I was lazing around my house one Sunday afternoon trying to get caught up on my issues of Albuquerque the Magazine when something caught my eye. There was this amazing advertisement of a beautiful young woman holding an absolutely stunning handbag.
Equine handbag from Ifania® Handbags
Stephanie Ifania Landry, who designs under the name Ifania®, is a New Mexico Leather Artist and I decided that I had to meet her. After a quick reach out, I scored the big meeting and I got to spend an entire, fun afternoon with her in her workroom. Such an awesome treat for me!
The first thing that struck me was the quality of the leathers ~ exotic crocodile, alligator, tundra sheep leather and super, soft sable. I then got up close and personal to see her attention to the details and the superb craftsmanship. What makes these bags so special, and so different from anything else you will see, is what embellishes them.
Do you understand what these embellishments are? They are actually bolos! Yes, hand-crafted sterling silver (often vintage) bolos that you can remove and wear on their own. It’s a “two-fer!” … a handbag + a bolo. You and your husband can share the same purchase – BRILLIANT!
Here I am holding that YUMMY Bolo Trading tundra sheep leather handbag with bolo marked “AN” in one hand and a stunning Liberty crocodile belt in the other. See that bulge in my jacket? That is actually my heart rapidly beating it’s love for this bag.
Ifania® doesn’t just couple her handbags with bolos – sometimes she will use other items such as antique silver coins or pendants. You MUST also check out her clutch bags… and don’t even get me started about her fab belts, wrist cuffs and travel bags! Ohhhhh!
HELLO GORGEOUS!
I’ve been dreaming about all of Ifania’s items since I left her. So I went back and decided that I should, at least, take a Liberty wrist cuff out for a test drive…
I did…and then I drove it all the way home.
Exquisite Handbags by Ifania® – You can discover all of her luxury items yourself by clicking here.
I know…I’m your new best friend.
These are some of the most beautiful handbags I have ever seen ! WOW ! PR
yes- they are!
These are some of the most original designs I’ve seen in a long time. What I really like is that the design follows the characteristics of the materials (instead of forcing the material into a predetermined shape or form).
How do you find these awesome gems? I know what you said–but really, how do you do it?! (What an EYE you’ve got!)
I’ve had one of her wrist cuffs for about a year now and I LOVE it! Wonderful artist. Would love to have one of her purses. Gorgeous finish she applies to her leathers.
Let’s wear our cuffs a the same time! I LOVE her work.
Stunning creations like this make me proud of the talented artisans who live and work in NM. Always something new and fresh and unique —–
I concur.
Yes. You are my new best friend. I know what I’m asking Santa to bring me for Christmas!!
Her belts rock too!