September 5, 2007

Feeling Forward

Belen Echandia Bags

Dance with me. Take me anywhere. Stroke me. Racy requests made by the Scary Larry sitting next you?

Um. No.

Try the names of bags from Belen Echandia, the British line that’ll give you just what you want.

Created by lawyer-turned-designer Jackie Cawthra, the collection comprises handmade leather bags crafted in limited runs. Her inspiration comes from actual customers, which is also how she originally came up with all the, er, unusual names.

Faves include Indulge Me, a just-the-right-size shoulder bag with two handles, stitched detailing, and a center compartment lined in waterproof fabric so you can carry wet umbrellas or gym clothes; the Kiss Me clutch, a semicircle with zipper top and slender wrist strap in textured silver or black; and Take Me Away, an ample-size weekender with removable shoulder strap, subtle gold hardware, and multiple inside pockets.

Each has an attention-getting, silky fuchsia lining, so the bags look just as good inside as out.

And that says it all.

Available online at belenechandia.com.