Fit for a Brit: The Yorkshire Terrier Tote

So the story goes that on of my first customers  bought one of my handbags before she actually bought her dog. The dog in question was a Yorkie.

Yes, that breed.. it does something to us poor humans! Although I am still not owned by a Yorkie, I already have the tote set aside!

Because details matter!

I just had to sit down and create something o…f regal inspiration to honor the delightful and spirited Yorkshire Terrier.

 

I wanted it to be elegant so it could double as a handbag even when furry does not get to go out!


I’ve chosen colors that blend in with breed’s wonderful medley of shades. Blues, caramels, beiges, tans… so you would think of your Yorkie even at those times when you are using the tote to carry your laptop. It really helps too, that those wonderful hues by God also match easily one’s wardrobe!


For the design I wanted it to be irreverent and audacious, portraying the spirit of the terrier. But what is a Yorkie without a bow!



This tote bag is made from 4 layers, making it sturdy enough to carry either your baby dog or your personal items.It is lined in super soft fuzzy fabric that can be pulled out for spot cleaning.

A safety chain is included so you can clip your dog in for safety.The tote can be carried either over your shoulder or on your arms.

Gorgeous brocades are arranged in collage  composition. Attention to all the details. Lace, velvet ribbons and Victorian inspired buttons signal the very British inspiration of my design.



I had the best time conceiving this tote bag. I hope you love it as much as I did creating it!

Kiki Hamann

Urban Elegance, The New Collection

With summer around the corner it is time to launch a lighter collection. I am so excited. Warm weather means dogs go more places and are seen more often. When I sat down at the sketch board to design my newest collection - Urban Elegance, these are the considerations I had in mind.

Phantom Harness, Lexi Harness and New York Harness

1) A dog wears his fashion for the duration of their lifetime.  So each piece is an investment and it should be durable, functional and beautiful.  I also added season-less to the bowl!

The Kenzo Set (Harness and Belly Band)

2) Many countries are not yet into Dog Clothing per se. With that in mind, I will design great harnesses and Couture Carriers.

The Phantom Tote Bag and Matching Harness

3)  The social dog goes places, attends events blends in with people and therefore, I would like for their style to represent their owners and pair up with human fashion so there is no clash!

After putting these three major points on my visual board, I sat down armed with charcoal and colored pencils and began sketching away. The theme for this collection is the Urban Lifestyle. I am totally seduced by the upbeat elegance of Metropolitans.  Practical + Stule = Metro Elegant.

Dressing up for the city life means keeping accessories, details haute and investing in quality elements. I love how color is added to solid canvases.  I also love how color is washed and less vibrant so it travels through time.

So here's a toast, Cosmo of course, to my newest intense, uplifted, totally gorgeous Summer 2011Collection of Canine Couture.  On with the new.  Old ideals, new ideas!

Reinvent your Dog!

Kiki
info@kikihamann.com

The Phantom Tote and Matching Harness

This is a gorgeous tote, and you don't even have to have a dog to have it! Wish the pictures would do it justice so you could see the complexity of the design. It is made from three different black fabrics: A heavy matte brocade, a satiny thin stripped and a larger satiny striped as well. The fabrics are put together so best accentuate each one's properties. It is really beautiful! To this medley in black I have added two beautiful Lacey trims for yet more texture, they frame the fabric composition accentuating the differences.

It is from my new line Urban Elegance and it is all about the buzz of the city. Please notice how I play with the negative spaces in this brocade composition. Chains add pizazz to the modern lines of the tote. It is black, it goes with every color. It is super!

The handles of the tote were planned so you can either carry it over your shoulder and have puppy next to you, or to carry it on your arm and stroll around showing it off.

This tote also features two side pockets for your sunglasses, wallet, leashes, cell phones, keys, etc. It comes with a light weight safety chain that can easily be clipped to the back of a harness.

A matching harness makes it just city perfect!

I have created The Tote for all the dogs that understand their royalty status. Yes, they like to be carried around (never ever left behind), don’t really do well in leashes and demand comfort. I have also created it for the humans like me with a fondness for practical products that remain functional while being haute. This handbag is all of the above and then some. It is hop in-hop out practical and always ready to go.

It is all about the details!

I spent a long time designing this tote. It had to be perfect all the way. The perfect size, the perfect shape. I chose to give it an oval shape so doggie is as comfortable lying down as standing up. The bag sits right under your arm, so your baby feels secure and safe at all times and you have her / him right under your vigilant eye. It is light and feels very comfortable when you wear it over your shoulder.

The bag is engineered in four layers, which means a lot of sewing time, no short cuts and hours of hand stitching. On the other hand, this hard work translates into perfect shaping and durability.

Two large side pockets for your trinkets!

The inside of the tote is lined with a soft mattress, making great bedding on the go. The fuzzy lining can be pulled out for easy spot cleaning. A safety chain attached to a d-ring allows you to clip your baby to the handbag.

My goal for my new Totes is to bring the same couture treatment I have devoted to my garments into a practical, easy to handle carrier that loves going places and getting attention!