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It's in the Bag

Seven local designers' catch-all in pursuit of a perfect handbag Photographer John Klycinski Stylist Diana Rupp Suzan Briganti Suzan Briganti Tired of dumping out your purse just to find your keys? Briganti's "push-up" bags are the answer, thanks to handy snap-in organizational liners that keep everything in its place. Best of all, the liner fits every bag in the line, making it possible to switch without fuss between a straw bag for the weekend, a napa leather tote for work and a satin top-handle bag for night. Made from Italian faux wood-grain vinyl, the "Hobo" shoulder bag comes in a variety of bright colors. $200. Call 800/KOOLBAG to order. Vipada Vipada Finally, an evening bag that holds more than a tube of lipstick. Considering designer Vipada Wongpatasin's use of sumptuous, authentic brocades and satins, it's not surprising to hear that textiles are her main source of inspiration. A pretty sky-blue acetate embossed with a velveteen floral pattern flatters this spring's crop of breezy dresses and strappy sandals. $48. Available at Asphalt, 551 Hayes, 415/626-5196; and at Grand, 1535 Grant, 415/951-0131. 1 x 2 1 X 2 Al Abayan recently picked up shop in Hayes Valley and moved to Potrero Hill, where he's hard at work on a lounge/ bar/clothing store called Double A (a play on his initials), set to open in midsummer. "Keep watching," Abayan says. "We're always doing something new." The royal blue Italian vinyl case is a hip update of the classic Pan Am flight bag. Slightly padded with roomy pockets and an adjustable shoulder strap, the bag is perfect for a weekend getaway or for those who schlep a lot of gear. $98. Available from 1 X 2. Call 415/252-1460 or visit the store opening in mid-July at 702 15th St. JuJu JuJu When Roniya Alexandra made a girlfriend a bag for her birthday, she had no idea what she was getting herself into--overnight she had orders for 20 more. Barely three months old, the fledgling company's line of gorgeous iridescent organza and taffeta bags with beaded Czech crystal handles is quickly seducing retailers and customers alike. $50-$100. Contact JuJu directly at 415/285-1464. Marsha Dourte Marsha Dourte Inspired by pulp-fiction book covers, each one of Dourte's bags tells a story. Two-toned in red and black vinyl and with shapes reminiscent of bowling bags, these kitschy totes pay homage to the best of '50s pop culture--Vargas girl pinups, Westerns, detective novels and hot rods. $69. Available at She, 528 Hayes, 415/552-4030. Wyt Industrie Wyt Industrie Well-known in the city for their innovative line of urban clothing, Wyt's Estrella Tadeo and Leora Lenney created a reversible indigo denim and plaid cotton satchel on a whim to match his and hers gingham shirts. The duo plans to follow up with more bags in the fall, in vinyl and wool. A much anticipated retail location is also in the works. $50. 300 Brannan, Suite 311, 415/495-8745. Walker for Anna Sui Walker for Anna Sui A red-and-white plastic Hawaiian print train case by Walker is a splash. Originally produced for Anna Sui's spring runway, the line is available exclusively at Anna Sui boutiques. $65. Call 212/768-1951 for more information. [ San Francisco | MetroActive Central | Archives ]