Sandast opens flagship in downtown L.A.

Ah, leather. The look. The scent. The feel. Few materials are as sensual.

Not only does L.A. bagmaker Sandast bring out leather's best attributes in its handcrafted bags and luggage, it's inviting Angelenos into the experience with a new flagship store adjacent to its workshop in downtown L.A.

"Since the factory is so big, we needed a showroom," said Milan Franeta, founder and creative director of Sandast. And once Franeta decided to open a showroom, he decided to share it with friends who share his affection for artisanal fashion with a vintage twist.

Located in a former automotive garage, the enormous 4,000-square-foot space is a tribute to American heritage as much as it is a store. In addition to Franeta's bags, the flagship carries dozens of brands whose styles compliment a Sandast aesthetic that marries elegance and ruggedness. There are cubbies of handmade Gilded Age jeans from New York and AG Jeans from L.A. Tables of Johnson Motors T-shirts yield to displays of Dita sunglasses and H by Hudson shoes.

"This is a lifestyle store. We're not just going to sell shoes and bags and clothing. We're going to have music, books, some organic food, olive oil, honey, coffee. A little bit of everything," said Franeta, a native of Montenegro and artist who made or found most of the furniture in the new shop and says he's "addicted to finding new ways to make bags that are different."

Most of the leather Franeta works with is from tanneries in Kansas, Illinois and Texas that use  vegetable dyes that yield five different shades of brown, tan, rust, grey and black. Some of the hardware is sourced from Italy. Others are custom-made and distressed to compliment Franeta's "massaged" and polished leathers. His bags retail for $250 to $2,000. Clothes are priced from about $50 to $200.

Franeta's style was born from a childhood spent watching American westerns when he "fell in love with all the colors of western style, the boots, the saddles, the jeans." After moving to the U.S. in 1987, he began collecting vintage Levi's and antiques, some of which are used as decor for the store.

He started Sandast in 2006 with a collection of handmade belts that he private labeled for Gilded Age, and partnered with retail veteran Chris Pak in 2010 to extend the brand that was primarily sold in Europe, Mexico and a handful of U.S. specialty stores. Franeta has so far designed more than 100 bags. The 40 or so that are displayed for sale in the new store represent his best work.

"I'm not a designer designer that puts everything on paper," Franeta said. "I'm more of a creator. Mine is a style I create in my head and I go in the factory and make it."

Shoppers who want to see exactly how can do so at the new South Hill Street shop. There's a window that looks into Franeta's workspace from the store.

RELATED:

Shopping: High Low Vintage opens in Pasadena

Bench & Loom trades in classic masculinity

South La Brea menswear stores tap into American heritage

American heritage brands make a comeback

-- Susan Carpenter

Photos: Sandast models and bags; Sandast store displays. Credit: Sandast.

Currently Coveting: Linea Pelle Jules woven tote

I've been coveting a lot lately, much to the detriment of my bank account. In an effort to save up for holiday shopping I begrudgingly trimmed my list of "wants" to "absolutely have to haves." First on my list: a new go-with-anything, wear-anywhere tote.

While searching for the perfect bag, I realized I'd given up on designer logos. I still wear the classic Louis Vuitton bowling bag once in a while when the mood strikes, but I've grown to appreciate handbags with logo-free facades. They prove to be the perfect accompaniment to any outfit, regardless of the season.

I was recently given the Linea Pelle Dylan bag in black as a birthday present so I thought I'd start there. Linea Pelle handbag designer Andrew Cotton tends to have a knack for fusing luxe fabrics, modern silhouettes and casual designs.  While perusing the website I spotted the new Jules woven tote ($495) and knew I was in love. The smooth Italian leather is logo-free and not priced at an insane $1,000 or $2,000. 

The bag features a woven leather stripe down the front and a drawstring scrunched closure, giving it a vintage '80s feel. The gun-metal chain detail along the straps can be casual with jeans or dressy enough for a night out in heels, and the fuss-free over-the-shoulder style is a must for slinging the bag over arms clothed in heavy sweaters full of holiday shopping bags.

Linea Pelle carries an entire new line of holiday bags in fun crocodile print and soft suede, all in its signature care-free styles. Check out all the Linea Pelle collections on its website at www.lpcollection.com.

RELATED:

Currently Coveting: A bag from the Original Satchel Store

Currently Coveting: Wintercheck Factory's full metal billfold

Currently coveting: L.L. Bean boots for fall

-- Jenn Harris

twitter.com/jenn_harris_

Photo: Jules woven tote by Linea Pelle. Credit: Linea Pelle.

