Monday, April 18, 2011

Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves: How Cher Inspired a Fun New Handbag Collection

When I was a young girl in the 70s and my siblings and I stayed up to watch the Sonny & Cher show, my favorite performance was when Cher appeared onstage on a prancing horse.  Dressed completely in white, she wore this amazing stylized Native American costume with her super-long hair and feathery eyelashes and sang "Half Breed".   While it's true that the lyrics were controversial, to my young ears it was just a catchy tune with rich imagery that was hard to forget.

Another powerful song was her performance of Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves,  reminiscent of dirt road travel, bonfires, stolen kisses and dancing under a million stars.  This new collection of festival bags I've been working on for Urban Heirlooms is a kind of tribute, inspired by a song my young ears probably had no business hearing at the time! 

Dreamcatcher
This distinctly bohemian collection features raw-edged leather and vintage crochet lace...a little dainty, a little "dirty"...

Half Moon

Rustic hardware:  authentic antique brass keys and antique brass studs, plus chunky antique brass chain link for an element of surprise!

I hope I can squeeze in a photo of a third bag before my show.  After years of hoarding vintage textiles, I'm just excited that I finally committed this idea to leather and lace. Happiness!

14 comments:

  1. I watched that show too. Very entertaining for a variety show. These are gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful bags!! I love the mix of leather and lace!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yet another winner, you not only have a talent for creating beautiful bags, but one for writing as well.

    ReplyDelete
  4. These are *gorgeous*! I love that it's rugged and girly at the same time.

    ReplyDelete
  5. FabricFascination: Thank you! That show was very entertaining. I don't think there's anything like it around today.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Shelley, thanks! Leather and lace are my all-time favorite combo of materials.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sewlutions, thank you! I'm flattered! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Beth, thanks for your compliment! I think every woman has both tough and tender facets.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh mah gawd! I love the juxtaposition of the delicate lace with the masculine leather!! I have to go check out your shop now. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. OfTheFountain: "Oh mah gawd!" LOL! Thank you. I'm so glad that mix of materials is a hit. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Leather and lace! What a great combination. Love the bags.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks, Julie! I'm glad you like them.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm adoring the juxtaposition! Perfect, perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks, weird amiga! I'm about to work on some new ones with a different kind of leather. Keep an eye out! :)

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from you!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...