From the powerhouse behind eeni meeni miini moh, designer Elizabeth O’Connor-Cowley has created a new luxe handbag and accessories collection for individual curators, article:, popping up at 48 James Street in Fortitude Valley until Sunday 7 April.
The Première Collection has just been released, with the brand creating ‘limited edition’ and ‘signature classic’ capsule collections of luxury accessories. Wearer can customise pieces with interchangeable and adjustable straps and charms that mix and match with the stunning range of pochettes and handbags. The Brisbane-based artist and fashion creative O’Connor-Cowley created the brand blurring art and fashion, with meticulous craftsmanship in mind. “article: owners become involved in the design process by assembling their own combinations to express their individualism and reflect their unique style and occasion,” said O’Connor-Cowley.
But this is not her first rodeo. O’Connor-Cowley was the first Australian brand to be invited to showcase a collection at the prestigious Pitti Immagine Bimbo in Florence, Italy (Europe’s leading fashion show for children) alongside Armani Junior, Baby Dior, Karl Lagerfeld, Burberry and others; it was a remarkable milestone and one that allowed O’Connor-Cowley coveted insight into the world of luxury labels.
By 2018 (and with her boys well into their teenage years), O’Connor-Cowley was in search of a new creative challenge, and she found it in creating article:. “I have always admired the impeccable craftsmanship and sophistication of the classic French and Italian luxury brands, and I also have a huge appetite for accessories. Being able to morph these two loves, with my passion for art, which was my first trade so to speak, has been incredible. Creating a new handbag brand, and one that does not compromise quality workmanship or artistic integrity, has been challenging, however the commitment has been well worth it,” she said.
In a palette of indigo, oyster, noir, silver, prussian (blue), gris (grey) and ballet (pink), the article: Collection Première features a range of handbags that include the Tote, Grande Bucket, Hobo, Top Handle and Messenger styles, as well as a suite of Pochettes that also carry O’Connor-Cowley’s signature artworks. There is in addition a range for men, as well as wallets and of course, a gallery of accessories, straps and more.
“It’s important to us that our product looks as good on the inside as it does on the outside and it must be practical. Every leather handbag has multiple pockets to easily accommodate your keys, glasses, phone, pen etc so that they all have their own little home! The design of our Pochettes allows you to fit your phone, glasses, keys, lippy and credit cards easily, without it looking like a python who’s just swallowed a porcupine!”
Artisan made and ethically sourced, article: products are hand crafted by a team of artisans using ethically sourced materials. article: is for those who appreciate honest, timeless design, commitment to detail and refuse to compromise on exceptional quality.
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