Fall TV season offers some real-world fashion potential

 
If you like the swinging '60s style of "Mad Men," get ready for a fall TV season that promises an array of stylishly clad characters. For nostalgia, start with the stews of "Pan Am," move on to the "Playboy Club" and then check out the new "Charlie's Angels." Or ponder the well-dressed guy versus the slob in "How to Be a Gentlemen." Or the Trustafarian and her buddy in "2 Broke Girls."

Booth Moore takes a spin through some of the small screen's new fall offerings and details the challenges and real-world fashion potential of the new shows.

And speaking of Pan Am, stylistas of a certain age might remember the look of uniforms and accessories carried by the folks who worked at the now-defunct Pan American World Airways. Adam Tschorn takes a look at the company that's now licensing some of the fare associated with folks who flew the friendly skies. (So don't be surprised if you see a few sexy stewardesses at Halloween.)

RELATED:

Nike offers up Marty McFly's 'Back to the Future' shoes

Cedric the Entertainer throws his hat in the ring with Who Ced?

QVC to open studio at L.A. Live

-- Alice Short 

From left, Amber Heard, Naturi Naughton and Leah Renee in "The Playboy Club." Photo by Matt Dinerstein/NBC

Luxury leather label Loewe lands in L.A

 
 
On Wednesday, a bungalow at the Chateau Marmont was filled with buttery soft leather bags, jackets, dresses and pants from Spanish luxury brand Loewe (pronounced “low-ay-ve”) that had stylists and  celebs drooling despite the soaring heat. The Loewe team was in town from Madrid for the first time, to show off the brand’s most signature styles.

The brand’s creative director and veteran accessories designer Stuart Vevers (who has held design positions at Bottega Veneta, Mulberry and Luella and was named Accessories Designer of the Year at the 2006 British Fashion Awards) was on hand to discuss the rich history of the brand as well as take orders for bespoke leather clothing that includes a vast array of leather jackets, skirts and dresses that all feel like a second skin.

Founded in Spain, Loewe dates to 1846, when it began as a leather goods line creating mostly luggage, wallets and ladies' handbags for Spain’s elite and was appointed as Supplier to the Royal Court by Spain’s royal family in 1905.

Today Loewe has more than 100 freestanding stores around the world, with local distribution at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills. But perhaps it's strongest presence has been with celebrities such as Mila Kunis, Freida Pinto, Jessica Alba and Claudia Schiffer, who have been sporting the brand’s iconic Flamenco bag in bright poppy colors such as coral, yellow and violet.

With the departure from It bags in fashion to more understated styles made sans logos and embellishment, Loewe’s luxury bags in bright, fun colors make sense among these celebs, who like to punctuate their everyday basics with bold hues (seriously, Alba was even seen carrying her coral Flamenco with her to the gym). Hope she stowed the super-soft leather bag somewhere secure while working out.

--Melissa Magsaysay

RELATED

L.A retailers share their favorite fall merchandise

Celeb favorite Simone Camille launches Skins for fall

Frugal Fashion: Evan Rachel Wood at the Venice Film Festival

Photos: At top, Loewe Flamenco bags. Credit: Loewe

At right, Freida Pinto carrying Loewe's Flamenco bag. Credit: Loewe

Celeb favorite Simone Camille bags launches Skins for fall

The slouchy and super-vibrant patchwork fabric hobo bags from Simone Camille are best known for being a favorite carry-all of Nicole Richie and Miley Cyrus, who pair the boho-chic statement bags with their casual, rock-infused ensembles.     

The line’s designer, celebrity stylist Simone Harouche (who coincidentally styles Richie and Cyrus along with Christina Aguilera and Ashley Tisdale), started her line of fabric bags in 2009 and the colorful textile designs have been a hit with celebs and anyone who could afford the $2,000-plus price tag. The bags have since spawned a slew of far less expensive versions from other labels, but Harouche has moved on, debuting her first collection of leather bags that interestingly are more affordable than her all-fabric creations.

The Simone Camille Skins collection is coming out for fall and while leather is heavily incorporated into each style, the same über-boho vibe of her signature fabric bags remains. Harouche has incorporated whipstiching and turquoise-beaded tassels on some bags that have a decidedly Southwestern feel. And her long, fringe-covered suede bag has silver coin details that give the thing a ton of texture and anyone carrying it an unmistakably free-spirited look.

