Kale Handbags
Sisters Jennifer and Leslie Kale launched their Southern California–based handbag line in 2003. “At the time, the handbag world hadn’t blown up yet,” said Jennifer. “We wanted to create something great that we could use. Handbags just happened to be first on our list as we were so inspired by the beautiful leather we had found.”
Leslie serves as creative director of the line, lending her knowledge of architecture, fashion and interior design. Her resume includes collaborations on well-known projects such as Caesar’s Forum Shops in Las Vegas, and Los Angeles hotspots Sushi Roku, Katana, Cinch, Falcon and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
As business director and designer of Kale, Jennifer’s resume includes experience as a floral designer and shoe designer. “Inspiration [for Kale] was easy,” said Jennifer. “Realizing the vision was the hard part, because neither Leslie nor I had any formal training. The challenge was getting the picture out of our heads and turning it into a product.”
Together, they created a sophisticated yet fun collection of luxury handbags with classic appeal. They design for “the downtown girl, with her eye on the island.” Kale bags have plenty of attractive details, without being ostentatious or over-designed. Thick-cut fringed zipper pulls, comfortable ribbed straps, interesting hardware and structured silhouettes give Kale a signature look.
The “beautiful” leather that Jennifer refers to is sturdy but soft calfskin—distressed, for texture. Deep, rich tones of Barolo, cognac and indigo calfskin are perfect for fall wardrobes.
Kale also is doing a later delivery for fall (available 8/30 in stores) that will offer the same bags in less expensive cow leather in lawn (green), chestnut (brown) and a more daring peacock blue. Pull back the zipper closures on all styles and a look inside reveals a surprising pop of color, supplied by fuchsia suede lining. Jennifer names their late grandmother as a huge inspiration for that, as she always dressed in fuchsia or lime green. Interiors have zipper pockets and two other side pockets.
For Fall 2006, new styles include the Tate, Tate Grande, Mercer and Palmer bags. Wholesale prices range from $65 to $379, with retail prices falling between $150 and $1,000. Mercer is a great everyday bag—roomy but not too big, with eyecatching but not too flashy hardware. The popular Tate bag is anything but plain. Its two deep, exterior pockets, lined in fuchsia suede, look like a unique design element, but functionality also plays a part, as they are perfect for easy access to a cellphone, change purse, lipstick, etc. The Palmer is a chic doctor’s bag—simple and very spacious— and can be used as a tote. The bag also converts to a smaller, different shape when you clasp the zipper ends into the sides. “Our bags are not trendy, and we use materials that will last longer than one season,” Jennifer said.
Fred Segal Santa Monica and Barneys New York in Beverly Hills are among Kale retailers. The collection also is available for purchase via their Web site (www.kalehandbags.com). For sales info, contact Jeremy Lindberg at the Agent 011 Showroom in New York at (212) 334-5802 or by e-mail at Jeremy@agent011.com. —Dena Smolek
