Stuart Weitzman is introducing a limited-edition collection of handbags inspired by the brand's special occasion shoe offering just in time for the holidays. The Tapestry Inc.-owned brand previously produced handbags but discontinued them in holiday 2019, and the new collection represents a fresh take on the category from Edmundo Castillo, the brand's head of design. Castillo attributes the company's return to the category to a renewed energy coursing through the brand following the pandemic, as well as customer feedback.
"This time, I wanted the purses to be able to be cared as we treat the shoes," Castillo explained in an interview, adding that his staff considered every detail. "They feel amazing in the hand, they are light, they are emotive and functional," he added, adding that he was looking for "bags that are timeless and not necessarily tied to a fad, but rather to a product that you just want to have."
Castillo built the collection utilising materials and techniques seen in his footwear, although he is keen to point out that it is not always about matching perfectly. "We want to complement the shoe in a more modern approach," he explained, adding that he wanted designs that could be worn in a number of situations. "Why not pair your jeans, leather boots, and leather jacket with a crystal bag?" Give it a unique spin." Castillo, who has just returned to New York from the brand's European factories, sees a customer who is ready to mark occasions again and wants to dress up. "The airports are overcrowded. "I believe people are ready to go out and have a good time," he said.
"We're living in a really specific period in fashion right now, when everything is lot faster," he remarked. "It's about remaining alert to what's going on for the brand." When we exited COVID-19, everyone wanted the highest heels. And we were able to quickly respond to that, working on a collection that would be appropriate for the times," he said of the brand's footwear. And, just in time for the holidays, "a handbag makes a good gift."
The Love Letter clutch, a take on an envelope shape; the Vip Clutch, a new take on a classic rectangular structured clutch; and the Moda Shine Mini Tote, a mini top-handle pouch in luxe crystal-embellished mesh, are the collection's debut shapes. Each comes with a detachable strap and is priced from $450 to $795. It focuses on functionality, fitting all of life's modern essentials. Castillo designs in New York City, and the majority of Stuart Weitzman footwear is made in Spain, with handbags featuring design elements made in Italy. "We want them to stay in the luxury category, with the same level of quality as our shoes," he explained.
The limited edition collection will be available on StuartWeitzman.com, select Stuart Weitzman boutiques, Bergdorf Goodman, Shopbop, and other online retailers beginning on Thursday. Stuart Weitzman designated Kim Kardashian global ambassador in September. The reality TV star-turned-entrepreneur was photographed by Mario Sorrenti for the brand's fall 2022 campaign. "Stand Strong" also continues the brand's philanthropic efforts, as it collaborates with Vital Voices Global.
The images are part of a larger rebranding effort for Stuart Weitzman, which aims to reconnect with its roots and establish itself in the luxury fashion market, led by Castillo, who joined the company in 2018. Castillo previously had a namesake brand that was sold in high-end stores such as Bergdorf Goodman. Before joining Tapestry, he worked as a lead designer for Aquatalia, Castaer, Via Spiga, Santoni, Sergio Rossi, and Tod's.
The three new bags are only the beginning of the category relaunch, with Castillo revealing that the company would gradually grow into handbags in the future. "We're moving slowly, testing the waters." "We didn't want to go out with a massive collection," he explained. Fall 2023 will see the addition of day bag options, as well as more shapes, to the brand known for its boot offering. "It's my vision for the brand to keep the collections timeless and iconic while keeping our customers interested in what we're doing new," he said.
