Chicago - September 22, 2009

The Sting

Aki Kano Bags for Fall

Between swarms of iPhone alerts (and a hive-inducing vibrator incident), your bag is always abuzz.

Fly like a queen with an Aki Kano carryall.

Inspired by the graceful meticulousness of the honeybee, the NYC-based designer created her first line of handmade hobo, tote, satchel, and shoulder bags last spring.

This fall she’s winging it with vintage details (pleated handles, periwinkle grosgrain lining), functional contraptions (durable cowhide, detachable shoulder straps, magnetic closures), and artful accents (horizontal and vertical zipper compartments, ribbon-shaped zipper pulls, gold rings, striped bee logos on tiny metal studs) in a rich palette of chocolate and black with pops of gold, pink, and teal.

Two hidden cell phone pockets conceal your essentials.

As for what they may be, it’s none of our beeswax.

Available at P.45, 1643 North Damen Avenue, at Wabansia Avenue (773-862-4523 or p45.com). To see styles, go to akikano.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Aki Kano