Milo: Contemporary Classics
Los Angeles–based Milo handbags is making its debut with a collection of chic, functional styles. Business partners Sarah Tyerman and Lu Lopez hope their bags will be considered new classics that can be carried for seasons to come by wellheeled consumers. A mutual love of handbags brought the pair together for this venture, but they are careful to keep their roles and responsibilities separate. Lopez handles the creative aspect of the line while Tyerman (who still practices law) takes care of the business side. Lopez was taking a hiatus from her jewelry line, Lu Jewelry, but plans to start working on it again soon for a collaboration with clothing and accessories line Mike & Chris.
Crafted from supple Italian lambskin, Milo handbags are currently produced in Los Angeles. Hardware is kept to aminimum, with antiqued brass magnet snaps, flat screws and rings. Eschewing trendiness, each style boasts timeless appeal with subtle modern details. Versatility and comfort are key elements. The straps are comfortable, the bags aren’t too heavy and Lopez’s take on the oversize trend is practical—meaning the bags are big but not too big. The largest styles in the collection are the “Kelly Tote,” which can accommodate a small laptop, and the “Lula Diaper Bag,” inspired by Lu’s baby. Key-ring hooks on the inside and plenty of exterior and interior pockets help with organization. “Pockets are so important,” said Lu, “for easy access to your phone, lip gloss and other necessities.”
Like the “Kelly Tote,” the “Abuela Shoulder Bag” brings subtle details to a contemporary silhouette. “Clarice” is a clutch style (slightly larger size than the average clutch bag) with a short wrist strap. The slouchy “Audrey Sling Bag” is a simple silhouette with a textured hand, thanks to hornback suede. For another understated shape, look to the “Jimmy Bowling Bag.” Lopez chose a rich palette of brown, cognac, navy, caramel and black for the premiere collection. The lightest shade in the range is a bone hue. The hornback suede “Audrey” bag is also offered in an understated range of colors, including chocolate, olive, and stone. “Realistically, women gravitate toward practical colors,” said Lu.
Milo handbags officially launched for Fall 2007, offering six styles. A soft launch for Spring yielded orders from Scoop New York, P45 in Chicago and Atmosphere in Los Angeles. Wholesale prices range from $195 to $298. For more information, e-mail milohandbags@gmail.com or visit www.milohandbags.com.
—Dena Smolek
