Handbags with History
After launching her eponymous collection in 2008 and spinning out five fetching collections, Los Angeles-based designer Maxine Dillon decided there was something missing in her work — and in the market.
Inspired by the burgeoning movement of socially responsible business practices, along with a personal desire to be more conscious of where her materials came from, Dillon decided to take an entirely new approach when it came to doing business.
In support of the local manufacturing industry, she brought her production back to L.A. But that wasn't all.
Double Up: Cute bags by Maxine Dillon.
"The idea came about when I was talking with a friend and personal stylist,” Dillon said of local stylist Barbra Horowitz. “She was telling me how many of her clients have jackets they never wear, but have sentimental attachment to them. I [thought], 'Why not transform a garment of your own that you never wear into a chic handbag?'”
And so she did. Called “Send Me Your Jacket,” it's a concept that developed alongside her new business. Here's how it works: you send Dillon a favorite old jacket and she will transform it into a new, cool bag. Who wouldn’ t want their first bomber jacket (you know, the one you wore in high school) transformed into a chic little leather pouch?
Dillon, who hails from Connecticut, also plans to venture back into designing a full apparel collection — using her winning formula of recycled resources, organic materials and local production.
The designer's ready-to-wear bags are currently available at Assembly in NYC, and New High (M)art and Scout in LA — as well as on the designer’s website.
To have your own jacket transformed into a handbag, for between $140 to $180, check out the how-tos on www.maxinedillon.com.