Gonzalez crocodile skin bags make for discreet luxury
Nancy Gonzalez has built a fashion empireon colourful and exotic bags, writesDivia Harilela
China Chow is in handbag heaven. The Eurasian actress and style icon may be known as an art lover (her latest gig involves hosting a reality art show, Work of Art: the Next Great Artist, on US television), but today her mind is on a different type of investment - luxury bags.
Chow is in Hong Kong as the personal guest of accessories designer Nancy Gonzalez to celebrate the opening of the label's first boutique in the city. Chow's relationship with the designer dates back to her college days, when she befriended Gonzalez's son, Santiago, who now runs the business alongside his mother.
Since then Chow has amassed an extensive personal collection - not that it's stopping her from coveting more." I need more bags … my God, I want everything!" she exclaims, adding a sleek cobalt blue clutch to the growing pile in front of her.
Chow is one of countless women who have swooned over Gonzalez's designs. Over the past 15 years, Gonzalez has built an empire on beautiful bags. At a glance, the styles seem simple, but up close the details, bold colours and craftsmanship give them a high-fashion edge.
Most are crafted from crocodile skin and are free from logos. The brand is all about discreet luxury, and is a favourite with the style set, ranging from celebrities such as Blake Lively to yummy mummies.
"For me it's about being playful. We have a lot of collectors all over the world who come to us for something unique. They send me pictures of their closet with 50 bags - I wish I owned all of the styles," says Gonzalez, laughing. The designer, in her 50s, cuts a striking figure in a sleek white leather top contrasted with a bright fuchsia box clutch.