If we’re talking about big, bustling cities that still manage to retain that dreamy charm, New York City is right up there. It could be an impression gleaned from decades of movies and television shows, from the old-school glamour of Breakfast at Tiffany’s to the high school boudoir of the Upper East Side in Gossip Girl, the fashionable set from Sex and the City and Devil Wears Prada, or one of those winter holiday flicks with snow swirling over Central Park. You get the point. Manhattan, with its glistening skyscrapers, busy avenues and promises of dreams come true is pure romance.
So we immediately get why BONIA’s all too eager to celebrate the lively urban metropolis on its latest series of handbags. Whether it’s sleek design motifs that capture the essence of the city, including a minimalist interpretation of its famous skyline, or boxy silhouettes and trendy floral cut-outs that channel New York’s experimental heyday in its 60s — or even today’s Fashion Week set — you’re bound to find something to love too.
We’ll start with the most exciting motif yet — that gorgeous skyline you’ll see along the Hudson River, that perfectly captures the pride and joy of the city, all gleaming glass and steel structures that also recall America’s fine industrial period. What you’ll first notice about the Skyline Sonia collection is the iconic Chrysler Building, set tall against BONIA’s signature hatter-shaped bag design, with fine stitching on leather and contrasting metallic hardware.
As with every city-goer who’s all too familiar with the day-to-night lifestyle, it’s fun to see that interpreted on the bags as well. The daytime version sees a less dramatic design motif, with the pure silhouettes of the buildings standing out in a clean monochromatic design; when night falls though, you’ll want to reach for the darker night versions, which feature Swarovski crystals embedded on a semi-gloss surface.
Now, we can’t imagine traversing through a city without a backpack, so thankfully BONIA places the right one in front of us. You may have an inkling that monogram bags are back, and you’re absolutely right — part nostalgia and part irony, wearing a brand loud and proud isn’t anything to be scorned at, hence this creative take on the backpack that sees the BONIA logo stamped across the leather. To add some quirky chaos to the Express collection, each backpack is emblazoned with colourful sticker-like patches that go together with the design for a dose of youthful street cred, so you can always set yourself apart when you’re on a trip or merely running errands.
You know how obsessed people get with their pets right, especially in New York where you’ll see them and their owners taking a walk through Central Park or even Fifth Avenue boulevards. Rather than doing the whole Paris Hilton circa early 2000s with her chihuahua peeking out of her bag though, have your cute pooch by the side of your tote instead; whether you’re a dog or cat lover — we’re not taking sides — you’ll wanna stroll around too with either Bailey the dog and Bella the cat as your loyal companion. The distinctive designs are crafted with pieces of Split Leather, and are placed against detailed outlines of skyscrapers as a backdrop.
Being a girl on the go these days involves carrying your documents or electronic devices with you from meeting to meeting — hence we’ll see both Bailey and Bella on an Mini iPad Pouch, iPad Pouch, Document Pouch as well. If you’re looking for an even more vibrant design, hail down one of the pouches from the brand’s Taxi Collection; you’ll see the same pouches as well as a bright yellow tote bag, and most importantly, a yellow cab motif that faithfully replicates the unique icon of Manhattan, down to its checked sides. Seriously, try and get more ‘New York’ than that. These are the bags you’ll want to show off as part of your next street style capture — whether there are actual photographers or not.
BONIA Autumn/Winter 2017 collection is available at selected BONIA stores and counters. bonia.com
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