Timmy Woods: Making a Political Statement
There’s been much speculation about what Michelle Obama will wear to the Jan. 20 inauguration of her husband, President-elect Barack Obama.
A California handbag designer is hoping whatever the future first lady wears, she accessorizes with a novelty handbag adorned with 10,000 Swarovski crystals.
Beverly Hills–based handbag designer Timmy Woods created a limited-edition line of 100 bags featuring a patriotic design encompassing a flag draped around a large “O” as well as a Swarovski-laden clutch in the shape of the White House.
Both bags were sent to Obama, said Roger Neal, a publicist for Timmy Woods Beverly Hills.
“I know [Michelle Obama] and several others around her will, for sure, be bringing the bags to one of the inauguration parties. There is also a chance Michelle Obama will be bringing it to the actual inauguration,” said Atlanta-based TV and radio host Nate Perkins, who is close to several within the Obama camp.
Neal said the White House clutch was originally designed for Hilary Clinton when she became the first lady, and Woods also made one for Laura Bush. Woods’ wooden bags have also been presented to former Soviet first lady Raisa Gorbachev, former Texas Gov. Ann Richards and the Empress of Japan’s first princess. More recently, Woods’ Eiffel Tower bag appeared in the “Sex and the City” movie.
“We hope she will wear it to the inauguration,” Woods said. “It seems like [Obama] will bring a lot of fashion back to the White House. It’s nice to see.”
Retail prices range from $375 to $700 for the non-crystal versions and up to $3,250 for the crystal-laden styles. The bags will be wholesaled through the Sharon Koshet Sales showroom in the California Market Center. —Robert McAllister
