LUX Loves: Free to Be Be&D
Accessories obsessives like me know there is a handbag, shoe, or belt for every occasion, and we enjoy changing ours with extreme regularity to suit each one. The innovative house of Be&D knows of our enjoyment too and serves up a bevy of fabulousness for all of our changing times. Their expansive and just downright superb line of accessories-handbags, shoes, belts, and now hair accessories (new for Spring/Summer 2010)-answers the call of the quixotic fashionista, but more so, that of the modern fashionable woman.
So change I do: When I’m in my bad girl mood, I grab their Chain Braid belt, a la Desperately Seeking Susan, and I’m off to some dark club deep in the big city to dance ‘til dawn, its micro-perforated calfskin allowing me to get into the groove and move to the music. When I don my uptown personae, the proper Barnard oxford fits my foot just so, with tasteful styling yet a high heel that oozes sex appeal at the same time; wear it in cocoa leather and leopard print, adding the Alexander bag with its chain strap and studded detail to really set the ladies in the country club dining room talking. Being the hipster for a day requires something as hip as the Liverpool boot, higher in front than in back, not to mention the cool pleating and strong heel that allows one to stomp around in style (Be&D’s Milton boots are just as hip, if not more so, with their au courant over-the-knee look). Heading to the gym will be easier with the Wellington bag on my arm, a tote fashioned from nubuk with ultra-matte calfskin detailing, and with the tennie-like Abbey on my feet, until they have to come off to have the real thing put on (can’t I run on the treadmill in these??). And if I want to be the most glam gal about town, the new Garbo bag-the one that set Creative Director Steve Dumain on the map-will do it. This version is crafted in shiny python with lambskin in burnt olive and olive colors, with nickel hardware in the form of pyramid-shaped studs. Meow.
A recent visit to Be&D’s New York atelier afforded the chance to ogle the leather LUXness, and watch the magic happen (To note: Be&D’s factory in the garment district, a small space where they manufacture each and every piece by hand, is one of the only accessories outfits of its sort remaining in that neighborhood, their lot fast disappearing by way of landlords who seek to turn many of these buildings into condominiums and co-ops to be filled by the yuppie masses who can pay the anticipated astronomical rents. Yes, that is another story; Look for it soon on this website.). The look-fashioned for Autumn/Winter, Spring/Summer, Pre-Fall, and Cruise collections-is high quality and high end all around. There is no shortage of craftsmanship here. The finest hardware, leather, suede, and exotic skins (ever heard of hair calf, otherwise known as tiger hair?) are used in the manufacturing of the bags, small leather goods, and belts. There are hobos and totes, shoulder bags (making a big comeback) and clutches with magnetic closures, and luxurious sacs that stand out from the pack. Still featured is the line’s signature key-lock and turn-lock closure. The shoes are the only product not made in-house, rather in Brazil by skilled artisans who really know their stuff. Just as Christian Louboutin has his red-soled soles, Be&D’s sport a gold sole, fitting for the LUXies among us. That’s what I call stepping out in style.
Note: You can shop Be&D on Bloomingdales.com.
Tagged in: fashion, new york, new york, handbags, leather, accessories, shoes, belts, killer shoes, studded accessories, be&d,
