It is no secret that bloggers are becoming a major influence in the fashion and beauty industries. I mean some of the most popular independent bloggers have landed themselves highly coveted seats at Fashion Week. While others have even landed book deals and TV commercials. As brands begin to realize the importance of having a good relationship with bloggers, bigger and better opportunities are becoming available to up-and-coming and established bloggers alike.
Two of our favorite bloggers have received one such opportunity. Tina Craig and Kelly Cook, creators of bagsnob.com and founders of Bag Snob Global Media, have collaborated with DKNY to create a handbag collection.
Photo: bagsnob.com
Of course this creative collaboration didn’t happen over night—it started with a relationship forged between the blog owners and DKNY’s very own PR Girl (aka @dkny on twitter). The honest blogging duo had written a less than flattering review of a DKNY handbag prompting the PR Girl to reach out to the bloggers via Twitter. Not only did she defend the bag , she even sent them the bag to re-review. A friendship was born and the rest is handbag history.
The handbag collection appropriately named Bag Snob X DKNY is based on Kelly and Craig’s interpretation of the “Five Essentials” every woman should own. The five bag collection debuted this month to include: The clutch, The Treasure, The Travel, The Trendy, and The Tote. Five Essentials indeed.
Photo: bagsnob.com
On their blog the women describe the designing process as a “humbling and amazing learning experience,” noting that they had nightmares about the collection every night for about 3 weeks. They also make a point to let their readers know that DKNY allowed them complete freedom during the design process. Reminding us why it is we love bloggers, their honesty and willingness to be forthcoming about the process invites us to take part in this exciting experience.
The handbags are not only meant to be beautiful and luxurious but were designed to be functional as well. The Travel (my favorite) was inspired by their jet setting friends like fellow blogger BryanBoy and contains an outer compartment with mirror and elastic straps to hold your flight approved beauty products. Even The Trendy bag is versatile—it can be worn as a belt bag or easily converted into a crossbody bag (inspired by Jane Aldridge of Seas of Shoes blog).
Photo: dkny.com
Price points for the collection range between $265 and $565 and can be found at DKNY.com and soon to be offered on Net-A-Porter as well.
The bloggers have no intention on quitting their new career as handbag designers and plan to work with a new brand each year. Good luck and Congratulations ladies!
By Kristianne Young
Sources: bagsnob.com & nbcnewyork.com
