A simple serendipity..

A couple of weeks ago we built this bag:

(Renata in Cognac Jacket)

A part of a 3/4 length vintage coat was used to build it, and we admired to two-toned colourway of it, the sturdy, crease resistant leather and the snap buttons, some of which had to make it onto the bag.

Now, through our practice, which of course, has not been very long, especially, interpreting vintage coats and re-constructing them into bags, the chances of finding ANOTHER coat, just like we used before, are very slim.

Knowing, that many of these garments are a couple of decades old, made and sold in completely different times and quantities, those chances are merely non-existent. Sometimes they are imported from other parts of the world, too. That's why they are in such a high demand with contemporary accessories designers - for their uniqueness and rarity.

That's why we were so surprised to find another coat, just like the one we nearly used up a few short weeks ago...

In another part of town, and the tone of the jacket was slightly different, the two-toned bottom part was more monochrome, but it was the same model, size and series! Same beautiful slant pockets, buttons and collar.

So, this means that there are doubles - not many, but there are. This sure gives a little hope to a Custom Service client, who missed out on snagging a beautiful interpretation of a vintage garment.

Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

Introducing - Jola V. Designs Custom...

During our three years in business we have been building custom stuff for our friends and customers. We made bags of our design and theirs, altered sizes, changed details, stiffened shells and softened straps.

Re-using a leather jacket is a great way to give new purpose for a piece you already have, but no longer wear. You would also same some cash on raw materials - as you already have the leather, possibly zipper too, etc...

If you have a jacket - men's or women's, old or kind of old, torn, discoloured - anything - but are not quite ready to get rid of it (cos its leather!) - drop us a line. Perhaps we could build a bag that you will love and wear again. Our design or yours - the design will have to be assessed based on the characteristics of your leather, and the size of the coat.

Below are the "Befores" - the pictures of the designer, adorned in some seriously 80's and 90's leathers and an odd fur coat... Check back in a few weeks for the "Afters"...

Lime green ultrasuede

Beige - can almost button it up!

Fur - wears me well... but the sleeves are 2.5/4 unfortunately

Ultra poofy - will fit two of me in one jacket!

The sleeves are cut for petite... man

Now, that's a power shoulder! - but its Lambskin!!!

Lordco Autoparts... 

Bomber - but it came in an amazing grey shade...

More bombers - amazing unfinished Calf skin... 

Details can be fab!..

Yep, those were the times.... 

So - there.... If you have a gem from the by-gone eras hiding in your closet, re-use it! Contact us, as we'll chat!

Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

'The Starter' - the return of Fringe...

Fringe played a major role in the very birth of this line nearly three years ago. Some of you know, I am a moderately picky shopper, and would seek out only truly unique items, that satisfy my acceptance criteria. One of those items, was a well made, true to the original suede Fringe bag I could wear for years to come. Fast fashion chains, or department stores in greater Vancouver did not have what I was looking for, so I decided to get some suede and build one myself.

My first bag ever...

Some of you have seen this image... this is the Fringe bag I made back in Spring of 2009...

... The bag got some unexpected attention, some ladies wanted me to build one for them, or just suggested to buy the one I was wearing, so I listened.. and became a designer...

Kerry, Mocha, - I have to post it on the Web-shop!

My simple prototype evolved into THIS bag - Kerry, from S/S 2010 Intro collection, which got us our first retailers, just mere two months into the "business".  Kerry remains one of my most requested designs so far...

In the next six months or so, Fringe exploded in the mainstream retail, with everyone featuring a tasseled design - from Gucci to H&M. Even though, most of the bags were not all that similar to mine, I moved on from shredding suede for Pre-Fall 2010 Coming Of Age Collection.


But, I have not stopped loving Fringe, and that's why nearly three years later, I decided to release a different Fringe design... One of my lovely retailers have said, that i might as well finish a trend I started...

INTRODUCING -  The Starter - an all new Fringe shoulder slouch, coming in Spring of 2012...

Speckled White Elkskin

Featuring a shorter, modernized Fringe, expanded darted base, a zipper closure and front pocket and tie on adjustable straps, this bag is a cross-body, that doubles as  a clutch... For the first time, I have worked with wild leathers - Deerskin and Elkskin, embracing their matte, velvety finish and incredible pliability...

The Starter comes in several colours: BLONDE

SADDLE TAN

GOLD TAN

CHOCOLATE

... and  SPECKED WHITE

I am very excited about my new Fringe design. There are very few of them - and they will make their debut in my first show of the season in Ontario...

Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com