Book-cessories--the
term I’ve coined for wearable books--probably aren’t a new trend, but I was
surprised to find some pricey examples in the July issue of Glamour magazine. French designer Olympia Le-Tan is selling embroidered pocketbooks
that resemble books with classic titles including Evelyn Waugh’s “Vile
Bodies”, Erich Segal’s “Love Story” and Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Dr. Jekyll
and Mr. Hyde”. Favored by celebrities like Natalie Portman and Michelle Williams, clutches shown run 1140 euros, or $1,404.
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| One of the classic titles in Ms. Le-Tan's collection. |
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| Something a little more recent... |
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| ....and something for my friends who share my other line of work. |
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| Ms. Portman carries her "copy" of Lolita. |
Though
I won’t be purchasing any of Ms. Le Tan’s creations, I did buy a wearable book
this summer for under $25. A trip to the Western part of the U.S. brought the
Stacked-NY family to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where we found The Bookstore on Broadway (more
on this inviting family-owned business soon.) I don’t know the name
of the designer, a local craftsperson, but if
you’re interested in learning more, give the store a call at 208-881-5075.
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| This bag was made from an actual binding of Memoirs of a British Agent by Sir Robert Hamilton Bruce Lockhart, journalist and secret agent. Mr. Lockhart was implicated in a plot to assassinate Lenin. |
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| The book was a bestseller in 1932, and inspired a film starring Leslie Howard and Kay Francis (based only loosely on the facts). |
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| Decorated with leather trim and a pretty brass ornament on the outside, the bag boasts enough room in the lined interior to carry your wallet, phone, etc, as well as another book! |
Back
in New York City I haven’t seen any of my neighbors sporting book bags that
resemble any of the ones shown, but this display caught my eye as I passed Saks
Fifth Avenue this morning. Even as
window dressing, I’m glad books are always in fashion.
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| The mannequin is consulting her "Parisian Chic Weekly Planner." |
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You can read more about Ms. Le-Tan in this interview at 1833mag.com
Interested in creating your own book clutch? Arianna at runwaydiy.com offers
instructions here.
