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• January 21, 2008
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Paris Match

Getting carried away with two new French imports. By Meredith Fisher

Just because the Euro could eat the dollar for breakfast, doesn't mean all French design is out of reach. Grab hold of these two French handbag designers who are making it easy and relatively affordable to ride out the accessory recession, with designs that are fully functional but far from just basic.

The first comes from a 24-year veteran of the accessories business—from Lamarthe, to Paloma Picasso, and even a stint with Hedi Slimane at Dior—Stéphane Verdino's premiere namesake collection has been in the making since he was 16. "The direct inspiration for the line was the design of the 20th century, the modern art, and, of course, some of the fashion brands that I admire, like Margiela and Comme des Garçons," says Verdino. "When I did my first line, I wondered what kind of bags I could do for those brands, and the first collection was born out of that spirit." The result is a collection built around a few classic shapes, like the Cabas Vertical (translation: the perfect tote) or the 48 Heures (translation: overnight, not overstuffed). "When you decide to do a product with your name on it, you really have to be honest and true," he says. "And my style is pure, radical, and with no concessions—I think this is the biggest quality for the people who like my brand." Each authentic style comes in a variety of the softest leathers (vernis, cuir, and perforé), and colors that range from neutral to neon, so the size of the handbag statement is up to you, not the other way around.