Talent Amongst Us
Unearthing new labels, underground design talent, unique creations is a particular joy of mine. If I ever became a woman of leisure, that's what I'd devote my time to doing. However, right now, I get given the easy route. Just by clicking on the names of people who comment on the blog, I could suddenly be taken to insightful blogs, their own webpages just like that - this is research material that's literally on my doorstep. Swan Diamond Rose, long time commenter on Style Bubble (gotta give much love to her for being here from the beginning!) is a prime example. I long knew that she sold carefully selected vintage clothes on eBay but when I found out she also designed bags, made out of vintage fabric, to be colloquial, I was chomping at the bits to buy one. Some of you might know that I'm not really a 'bag' person. I can easily go for days hauling around a massive black tote from Gap without complaining too much. So for me to decide to fork out for a new bag takes some persuasion. It really didn't much to convince me when I saw these pictures though.
Endless Love
Super Louche
And the Louche I bought......
Seeing as I took my pics in my company's toilets - here are some much nicer pics.
Made of mostly thrifted vintage materials, Swan Diamond has created three beautifully crafted and well thought out (in the practical sense) styles - the Louche, Super Louche and Endless Love. I can speak as a customer and give my 5 star stamp of approval. I started carrying it as soon as I got it two days ago and can vouch for it's top notch quality (two hours worth of close inspection on the Tube...yes, I was THAT bored) and also, the Louche is just a beauty to hold (three compliments and counting). It also feels just a touch more personal knowing a little about the person who made it for me. Her bags are sold on Etsy if you are itching for one.
Whilst I'm at it, let me flag up some of her eBay picks too. A small but well-chosen selection and unlike most eBay vintage sellers favours quality over quantity. These dresses would be great for that funny period between the height of summer and fall. Robust florals are what I like to call them.
nooooooh!
now everyone will snatch up her lovely stuff . . . i bought a gorgeouise vintage dress recently and plan to purchase a bag soonest . . . .
she is v. talented. and v. pretty too
Posted by: | 05 July 2006 at 16:00
Those are beautiful designs, well done Swan Diamond
Posted by: cosmocat | 05 July 2006 at 16:56
beautiful bags! great size too
Posted by: nicky | 05 July 2006 at 17:22
thanks for the heads up, she is so talented and has a great eye for vintage. love your new bag!
Posted by: la pulga diva | 05 July 2006 at 18:12
omg that bag is so pretty!!
Posted by: punky | 05 July 2006 at 20:20
Gorgeous... mine is on order!!! I've seen one in person and I can attest to the high quality and overall sumptuousness of her bags. Perfect size and shape, unique fabrics with history... ahh, I love it!
Posted by: Jennie | 06 July 2006 at 01:11
i bought the louche too!
and i have carried it every day since (well, ok, except one day when i had to carry my favourite vintage IBM tote bag because it matched my outfit better).
that's almost two solid weeks of use! rapture!
I LOVE IT!
ok, so miss. swandiamondrose happens to be my sister, but that didn't mean i wore the poofy baby blue bloomer/pjs she made me 2 christmases ago. cause i didn't (though i loved them).
but this bag, this bag is a thing of perfection.
it makes me happy.
seriously.
Posted by: katie | 06 July 2006 at 05:06
katie- you make me happy too! but i can't believe you didn't wear your bloomers...
& thanks all! your compliments are so very sweet, i would be more than happy to make bags for all of you ;)
& thanks Susie, it is so nice to see you and your Louche in action, even if it is in the company bathroom... hehe.
Posted by: SwanDiamondRose | 07 July 2006 at 04:06
It's so great you're bringing some attention to the lesser-known talents of your readers. I really love your blog, it's not about trends, but art, style, design and your own personality. Bravo.
Posted by: le_robo_electro | 07 July 2006 at 04:36
Those are super gorgeous..I might have to write about them in my blog too!
Posted by: thedailyobsession | 07 July 2006 at 07:43
Awesome bags, Awesome clothes, Awesome Girl.
Posted by: Captain Tomorrow | 09 July 2006 at 19:50
Thanks for the heads up, Style Bubble! I won that gorgeous vintage red poppy print dress (on the right) on ebay - can't wait to get it!
Posted by: | 13 July 2006 at 17:43