When my friend Mae told me she was sending me a very belated birthday present, I was hoping for one of her cute Maelinnaea cuffs. You see, Mae is the creator and maker of Maelinnaea, a leather goods brand.
Her use of mixed materials is always stunning, but this time, I was floored. I opened the cardboard box to reveal a soft white tissue paper with flecks of multi color sequin dots. I peeled back the clever sticker, which is made to look like her business card, and lo and behold, it was a clutch!
Not just any clutch. As I touched the buttery softness of the supple leather, I felt as if I had owned this bag forever. The craftsmanship is impeccable. The outside is embellished with hand dyed lace flowers, and is hand studded with antique metal findings. There is a cute detachable wristlet strap, so that the bag can also be used as a clutch or pouch.
The inside is an architectural masterpiece. Made out of a satin weave heraldic plaid that reeks of a boarding school upbringing, this little pouch has several pockets, wallet inserts for your credit cards, and even a zipper pouch. For all of the storage space, the bag is still remarkably slender. The magnetic clasp makes it easy to open and close.
This bag is perfect for a fancy or casual event. I love it so much, and you should get one too so you can feel the joy!
Mae makes each bag by hand. She has an industrial sewing machine in her Boston apartment, where she creates her masterpieces. Each bag is unique, as she uses vintage deadstock materials. She blends her technical garment construction knowledge with her painterly background to produce a unique concoction of perfection.
What more can I say? Check it out for yourself:
www.maelinnaea.com
www.etsy.com/shop/maelinnaea
Front View
Back View
Inner Beauty
If only my mirror were as chic as my bag. Oh well. Looks good on!
