Recherché!

The general parameters below address sizes and construction for the primary bag categories.

OBI BAGS: Antique and vintage Japanese obi sashes become stunning bags for day or evening. Closures include a broad array of Asian frogs, vintage buttons, metal clasps, some with tassels, and semi-precious stone pendants. This most popular design, approximately 6 inches wide by 9 inches long, consists of two internal compartments and is worn from the shoulder on a 48 inch cord in a harmonizing color.

Obi Bag No. 361:  Blue silk embroidered in silver with magnet close under silver tassel and bead.

OPERA BAGS: Black, water-whorled moiré becomes a discreet bag on a smaller scale, that does not compete with jewelry or clothing. The single distinguishing feature of each bag is the antique or vintage button closure, often of glass, jet or cutwork. This design, approximately 6 inches wide by 6 inches long, is lined in black satin, consists of two internal compartments, and is worn from the shoulder on a 48  inch black satin cord.

Black moiré opera bag.

Opera bag, open view.

PAN-ASIAN BAGS: Both brocade and hand-woven, hand-dyed silk are used to create the Pan-Asian bag, identical in size and and construction to the Opera Bags.  Vintage to antique buttons, “found” objects, tassels and small pendants over magnet closures are used along with an harmoniously toned shoulder cord at 48 inches total length….for a smaller woman or girl, and a more playful set of colorways than the black of the Opera Bag.

Pan-Asian in brocade with bottle glass button; Pan-Asian in silk with Art Deco buckle treatment

POCHE: Poche means “pocket” in French.  These little receptacles are made of the tag ends of silk obi sashes – too beautiful to throw away.  One inner compartment is lined in satin; the button closures are always vintage.  Poches are very handy for holding business cards, credit cards and driver’s license, a gift of cash or a gift card, and as a kepsake presentation for a piece of jewelry.

Poche with clear glass button overlaid in gold.

MELANGE: Experimentals, discontinued designs, marked-down items, and sale pieces, are found here. Still cute, still functional, and very affordable.