New York - September 17, 2004

Don’t Gogh There

Mary Ping Handbags

Any artist will tell you: A blank canvas can be a daunting thing.

Some assault it with paint. Others muster a blank stare.

Designer Mary Ping pulls out the scissors. For her handbag line, Slow and Steady Wins the Race, she uses cut-up canvas to make copies of her favorite iconic Chanel, Gucci, and Balenciaga bags, and the results are amazingly cool. While the purses closely resemble the originals, the material and rough edges give them a contemporary feel. Drawing on the classics yet bucking the norm, Ping pulls off gentle parody and tribute all at once.

Looks like scissors aren’t such a bad option for artists after all.

Provided they keep them away from their ears.

In LA: Available at South Willard, 8038 West Third Street, between Crescent Heights Boulevard and Laurel Avenue (323-653-6153).

In NYC: Available at Opening Ceremony, 35 Howard Street, between Crosby Street and Broadway (212-219-2688).

To see styles, go to slowandsteadywinstherace.com.