Paris-based accessories designer Olympia Le Tan has been designing whimsical handbags in the shape of classic novels, milk cartons and other unusual shapes favored by discerning Parisians for years. Hand beaded by Ms. Le Tan herself, a single bag can require up to thirty hours of meticulous stitching and fetch upwards of £1000 GBP. The outspoken Ms. Le Tan was recently asked about her bags' hefty pricetags to which she rightly retorted:
"They are no more more expensive than a hideous designer bag probably manufactured in China by children. They are a luxury good made in France." (French Grazia, Dec. 23, 2011, p. 14)
Her statement is nothing short of balm for the soul of all those who believe that it takes much more than a shiny logo and fancy packaging to make a luxury good. It speaks to the core values of the French luxury industry. It made me wish more like-minded designers and luxury players were as outspoken as Ms. Le Tan. In any event, I salute her willingness to speak her mind. I also promptly purchased her "To Kill A Mockingbird" bag from my beloved Net-A-Porter because money talks and I believe in putting my money where my mouth is!
Sincerely,
The Luxe Chronicles
Comments