Isabelle Farrugia
This young luxury leather goods brand is democratising the python bag with colourful models made in Bali.
How many women dream of a python leather bag but give up because of the extravagant price? “But buying a python product is no longer an unaffordable luxury,” says Isabelle Farrugia, creator of the eponymous brand. “I don’t have the marketing and advertising costs of a very large brand, nor the intermediaries, I can offer my leather goods 5 to 6 times cheaper than others. I wanted to democratise python!” The young woman embarked on the adventure 6 years ago, after many years spent in communication. “The time had come for me to invest in a more personal project” she says. “I have always loved bags, I am a real woman! One day, I discovered, via Instagram, the Balinese know-how in python. I bought a bag and all my friends fell for it. So I went to Bali to discover all the manufacturing secrets.” She chose to work with the so-called “Batik” python, with visible black scales, and the “Stone” python, which can be dyed in an infinite number of colours. These skins, which are so soft and supple that you would not expect them to be, give rise to ultra-lightweight, chic and fun bags of great quality. “All the bags are assembled and braided by hand in a family workshop, respecting the traditions. The company is committed to respecting and caring for local cultures and populations,” says the designer, who supports around 15 Balinese families. All the python leather has been carefully and ecologically selected in compliance with the Washington Convention. Finally, the label, which also makes its bags from lambskin, will be offering suede in September. Always at a low price!
At Anna Louis – 84, rue Bonaparte – 75006 Paris
+33 1 43 29 99 93 – www.isabellefarrugia.com
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 12 noon to 7 pm