The Label: Rauwolf
Based In: New York
Designed By: Kristine Johannes, a California-born designer who worked at John Anthony, J. Crew and Devi Kroell before launching Rauwolf in spring 2012. "I had worked in clothing for many years and came to realize the genius of cool accessories," Johannes told TFI. "Regardless of how you feel, you can wear simple pants and a shirt, and with the right clutch and shoes it becomes a fantastic ensemble." Upending preconceived notions about high-end evening bags was built into Rauwolf's business plan from Day One. "So much of the industry seemed to have settled into a comfort zone of simple designs in exotic skins," she said. "I wanted to create something different and unexpected looking, focused on innovation and use of unusual materials. I believe that a unique design is more precious than an expensive skin. Thus my collection of plexiglass clutches was born."
Looks Like: Nothing you've ever seen. About as far from the classic clutch as you can get, Rauwolf's sharp geometric shapes—modern, architectural and envelope-pushing—are fashioned from plexi and mirror and inspired by "chic women having drinks at an interesting bar in a David Lynch film" (for fall 2012) and "that woman’s mother, breaking her down into an aesthetic that is part doyenne of high society mixed with a touch of alien and a dash of Ziggy Stardust" (for spring 2013). In other words, this is not your mother's minaudière. But don't take my word for it. Solange Knowles, Anna Kendrick and Elizabeth Banks have all been spotted carrying Rauwolf clutches.
Sold At: Rauwolf retails from $1400 - $2300 and is sold at Barneys New York (beginning with Holiday 2012) and online at Rauwolf.
graphic design by K Sarna
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