Accessories: A.Che

Here's my dilemma these days: I need a proper day bag. One that I can drag to school and stuff with papers and books and scripts (and maybe an external hard drive or two), but also one that won't embarrass me when I'm in a meeting and trying to get people to believe that they can trust me with a lot of money to make something for them. Ideally, this bag can go with me downtown when I meet up with friends and do my friend things with them, often involving drinking alcohol and standing in rooms listening or watching people do odd and somewhat crazy things. And you know, it has to be kind of cool and awesome and all that. How can one little bag do so much? Really, what bag exists that can do all that? There are a few, and they are legendary. But I'm putting a new candidate in the ring: the Raina handbag from A.Che, a new line based out of California. It's elegant but roomy, with just a tinge of bohemian to it, and is luxurious but discreetly so -- just a beautiful bag that should have pride of place in a closet for a good, long time.

A.Che's bags have a classicism in their proportions and materials, but designer Amanda Che adds elements like natural woods, knotting and weaving to keep things from getting too staid. The results are beautifully crafted bags that are unexpectedly versatile and would be perfect for the most elegant, refined hippie ever -- you can imagine them being toted to some sleek office during the day but also hanging off the forearm of some pretty young thing at an art event later in the evening and then leaning against the back of the booth at some bar in the late, late hours. Amanda was super-kind enough to answer a few questions about her line and work; predicting the future is folly in the fashion world, but I'd keep an eye on this line.

How did you get started in fashion? How did this particular line get started?
AC: I grew up in fashion; my parents have a lingerie and swimwear manufacturing company that I've been working in since 13 learning all the angles of the business. I went to school at FIDM, where I learned some skills to add to my experience and started building the foundation of the company right after I graduated.

What inspires you and your design process? How do you go about getting inspiration?
AC: When I design, I love to travel for inspiration. Being exposed to such a vast variety of cultures, colors, architecture, scenery, and materials is what really gets my creative juices flowing! I also read many fashion publications and attend as many fashion shows and trade-shows worldwide to stay on top of trends.

Where can we find/get your line?
AC: The line is still really fresh and new to the market, but are being sold on my website www.a-che.com, and the following stores: Greta's in Beverly Hills CA, LaTik Boutique in Santa Monica CA, Rich Hippie in Dallas TX.

What's coming up in the future for your line?
AC: My next launch will be for Fall 2008! I'm extremely excited to be adding some brilliant colors and many more styles to the original collection! I'll be participating in a lot of fashion events this years and products will be featured in issues of ELLE and LUCKY very soon! :)

What are you listening to lately?
AC: Music wise? My new playlist has The Shins, Coldplay, Daughtry, The Beatles, Iio, Amy Winehouse, The Fray and Flyleaf :P

Posted by Kat in Accessories
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