“It” Is Out – Quality Handbag Design Is In

Ladies, it’s no longer about the It bag with an upper case I.

“For this season, it’s less about the statement pieces,” said Natalia Konovalova, founder and creative director for Bulga, USA. “You must design as a collection for details that must be special on their own, must stand out on their own and connect with the subject. They’re very individual pieces because every owner is unique.”

Doesn’t that sound more fashion forward than chasing after the latest bag seen on Jessica Simpson? Oh – but wait! – Bulga bags have been seen on Jessica Simpson – bonus points!

That was one of the things that helped launch Bulga as a major brand after it was founded by Konovalova in 2003. Konovalova was a model who came to America and began designing in 2001, while attending FIT.

“FIT was the school to go to, it was technically rigorous,” Konovalova said. She partially credits FIT for her attention to details. “It’s French piping on seams, it’s just an exquisitely finished bag and then something extra.”

Part of that exquisitely finished bag is the leathers, which Konovalova speaks of lovingly. Fine Italian leathers are hand-picked for their color, feel, femininity and lightness.

“The client has to be excited and say only Bulga would have it,” Konovalova said. “I don’t design for a regular client, I design for a spoiled person that is very exposed to the quality, exposed to the designer market so they know the difference in the materials and design.”
The Bulga philosophy stresses confidence, quality, and originality. No surprise that those are the same things many fashionistas wish to portray.

“Bulga prides itself on giving women all over the world the power to enjoy their confidence and independence with power that our products add to their pleasure of life,” the company Web site reads. “From detailed, exquisite silhouettes to pleasurable, elegant lining, each bag is a statement to the power of femininity.”

Now isn’t that better than a statement piece?

To the bags! Some of my favorites are the $300 Misa Bag in new black worn by Jessica Alba, which also comes in silver snake – a favorite of Rihanna – and the Helmut Bag recently seen on the Martha Stewart Show.

published December 19th, 2007