As soon as we spotted Herringbone's clutches earlier this year, we were sold. First off, the bag brand's debut collection featured awe-inspiring color combos. Bright fuchsia and Yves Klein blue suede edged in metallic gold leather? Mmmm, yep, thanks! The three sizes the pouches come in — the $120 mini necessaire, $130 necessaire, and $190 fold-over clutch — were perfection (as were the prices). And, to add that cherry on top, we discovered the brand-new company hails from none other than our very own Bay Area backyard.
It seems that makeup artist Shawn Burke, who founded Berkeley's Herringbone Apothecary, created the first clutch prototypes for her own use while on set at photoshoots. Naturally, however, after laying eyes on those puppies, other makeup artists and clients wanted their own. Fast forward to 2010 when Burke teamed up with her friend Camille Mason, of the dearly departed Magnet Boutique, and you've got yourself a collection that strikes the perfect balance of luxury and utility. And now — surprise, surprise — the duo have launched a Herringbone bags e-shop so that clutch-lovers from coast-to-coast can indulge in the handmade-in-Cali line, which now includes special additions for the giving season!
"The holiday collection is all about gorgeous, Grace Kelly-inspired glitz," says Burke of the new offerings. "We introduced a black-on-black style for the sleek and classic girl, a black-with-rose-gold-trim clutch for the girl who likes a little bling with her black, and finally, the all-out glamour of the gold leather with platinum trim, for the Beyoncé in all of us!" Um, a bag — and designer — that references the one and only Beyoncé?! Sign us up. (Herringbone Online)
Photo: Courtesy of Herringbone Bags