If Led Zeppelin and a hippie commune had a love child, it would be ugly and smell.
A more successful mash-up of hard rocker looks and green ideals? The Sway, a line of reclaimed leather bags by Belinda Pasqua.
The Sydney-raised designer left a career in disposable fashion when her roots came calling (she grew up eating homegrown produce, bushwhacking on vacation, and jamming to Stairway to Heaven).
The buttery leather — chestnut, black, periwinkle, white — is scrap from a motorcycle accessories factory in Pakistan. (Pasqua travels to Karachi to ensure green production and fair treatment for craftswomen.) And the aboriginal-print lining is rewoven cotton.
Textured exteriors (matchstick slices, quilted triangles, studs, shag) give character to rectangular clutches and shoulder bags. There’s a fringe-covered carryall that makes a pinata look tame, but our top pick is a double-zipper, fringe camera pouch with a chain strap.
We’ve got a whole lotta love.
Available at Kaight, 83 Orchard Street, between Broome and Grand Streets (212-680-5630 or kaightshop.com); Searle, 635 Madison Avenue, at 60th Street (212-750-5153 or searlenyc.com), $130-$450. To see styles, go to theswaynyc.com.
Photo: Courtesy of The Sway
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