August 13, 2007

A Shoulder to Try On

Ashley Watson Handbags

If your leather hobo suddenly said, “Before we met, I rode with Hell’s Angels and pond-skipped to Paris more times than you’ve taken me down the bearnaise aisle at Whole Foods,” you might raise an eyebrow. Or two. For any number of reasons.

But if you were toting around an old-is-new-again bag by Canadian designer Ashley Watson, you might not bat an eye.

That’s because each piece is crafted from vintage leather jackets scooped up at charity thrift stores. So those funky seams and pockets on side-tie Thrush, saddle-shaped Brant, and the Kestral shoulder bag come from the original garments.

Who knows? Your Ashley Watson may have cloaked a rebel or led a cultural revolution way back when.

That’s as good a reason as any to mix things up.

Just don’t tell anyone it was your handbag’s idea.

Available at Evolve Boutique, 1581 North Decatur Road, Druid Hills (404-474-3244). To see styles, go to ashleywatson.net.