The Simone Camille Skins collection ranges from $689 for the Saddle Bag to $975 for the large Carpet Bag. Visit www.simonecamille.com for retailers.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

RELATED:

Going with the faux in fall fashion

Fall fashion trend: Indian Territory

Best Dressed in Denim: The latest trends and looks

Photos: Styles from Simone Camille's new Skins collection, which incorporates leather into the collection of vintage Indian patchwork fabric bags. Credit: Simone Camille

Currently Coveting: A bag from The Original Satchel Store

Ok, so I have been coveting quite a bit these past two weeks, but as summer ends and fall shopping starts to become more of a priority, the eye automatically begins to fixate on key items that will hopefully find a new home in my closet soon. 

It’s especially exciting when said item is an adorable bag that isn’t $2,000. In fact this bag is much less than that and it fits the effortless, no-fuss look and streamlined accessory trend of the season. 

A one-year old London based company called The Original Satchel Store makes these traditional leather satchels in a wide array of colors, including eye-popping neon pink and yellow. There are also more traditional hues like tan, mocha and black, but don't discount the less conventional deep purple, pillar box red or British racing green leathers. Each bag is made by hand and certainly has a vintage appeal. You can get one of three sizes –- essentially small, medium or large -- for $122, $134 or $140 and even get the exterior flap monogrammed with your initials.

A satchel style feels right for fall, especially in a tan or brown leather. The two-tone (black with tan details) is cute too and makes for a versatile bag in case you can’t decide between black and brown.   The shocking neon colors work to punch up any ensemble and are perfect for a summer music festival. The long strap makes for an easy cross body-bag, so hands are free for holding concert tickets, getting out your ID and, of course, toting a plastic cup full of beer.

The bags are available at www.originalsatchelstore.co.uk and orders can take up to 21 days to arrive.

RELATED:

Currently Coveting: Charles Henry On Air skirt

Rebecca Minkoff and fashion's sweet spot

Your Stylist: A chic and versatile day to night bag

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photos: Various color satchels from the Original Satchel Store. Credit: Original Satchel Store

Rebecca Minkoff and fashion's sweet spot

For several years now, the sweet spot in fashion has been the contemporary price point (clothing priced from $150 to $1,000). Which is why so many new generation American designers (Alexander Wang, Philip Lim, Tory Burch) have built businesses around the concept of offering high style at not-so-high prices. Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom have both recently devoted more floor space to the category, which has broadened its appeal beyond twentysomethings thanks in no small part to celebrity exposure in glossy weekly magazines.

When it comes to accessories in the contemporary category, Rebecca Minkoff has been a major success story. In just six years, she has built a name for handbags that ring up at less than $500, including the bestselling $195 Morning After Clutch, which has attracted celebrity fans with far-reaching personal styles, including Reese Witherspoon, Agnes Deyn and Lauren Conrad.

"I can't deny the power of celebrity," said Minkoff, digging into a plate of eggs Benedict at BLD in Los Angeles recently. "But we are also a customer-driven brand."

The New York-based Minkoff was in town to celebrate her new shop-in-shop at Confederacy in Los Feliz. We sat down for a few minutes to discuss her career, including several milestones involving L.A.

A San Diego native, Minkoff moved to New York in the early 2000s, and started designing an eponymous, self-described "DIY-style" clothing line, with pieces such as an "I Love NY" T-shirt that made it into the pages of US Weekly. In 2004, her first runway show was taped as a plotline for the TV shows "Laguna Beach" and "The Hills." And by 2005, Jenna Elfman was such a fan, she asked for a one-off handbag to wear as part of her costume for the film "Touched."

Minkoff was up to the task. She created the Morning After Bag -- a simple, structured satchel -- in just 10 days, despite having never made a bag before. It was designed to be small enough to carry during a night on the town, but big enough to hold a change of clothes. And it was in keeping with Minkoff's own fashionable sense of practicality. (Rare is the handbag designer who admits to having only three handbags in rotation in her wardrobe.)

As luck would have it, the bag didn't make it into the film. But Minkoff started carrying it herself, and people took notice. Ilaria Urbinati, a former contributor to DailyCandy.com, and now co-owner of Confederacy, wrote about the bag for the style blog, and the rest is history.

Minkoff's first retail account was L.A.'s Satine. Each Morning After Bag came with a calling card inside, featuring a photo of a handsome man and a phone number. If you called the number, you would reach a sexy voice mail recording. The response to the collection was so immense, that Minkoff took a break from clothing to focus solely on accessories.

Since then, growth has been rapid. During her first year, she had just 20 retail stores. Now she has more than 500, including accounts in Europe, Asia and Mexico. Last season, at the request of Saks Fifth Avenue, Minkoff introduced a Collection line of higher-end pieces, priced from $595 to $2,000, which allows her to dabble in exotic skins and leathers.

