For our bags, we have always found inspiration in the great female figures of the past. Also, the three new models that we are introducing, with classic lines embellished with our luxury velvets, are dedicated to three Italian painters, and their femininity, elegance and personality.
Artemisia: Vintage Character and Allure in a Doctor Bag
An adorable “doctor bag” that recalls the shape of the doctor’s bags of the past: a classic, though unusual model, among those most loved by women. A little bit chic, a little bit retro, Artemisia is a bag that certainly does not go unnoticed, especially for the animalier design of our Coccodrillo velvet, also in the handwoven soprarizzo version. Spacious and practical, with a golden metal snap closure, it’s the ideal bag for daytime and travelling. Like all of our bags, it’s handmade by Italian artisans using the highest quality materials. A procedure that follows a long tradition and that does not overlook any detail. The lining is in soft leather and there are two compartments inside: one with a zip and our logo and an inside pocket covered with velvet. Moreover, this bag has four practical metal support feet on the base and a long strap to carry it also on the shoulder. An irresistibly vintage accessory for women with a strong personality.
Strong and independent as Artemisia Gentileschi‘s personality, well known in Italy in the first half of the 17th century and to whom this bag is dedicated. One of the most important exponents of female Baroque painting, perhaps the first, perhaps the best known. Her talent made its way into an era when being an artist was a man’s thing. Artemisia fought so vigorously against that masculine society, that she became a symbol of feminism in more recent times, and emerged with a very personal style. Curious is the fact that many female figures in her works, especially biblical heroines, are portrayed by her with her own face as if she wanted to be virtually embodied in the vastness of the emotions and stories she represented.
Lavinia: All the Femininity of a Clutch Bag
Lavinia is a clutch bag that surprises us with its versatility but always remains hyper-feminine. The different Bevilacqua velvets that cover and embellish it make it elegant, for the evening, or more casual, for every occasion. There’s the possibility to carry it on the shoulder thanks to the long removable leather strap provided. Its compact shape, of medium size, makes it perfect to contain the essentials and to be carried by hand. The lining and trimmings are in very soft Italian leather, and the details are in golden metal, such as the snap closure on its flap. Inside, a practical zipped pocket shows our logo. This bag is a refined accessory that enhances femininity.
Just like the portraits for which Lavinia Fontana, a 16th-century mannerist painter, became famous, and to whom this clutch bag is inspired by. Lavinia had a prolific career as a painter and sculptress, venturing into mythological, biblical and sacred subjects. But she became famous especially for her portraits: with great attention to detail, she was able to bring out the clothes, accessories and hairstyles of her models, highlighting their beauty and richness, and for this reason tickling their vanity. The noblewomen competed for her services, and her clients ranged from the Pope, to diplomats, to well-known personalities of the time.
Maddalena: A Versatile Tote Bag That Doesn’t Omit Practicality
Maddalena tote bag in Coccodrillo velvet – with chain handles
Maddalena tote bag in Da Vinci velvet – without handles
This spacious tote bag, covered with our velvets, is the ideal complement for daywear. Practical and versatile, Maddalena has an elegant but not demanding design that compliments any outfit. The finishes are in authentic Italian leather and the closure, a snap button, is in golden metal as are the chain handles, made more functional by the useful leather shoulder straps. The interior, also lined in soft leather, houses two compartments: one closed by a zip and one covered with the same outer velvet. We also offer it in a version without handles, slightly smaller, with a clean line that enhances the velvet that covers it and becomes perfect for work, as a document and laptop case.
It’s inspired by Maddalena Corvina, an artist who was born in Rome in 1593, from a family of Flemish origins: her maternal grandfather was a painter and her father a miniaturist and naturalist. So much was her passion for painting, in particular for miniatures both of portraits and still lifes, that she dedicated her whole life to it. Maddalena remained unmarried, soon becoming famous and receiving many awards for her work. Unfortunately, the grace and elegance of her works can only be admired today in very few remaining examples. Like the miniature of Saint Catherine, portrayed with the face of Artemisia Gentileschi, a tribute to the painter we have known above, her contemporary.
