vivid pops of color to fabric and leather bags.
[Editor’s Note: Summarized from designer’s website]
Minaudière with glitter-accented snakeskin leather with passionflower motif in brass with 5.5 cts t.w. multicolored sapphires; $1,230
“We started making leather and exotic skin handbags in 2011. We work with exotic materials in our leather jewelry pieces, so we felt like handbags were a natural extension for us to explore our use of exotics, as well as share a new point of view of jewelry on handbags.”
—Emily Armenta, designer
Flat clutch in black python and four Old World rings in silver with Swarovski crystals, black spinel, and black sapphires; $1,995 as shown
“Bergio expanded the brand in late 2010 to introduce Bergio Accessories, an assortment of limited edition python skin belts and evening handbags that are made in the United States.”
—Brand spokesperson
Clutch in multi-Python leather with 14k yellow gold and silver Cestino ornament closure; $4,000
“I wanted a clutch that was unconventional and interesting, yet chic and timeless. And I love that cicadas represent rebirth!”
—Anna Ruth Henriques, designer
Clutch in stingray with removable Cicada pin/pendant in oxidized sterling silver and 18k gold, with hand-painted wings featuring rock crystal over mother of pearl and 0.25 ct. t.w. diamonds; $6,500 as shown ($2,100 for Cicada alone)
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