Leather and Metal Handbags

LEATHER & METAL

The seeds of Sydneysider Maggie Li's fashion career were sewn at a young age.

Having achieved first in the state in Textiles and Design for the H.S.C., Li deferred her sartorial career to study a Media and Communications degree at Sydney University. Four years and some travel later, the handbag aficionado is launching her own label, Leather & Metal.

The label was born from Li's unfulfilled search for a stylish handbag without the four-figure price tag: "Being a handbag lover (of those mostly over the $2000 mark) on a student budget, I realised that there was a gap in the market for handbags in those latest shapes and proportions, that didn't cost a month's rent. My inspiration came from a personal desire for such a handbag with luxury designer detailing and quality and a desire to bring these uniquely positioned bags to other women wanting high end designer bags on a pedestrian budget."

The label's name was coined from the underlying fundamentals of the brand - quality leather and metal hardware. Li says, "The design aesthetics are variables but the quality of fabric will always be a priority for my label."

Paying tribute to the diversity in fashion styles in Australia, Leather& Metal's debut collection features a wide range of leather and hardware in the latest colours and proportions. Styles range from soft, slouchy satchels, to structured and studded work bags, to pretty, feminine hobos. The bags are fashioned from sturdy cow leather, distressed calf leather, soft lambskin, glossy patent leather and croc embossed leather with solid gold, brass, and pewter toned hardware. All bags are lined in high quality linen.

Each handbag is guaranteed to be strong in design and durable due to its strict quality control. Being limited edition, much effort was spent ensuring each handbag was made perfectly. This focus on quality in design and manufacturing, combined with its limited edition exclusivity provides Leather& Metal an air of luxury, while being positioned among high-street brands in price.

Li believes the label's proposition is strong with its translation of high fashion trends and its exclusivity, while being an affordable price. "We are in recession after all, and these bags give an air of high end luxury while being fiscally friendly to your hip pocket."

Review: When buying a handbag what do you look for? For me, it's quality, and a long lasting style. A handbag is the one thing we wear day in day out so really you need to put in perspective. Key criteria when buying a handbag; 1. Quality, is it going to last?, 2. Design, is it large enough, functional and will it date?, 3. Price, Is it affordable (while some handbags cost a little more, if you break it down to price per wear ie. Cost divided by the number of days worn. $200 / 365 = 55 cents a day then it becomes more affordable)

The Leather & Metal Handbag range are affordable high quality leather handbags, with well thought out comfort and functionality. My favourite is the 'Miss Valentine Cream Bag (featured above), with the Cruise Black Bag a close 2nd for those more conservative.

Leather & Metal handbags range from $160 to $360 and will be available from May 09 from their website: www.leatherandmetal.com.au.