Andrew Gn's got a brand-new bag. The designer — whose couture-quality creations have recently been worn by Hillary Clinton, Emma Stone and Eva Longoria — has launched a new sophisticated handbag collection.
It debuted at his fall runway show in March to stellar reviews and has drawn attention at trunk shows in Los Angeles and San Francisco. "All the girls went crazy over them," Gn says. "It's going to be the 'it' bag."
"I wanted utility, but I wanted to make them extra beautiful," says the designer.
Gn showcased the collection at a luncheon at his Marais atelier for Houston women attending last month's Liaison au Louvre fundraiser. The handbags — made of box calf leather with a semi-precious stone such as amethyst, tiger-eye, jade or turquoise attached as a distinctive closure — have a clean look that contrasts nicely with his more ornate clothing designs.
Gn took two years to perfect the design in four styles: The Cargo, a large bag with military-inspired pockets; The Duchess, a versatile carryall; the Day N' Nite clutch with dual compartments; and the Pocket, a small evening bag featuring a chain strap woven with semi-precious stones, so it's like wearing a piece of jewelry when carrying it across the body. The bags come in a variety of rich colors, including cognac, rust, dark green and midnight blue.
"I wanted utility, but I make them extra beautiful," he says. "If it's Andrew Gn, it has to be extra precious."
The handbags, which range in price from around $1,000 to $1,965, hit stores this fall.