San Francisco - February 23, 2005

Pass the Dutchy

Dutchy Handbags

Kiki is joined at the hip to her Chloe carryall. MK totes her Balenciaga bag with a new homeless outfit daily. And half of Hollywood’s starlets seem prepared to have the LV logo tattooed on their foreheads.

Is it possible that women are taking their handbags a smidge too seriously?

Perhaps it’s time we all had a little more fun. Consider the playfully stylish hobos, totes, and satchels from Dutchy, a San Fran-based line of eye-catching bags.

We especially like Brandy (a large canvas tote with leather accents and a rainbow strap), Georgia (a leather hobo with slits that give a glimpse of brightly colored satin), and Dag (a leather multi-colored striped bag). Many feature unique linings made from vintage European draperies. At prices ranging from $78-$250, Dutchy makes those “serious” designer bags look like a joke.

Which is pretty much what they’re becoming anyway.

Available R.A.G., 541 Octavia Street, between Grove and Hayes Streets (415-621-7718). To see styles, go to dutchy.net.