Last Wednesday, I had the pleasure of dropping by the Sang A Spring/Summer 2011 press preview at the CFDA Fashion Incubator in NYC. For this season, designer Sang A Im-Prop took her dexterity with exotic animal skins to new heights, crafting a collection that incorporates brushed gold python, black-and-white brushed python, desert stone cobra, mint-blue natural fish, warm platinum stamped alligator, black nubuck leather, crimson lizard, slashed black-and-white crocodile, and a glittery black snakeskin. These skins added a new zest to cult favorite styles like the Wave (pictured second from top in a radiant, brush gold satin python), a large tote with a rounded front zipper that houses a padded iPad/laptop pocket, and which features three quilted half-moon, ripple-like grooves along its left and hand sides, running from top to bottom like parentheses shapes. Similarly, the Mini Wave Warm Platinum Stamped Alligator tote (pictured second from top) radiates thanks to a sheen-laden, slightly distressed, buttery bone color with a grayish contrast along the scales and a light, antique gold glimmer that seems to swathe the bag in an almost surreal, cosmic blanket. These pieces speak to Sang A's genius, how she can use the richest, most sophisticated materials and manipulate them to create silhouettes that are streamlined but imbued with a futuristic, decidedly urban, edgy vibe via zippers, quilted shapes, and sculpted details.
The slouchier Mini Pop bag, meanwhile, now comes in a black-and-white brushed python (pictured fourth from top) and a surprisingly chic fish skin in a grayish, dusty, minty blue shade (pictured at top), the latter featuring slightly distressed, frayed edges that are powdery soft.
Classics aside, Sang A also introduced some new styles — among them the Rise, a chic belt bag with a sash belt that ties around the waist or hips (shown third below, in black-and-white rustic alligator) and a flap featuring two fluid, overlapping sculpted layers. Apparently, Sang A is particularly pleased with this launch since what initially drew her to handbag design was the notion of creating a belt bag that allowed for convenient access to essentials (keys, phone, etc.) without venturing into the horror-laden territory of the eye sores known as fanny packs. The Rise bags, then, function as the ultimate accessory, adding a dash of gumption to any ensemble, while also simplifying the lives of multi-tasking woman.
Another new addition is the Slide cross-body bag, which features a tough gunmetal chain strap and a trapezium-like shape with a triple wave flap, each flap featuring slightly jagged edges. Our pick: the black midnight, glitter snakeskin Slide (pictured third below), a cocktail-ready number with a rock-n-roll flair.
