Haute Handbags By Ceacute;nch Couture
Pamela Lin was inspired by her grandmother’s timelessly chic style when creating her Ceacute;nch Couture handbag line.
The collection, which launched late last year, is already a favorite of celebs—including Audrina Patridge, Olivia Munn and Natasha Henstridge—and is carried at top Los Angeles boutiques, including Bleu Clothing, Arcade and Diavolina. “I’m really happy, and everyone’s responding so well. My bags are so functional and so classy. It’s definitely a must-have in your closet,” Lin said. “They are so easy. You don’t have to worry about what you’re wearing. You can just take it from the closet and go,” she added.
The designer, who was formerly the general manager at Bleu Clothing, channels her grandmother’s style philosophy into her handbag collection. “She was an amazing lady,” said Lin of her Taiwanese grandmother, who lived to be 103. “She lived in Taiwan all her life, but she traveled around the world. She was a very lucky lady,” she said. Traveling abroad to Europe, North America and South America, Lin’s grandmother developed a penchant for style but took a refined approach to dressing. “She always had the m.o. of dressing really classy, simple and elegant,” Lin said. She would never wear anything too trendy, but she always said, ’You don’t want to spend $1,000 on a purse,’ even though she appreciated it. [Instead,] she said, ’Why don’t you buy something that’s very classic, affordable, qualitymade and stylish that you can mix and match in your closet?’”
Like grandmother, like granddaughter, Lin creates timeless yet contemporary non-seasonal items. All leather is hand-selected from Italy, and hardware is made from high-quality materials. The bags are designed to be functional, going easily from day to night, and are geared to the price-conscious consumer, retailing from $250 to $450.
Lin’s debut col lect ion, “Ama,” which means grandmother in Taiwanese, includes an edited selection of six styles. The popular “Bili” tote comes in navy blue or classic black leather mesh. It fits all the essentials—wallet, sunglasses and makeup bag. The “Tes” shoulder bag is decorated with a simple tassel detail and has a long interchangeable strap that can be worn three different ways. The “Tili” is designed for people who are on the go and easily fits an iPad or laptop and anything needed throughout the day. Soon, Lin will release the “Demoiselles” collection, which includes exotic leathers and hardware. Styles include the “Chloeacute;” leather clutch with studded detail and the “Caitlin” bag, made in crocodile-embossed leather. For more information, contact the Society Showroom at (323) 383-3333. —N. Jayne Seward
