Pleats Please by Issey MiyakeBilbao Bag

Pleats Please by Issey Miyake, spring 2008—“Bilbao Bag” 13 ½” x 13 ½” + adjustable straps I love how this foldable, collapsible bag resembles origami! According to the MoMA website, “the construction of this bag is inspired by the panels of metal that steel workers fuse together to create a functional structure.” Perhaps it’s another …

Pleats Please by Issey MiyakeGeodesic Dome Handbag

Pleats Please by Issey Miyake, autumn 2003 13” diameter When I first saw this in a boutique window, I thought it looked like a big squishy beach ball. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a geodesic dome! I certainly can’t speak for Mr. Miyake’s design intentions, but to me it is a witty homage …

Jean Paul Gaultier Fork Sunglasses

Jean Paul Gaultier, c. mid. 1990’s These hilarious sunglasses are the first thing I bought that was designed by the very irreverent M. Gaultier… and to think I found them at Marshall’s! I always laugh when I wear them, as does anyone who sees them. [affmage source=”ebay” results=”2″]gaultier fork sunglasses[/affmage]

Jean Paul GaultierTribal Necklace & Bracelet

Jean Paul Gaultier, spring 2000 This amazing twelve-strand necklace and spiral bracelet look at once tribal and absolutely contemporary. I purchased them in Paris in the Jean Paul Gaultier boutique within the Galeries Lafayette along with the “bracelet clutch.” An important part of the appeal is that the jewelry is just ordinary metal—not so precious …

Jean Paul GaultierLaser-cut Shoulder Bag

Jean Paul Gaultier, spring 2000 12 ¾” w. x 15 ½” h. Another pristine bag from spring 2000: minimally detailed shoulder bag of smooth black leather with laser-cut edges and a cord-attached fabric pocket. Even though the leather has a rigid appearance, it is flexible enough for one handle to invert into the other to …

Jean Paul GaultierFingerholes Bag

Jean Paul Gaultier, spring 2000 9¼’’w. x 11’’h. Smooth black leather “fingerholes” bag with laser-cut edges and a cord-attached fabric pocket.  I purchased this bag at Galerie Gaultier, Rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine within hours of arriving in Paris on a handbag shopping expedition. After seeing a thumbnail-sized photo of a flap version of this …

Jean Paul GaultierBracelet Clutch

Jean Paul Gaultier, spring 2000 17⅛” l. x 6 ¼” w. Smooth black leather fold-over flap clutch with magnetic snaps and laser-cut edges—purchased in Paris in the Jean Paul Gaultier boutique within the Galeries Lafayette. This perfectly proportioned, minimally-designed bag doubles as a bracelet—certainly a good idea since it’s only moderately functional as a handbag! …