Skillfully crafted with fine European leathers, an Elizabeth Bayu handbag speaks for itself; and it's nice to see that people have fallen in love with these timeless pieces.
Bows Done Right
In My Bag
See? I'm not as anti-bow as that last entry made me seem, it's just that a bag needs the right kind of bow, as evidenced by this pair of beautiful clutches from Elizabeth Bayu.
This is proof that it's not what you work with, but how you present it. There is shine, but not so much shine you need sunglasses at night. One even has metalic...but as an accent. It's a classic evening clutch, but in a streamlined shape that is reminiscent of perhaps a tuxedo cummerbund, and not puffed like a child's balloon. This bag, also does not evoke any time in particular, but would look as perfect in 10 years as it does today. Made from leather it has a silk lining, and an interior zip pocket. It's small, but at 9x6 big enough to carry the things you really need for a night out.
Pefect for any holiday party, this is a bag perfect for under the tree...not topping it.
I Spy: Little Leather Clutch
Gen Art Pulse
"The beautiful gardens of Paris...that's my inspiration for fall," says Elizabeth Bayu, the talented young Philadelphia designer behind her epynonymous line of handbags. While all of her pieces are skillfully crafted with the highest-quality European leathers, what we really fell for was this silk-lined black and gold clutch purse. It's totally chic, but the metallic detailing gives it just the right touch of playful funk.
Tasteful, clean, and handsome...and still cute
In My Bag
A while back, someone commented (referencing the post about the Coach Miranda) that nobody makes "tasteful, clean, and handsome" bags anymore. While everyone knows there are plenty of companies known for that look, I decided to rise to the challenge, and find a new designer as proof that, yes, Miss Anonymous Commenter, people do still create tasteful, clean, and handsome handbags. As example, I offer up the duffel from Philadelphia based Elizabeth Bayu; a former model, beauty pageant winner, and Ivy league grad (I always love reading about the roads that led people to handbag design) who has been designing her eponymous handbag line since 2002.
The duffel is a pretty standard large satchel shape, with plenty of interior room for all your belongings. The spare details, including the straps at either end, and a front pocket secured by a working heart shaped lock are perfect touches to maintain the elegance of the bag while making it fresh and fun. The double handles are long enough to tuck under your arm, but padded to make holding them in your hand equally as comfortable. The interior is lined with suede, which adds a touch of luxury not often seen in bags costing twice as much, and has a trio of pockets for small items. There can be no doubt that this bag fits the requirements of "tasteful, clean, and handsome", while not being nearly as stodgy as that description sounds. More incredible, the bag, which is available in 6 colors is only $550 (the 2 metallic choices do carry a $100 premium) available directly from Elizabeth Bayu.
New Handbag Collection from Elizabeth Bayu
Iguana Fashions
Philidelphia handbag designer Elizabeth Bayu started her eponymous collection in 2002 and has since been featured in Gen Art Pulse, Philadelphia Style, Philadelphia Magazine, The Daily News, NBC-10, Oxygen Network, Fashion Fest and numerous fashion events. Check out any of the awesome bags on her Web site! Iguana Thumbs up!
Designer Handbag Review
Senora Cartera
Utterly sophisticated and absolutely timeless best describe the luxurious, well-designed handbags by Elizabeth Bayu. This Ethiopian-born Philly transplant uses her art history background and knowledge of fashion to create masterful pieces that are sure to delight women who buy them for years to come. Her Duffle Bag is an updated take on the classic duffle style. Reminiscent of Louis Vuitton's Speedy or Gucci's Boston Bag, this amply-sized (14 x 9.5 x 8) lambskin leather handbag boasts rolled leather top handles, gold-tone hardware, convenient front flap pocket with turn-lock closure and heart-shaped padlock, side buckle-detail straps, zip top, and suede-lined interior with zip, pouch and patch pockets. The desirous leather, quality craftsmanship and classic shape combine together in perfect handbag harmony. Choose from black, teal , buttercream, or caramel (shown) for an astonishingly reasonable $565. Metallic versions in teal and bronze are also available for $650.
Elizabeth Bayu is Philadelphia’s answer to Jennifer Lopez. Not only does she design and create her own line of handbags, Elizabeth Bayu Handbags, she saves time for a modeling and acting career. Her credits include Food Network’s Date Plate and TV’s Hack. In fact, she is able to combine these careers, often carrying her own designs on set. Taking inspiration from architecture, art and nature, Elizabeth Bayu Handbags enhance classic shapes with glamour.
The former Miss Susquehanna Valley and University of Pennsylvania alumni received no formal training in handbag design. Instead, she began by drawing on inspiration close to home. “Like a lot of women who love fashion, I raided my mother’s closet when I was very young,” Bayu says. “I loved looking at her vintage pieces. I loved handbags – it’s something I never get tired of, the styles and making them. It’s a constant source of fascination.”
Her dramatic custom designs include her version of the classic Kelly and an ultra-chic crocodile-embossed leather Rock Star bag, the line’s original best-seller. Colors, inspired by what Bayu sees seasonally in nature, run the spectrum from hot-and-spicy red to soft pink. She plans to include more hobos, clutches and shoulder bags in the new collection. “I like to play on shapes and styles,” Bayu says. “You do not have to make them exactly the way they used to be. You can make them your own, unique.”
She uses luxury materials, such as silk, satin and leather that are often imported. The hardware has also become a focus; she plans to begin incorporating platinum, gold and jewels in her designs. When asked who wears her bags, Bayu replies, “My bags are for the young and the young at heart.” Each bag is designed with versatility, fashion and utilitarianism in mind. “I want to design something that you can continuously use,” she says. “If you are not able to use the bag, you will not wear it.”
A true lover of the design process, her skills are not limited to handbags. She also designs gowns, clothing, shoes and accessories. She often wore her own creations during her days on the pageant circuit. No scrap material is safe in front of Bayu, who will start sketching on anything she can get her hands on, including napkins. She has even been known to create prototypes out of aluminum foil. Elizabeth Bayu Handbags are available at www.elizabethbayu.com.