Kelly Locke Handbags Fall 2011 Preview

 

It's so much fun "discovering" new brands. Especially those that have that 'OMG' factor. In the Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent showroom was a display of handbags and accessories set in an unassuming corner, by a designer called Kelly Locke. With that said, there was nothing unassuming about this brand. Every item was made of materials so exotic that they are guaranteed to become conversation starters.

My sights first set on the plush fur clutch and chain strap bag sitting in the middle of the table. I picked them up expecting them to be faux fur and was surprised when they turned out to be real. I asked just to make sure and discovered they were made of rex rabbit fur. I advise you not to google rex rabbit. You won't appreciate how gorgeous these bags are if you're looking into Thumpers big brown eyes.

As I perused the display I discovered that the rabbit fur bags weren't the only exciting things on display. There were colorful clutches made of tilapia, perch and cod, yes fish, sourced from the Lake Victoria area of Africa. Aligator, lizard and anaconda skin clutches and handbags were made of the actual animal and not embossed leather as has become the norm. In keeping with the exotic materials, some of the bags had petrified wood details.

For those that are concerned about conservation, you can rest easy. Kelly Locke works with suppliers whose skins are a by-product of fish caught for food. For more information visit www.kellylocke.com.