Los Angeles - December 27, 2004

Best of 2004: Don't Gogh There

Mary Ping Handbags

As is our custom here at DailyCandy, the week between Christmas and New Year’s will be dedicated to the greatest hits of 2004. Hey, don’t even think about calling us slackers. We’re wooooorking here.

Have a great holiday, and thank you for being such smart, opinionated, and excellent readers.

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.

Available at South Willard, 8038 West Third Street, between Crescent Heights Boulevard and Laurel Avenue (323-653-6153). To see styles, visit slowandsteadywinstherace.com.