May 9, 2007

West End Girl

Karrimah Muhammad Handbags

You test witticisms on slouch-bagging strangers at Caribou but avoid flat-envelope toters like the plague. (Whatever do they put in there? Damn control freaks.)

You’re a purse profiler. And nobody blames you. Except maybe Karrimah Muhammad.

You see, her bags are structured and, well, flat (oversize clutches are her calling card). But don’t judge yet. Their sprightly patterns and sunny shades (like yellow, silver, and white) make them anything but uptight.

The Bay Area transplant constructs her pieces from raw silk, canvas, and cotton, onto which she then screen-prints playful swirls, tree vignettes, and ethnic stencils. They’re bound to incite “Where’d you get that?” conversation in the latte line.

You know. In case anyone’s paying attention to that kinda thing.

Available at Honey Nail Salon & Boutique, 442 East Paces Ferry Road, Buckhead (404-816-8340); Ooh La La Fashion Boutique, 626 North Highland Avenue, Virginia Highland (404-872-9700).