Last Wednesday night, I had the privilege of attending Katherine Kwei’s Spring Summer 2012 collection preview. I’m always astounded by her unique handbag designs, which incorporate traditional Chinese knotting techniques, and this time was no different. One of my favorites, the Isabel lady clutch, showcases the hand done knotting in a gorgeous way.
I also loved the Vivian Chain bags, Katherine’s take on a quilted classic.
What really caught my eye, though, were these Clea snake clutches in delicious hues of pink and green. Who doesn’t love a citron accessory?
Jaimen and I
The gorgeous Zucker sisters
I had so much fun checking out Katherine Kwei’s new collection and seeing some of my favorite bloggy friends. Thanks so much to Katherine and the Small Girls for having me!
Last Wednesday, I got the chance to preview Katherine Kwei’s upcoming handbag line and Charmco’s 14K gold charm collection at the Thompson Hotel LES.
After enjoying dim sum, a glass of wine, and having my fortune told, we got down to business at the arts and crafts stations.
Turns out that I’m not as talented as Katherine at her signature Chinese knotting, so I moved on to Charmco’s bracelet making station.
I selected this adorable vintage anchor charm - and wore my bracelet all weekend. The turquoise is so cheerful!
In fact, in addition to their own designs, Charmco has one of the largest collections of vintage charms in the world. You can shop their “vintage vault” on their site - I predictably love the sea life bracelet they assembled here.
Katherine Kwei has added so many new and beautiful materials and styles since I last saw her collection!
Her bags always have a special touch - a new way to incorporate her signature knotting, a beautiful iridescent skin, or a multicolored weave like these.
And now for my favorite…the perfect clutch, complete with a dangly tassel, in a stingray-like material that’s sure to turn some heads.
Thanks to the lovely ladies at Katherine Kwei, Charmco and Small Girls PR for having me!
Last night I joined a bunch of fellow fashion bloggers at NY-based handbag designer Katherine Kwei’s studio to preview her SS11 collection.
Katherine’s handbags are all made of luxe leathers, including lambskin, calfskin and exotic watersnake, and all incorporate traditional Chinese knotting, which Katherine learned from her grandmother.
Katherine’s team had set up a station where we could each create our own keychain by using Chinese knotting techniques. I made one using the good luck knot.
Even though I pride myself in my arts & crafts skills, mine didn’t turn out quite like the model. Oops.
I loved that Katherine presented the collection to us herself - it’s so valuable to hear about the designer’s point of view in their own words. This season, her collection was inspired by pivotal periods in music history. From tie dyed leather to represent the Summer of Love to disco era leopard print snakeskin, there’s something for everyone. My favorites included an iridescent watersnake clutch and the bag Katherine is demonstrating at left - the fringe zips off and is reversible, and the handle is removable. This gives you so many options - clutch or hobo, plain, with subdued fringe, or metallic fringe!
Check out Katherine Kwei handbags at Saks Fifth Avenue, at any of these fine boutiques, or on Kwei’s e-commerce site.
Thanks so much to Katherine and her team for having me!
