June 28, 2006

The Chosen One

Gryson Handbags

Isn’t that the way it goes?

You share your wisdom (dirty jokes, drinking games, mind tricks) with young recruits (assistants, bar buddies, Jedis-in-training); they show their gratitude by sucking you dry and leaving you in the dust.

It happens to the superstars, too. Joy Gryson, former director of design and development at Marc Jacobs, was the one responsible for all those must-have bags and accessories you’ve loved for the past few years. Now she’s left MJ and struck out on her own.

Her brilliant first collection features beautifully designed bags with sweet names like Sophie, Rachel, and Olivia (after her daughter) — with details like rich suede linings, stately ID tags, and antiqued gold-finished brass fixtures. They’re bound to be new classics and cult favorites.

You might say that Gryson is just another chip off the old block.

Which should help you forget all about the one on your shoulder.

Available online at neimanmarcus.com.