Olympia Le Tan literary handbag collection

Giving new meaning to the term chick lit, DJ-ette and eccentric jeans égérie (she’s partly responsible for the return of gussied-up, high-waisted Mom Jeans), Olympia Le Tan makes handbags and minaudières. Her new collection comprise small, strapped cases or clutches for cosmetics and les petites affaires de mademoiselle inspired by the vintage books in her father’s collection. The pieces are exquisite little illusions in felt appliqué and silk cross-stitch, lined with jarring Liberty prints. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, Carson McCuller’s offbeat classic about isolated marginals, was the inspiration for a fine example of Le Tan’s approach: the scrolling, shadowed script of the book’s cover is painstakingly reproduced in all its retro splendor. This is fashion to improve your style and your conversation. MH
Presented during Fashion Week in September (with rave reviews following in the international fashion press), the collection will be on sale at Colette from Jan.