Last year, she reintroduced clothing (leather jackets, chiffon maxiskirts, tailored blazers, leggings and faux fur vests with a downtown edge) and debuted shoes for the first time. And in September, she'll show the full collection at New York Fashion Week.

Part of the appeal of the Minkoff brand is that it is logo-free, and she wants to keep it that way. "I'm not a big logo person. I never even owned another designer's bag," she said, adding that she was devoted to vintage bags before designing her own. "I appreciate that women aren't buying my bags for the real estate, they are buying them because they like them." 

-- Booth Moore

Top photo: Rebecca Minkoff shop-in-shop at Los Feliz's Confederacy. Credit: Rebecca Minkoff

Middle photo: Morning After Clutch. Credit: Rebecca Minkoff

Bottom photo: Morning After Bag. Credit: Rebecca Minkoff

RELATED:

Don't call Rebecca Minkoff's military-inspired men's accessories "murses"

Your Stylist: A chic and versatile, day-to-night bag

Your Stylist: Traveling in style this summer

Morning Fashion and Beauty Report: Justin Bieber breaks sales records. Pippa's bag is back. And Lara Stone strips down to her Calvins.

Helmut Lang, the Austrian-born designer who walked away from fashion in 2005, has shredded his archive, turning 6,000 pieces into fragments used for sculptures that will be on exhibit starting July 22 in a gallery in East Hampton.  [Telegraph]

The Modalu bag Pippa Middleton was spotted carrying the day after the British royal wedding of her sister Kate and Prince William, is going to be available for copycats to buy again. The bag famously sold out after Pippa was seen with hers, but Modalu expects to have it in stock again in August (in black crocodile) with other materials coming online in September, October and November. It's now called the "Pippa," of course! [InStyle]

Calvin Klein's new collection of lingerie and loungewear, Naked Glamour, promises to make women "look even sexier than when naked," and for proof there's curvy model Lara Stone striking a pose in the ad campaign, released this week. [Telegraph]

What is it about Justin Bieber and beauty? The launch last month of his Someday fragrance broke industry sales records, Women's Wear Daily reports. Remember when his One Less Lonely Girl nail polish collection with OPI launched last year and sold out across the U.S.? Remember the stir at Wal-Mart with his unisex My World fragrance line? Remember when teen heartthrobs were just heartthrobs, not beauty moguls? [WWD] (Subscription required.) 

There are parties ... and then there are parties. Miu Miu took over five floors of Shanghai's Park Hyatt Hotel on Thursday night for a glamorous cabaret-themed fashion event. [WWD] (Subscription required.) 

The lawyer for Yves Saint Laurent, which is defending itself in a trademark infringement suit filed by Christian Louboutin because YSL designed some shoes with red soles, says no consumers would have possibly thought the YSLs were Louboutins just because of the red. But Louboutin's lawyer says everyone knows red soles are a hallmark of the brand, "unless you're living in a cave." Back to lawyer No. 1: Louboutin shouldn't have been granted a trademark for red soles, because a designer shouldn't have a monopoly on a color. [The Cut] 

Sephora plans to roll out in-store nail bars with salon services. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

The Council of Fashion Designers of America named the 10 finalists for its Fashion Fund Award this week. They are:

 Antonio Azzuolo
 Joseph Altuzarra, of Altuzarra
 Carlos Campos
 Christopher Peters and Shane Gabier, of Creatures of the Wind
 Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs, of Cushnie et Ochs 
 Soraya Silchenstedt, of Finn Jewelry
 Dana Lorenz, of Fenton/Fallon
 Alexa Adams and Flora Gill, of Ohne Titel  
 Pamela Love
 Erin Beatty and Max Osterweis, of Suno

One winner and two runners-up will be selected from among this group and honored in a ceremony planned for Nov. 14. [The Cut]

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Pippa Middleton, carrying her Modalu bag after the royal wedding festivities.  Credit: Stefan Wermuth / Reuters

RELATED

Frugal Fashion: Pippa Middleton post-royal wedding

Carmageddon: What a great idea for some gifts!

Everything you ever wanted to know about sunscreen is now in one place 

Your Morning Fashion and Beauty Report: The Beckhams welcome baby Harper

David and Victoria Beckham welcomed a baby girl in Los Angeles on Sunday. The newborn, named Harper Seven, is the first daughter in a family that includes three big brothers. She already inspired her fashion-designer mother to create a collection of "girly-girl" dresses while pregnant. Word is that Christian Louboutin is sending over a pair of custom red-soled booties. We think this will be one of the most fashionable baby girls ever. [Telegraph] 

And why, you may ask, the middle name "Seven"? Not a firm answer on that one, but there are theories: it was her soccer-star dad's jersey number when he played for Manchester United and for the English National Team. And it's considered a lucky number. [People]

Camilla Al Fayed, the daughter of ex-Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, has bought a controlling share in one of Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge's favorite labels, Issa. Catherine wore a blue dress by Issa designer Daniella Helayel for her first engagement photo, and a couple of Issa frocks on her Canada/U.S. visit. Camilla Al Fayed's 51% stake will provide funds to help Issa grow. [Telegraph]

Kate Spade is teaming with Current/Elliott designers Emily Current and Meritt Elliott for a capsule collection of street-style handbags. Prices in the Westward by Emily and Merritt for Kate Spade collection will range from $245 to $1,295, and the bags will go on sale in August. [FabSugar]

Socialite Cornelia Guest, a committed vegan, is debuting a line of vegan handbags. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

PopSugar L.A. got a peek inside the hidden VIP room at the new What Goes Around Comes Around boutique on LaBrea in Los Angeles. The room is reserved for celebrity clients, costume designers and stylists who want a more private shopping experience. Inside there's "a treasure trove of amazing vintage pieces, everything from Chanel to YSL to more theatrical pieces and glitzy eveningwear," said writer Melody Nazarian. [PopSugar L.A.]  

Lingerie purveyor Frederick's of Hollywood plans to open its first flagship in Abu Dhabi this month. [WWD] (Subscription required.) 

Victoria's Secret angel Candice Swanepoel looks downright devilish vamping in the new fall ad campaign for Tom Ford women's wear, shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. The ads were shot outdoors in London, in a spot overlooking the Thames River, and will be seen in the September issues of fashion magazines. [WWD]

RELATED:

Royal Visit: Super spectator style at the polo fields

Royal Visit: Hats do double duty at the Foundation Polo Challenge 

A new diva in town: Victoria Beckham is taking L.A. by storm

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, wearing an Issa dress in her engagement photo with Prince William. Credit: Ben Stansall / AFP/Getty Images

Your Stylist: A chic and versatile day to night bag

Resident Image stylist and market editor Melissa Magsaysay soothes your sartorial woes in the weekly Your Stylist blog column

All the best dressed girls I know or have spotted out and about recently have been carrying a document-style clutch instead of an evening bag, and often, in place of a traditional daytime work bag. These flat, often slouchy, envelope-esque bags tuck right under the arm and have an ease that’s both elegant and understated.

A friend of mine at lunch recently was carrying a handmade, tan bag with a leather cord that wound around into a small button closure. She got several compliments on the bag, which added a rugged appeal to her long vintage dress. She revealed to everyone eyeing it that it was actually an iPad case. Look twice, and your iPad case could do double duty as a chic envelope-style bag.

As far as the best options for this style of bag, I love the unexpected color and stripe on the Alex document clutch from Ten Over Six ($295, above right). The purple and yellow painted quilted leather would add a fun pop of color to an all-white summer ensemble or of course work as an appropriate accessory for fashion-savvy Lakers fans.

Echo Park-based designer Clare Vivier has been making several styles of this type of bag. Her La Pouchette-style bag with a neon pink stripe down the center ($104, above left) is so on-trend and has a nice flat shape, good for anyone who wants less slouch and more structure. Vivier also makes a more relaxed version that comes in leopard print leather ($139, right). It would give a little edge to a simple black dress or add pop to a fall look like a tan trench coat, jeans and black boots.

Newbark, another L.A-based label, has a couple of clean and modern styles, especially one with cool yellow and gray color blocking ($455, below left).  Use these when traveling to hold cellphone and computer cords or papers. Once you unpack, the bag becomes your day-to-night clutch.

And this brown leather double-strap iPad case from JJ Boyles ($178, right) proves that the right iPad case can be versatile enough to transition from gadget holder to cute handbag. It’s got a great broken-in vintage appeal that tones down any outfit from looking too precious.

These bags are versatile, unfussy and perfect for light packing when traveling this summer.

Send your style inquiries to melissa.magsaysay@latimes.com.

RELATED:

Your Stylist: Statement-making espadrilles

Your Stylist: Keeping your red hot hair from fading

Your Stylist: Your search for a stylish sun hat is over

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photos (from top to bottom): Clare Vivier bag at www.seevivier.com. Credit: Jeana Sohn. / Ten Over Six document clutch at www.tenoversix.com. Credit: Ten Over Six. / Clare Vivier La Pouchette clutch and leopard clutch, both at www.seevivier.com. Credits: Clare Vivier. / Newbark color-blocked pouch at Maxfield. Credit: Newbark. / JJ Boyles double-strap leather iPad case at www.etsy.com. Credit: JJ Boyles.