Treasure troves abound for the modish bagistas of the Windy City thanks to a profusion of Chicago-based handbag designers faultlessly meshing zany motifs with Italian leather. Three names to watch include Diego Rocha, Kingsley and Joelle Nadine. I chatted with these designers to find out how they interpret this quintessential fashion staple and what we can expect from them for fall.

Brittany Johnson, Chicago Correspondent

Former designer for Versace and Just Cavalli, Joelle Minassian metamorphosed her textile background into a line of iridescent leather-pelt handbags, which are assembled with warped silhouettes and intrepid metal to sharpen visual design to the unexposed construction.

Designing for the savvy women of today, Minassian’s intent is to bestow women with exclusivity and functional designs structured through the use of top quality Italian leather and hardware that are hand created. Also, producing handbags in limited quantity Minassian aims to preserve individuality and distinctiveness.

The current spring/summer collection consist of miniature-sized leather duffel bags with a palette of styles, and four limited edition clutches that introduce an array of contemporary sterling silver elements.

Her fall/winter collection contains twelve styled handbags with stingray being the main material of choice, combined with custom hardware.

Playing the queen got Helen Mirren an Oscar; wearing a Diego Rocha bag – suited for a queen – can snag you a BagTrends A+ – thanks to Rocha’s use of python texture bolstered with a vintage facade.

Rocha designs for the conscientious bagista that desires quality with a unique handbag and want lavish pieces in their closet to protrude sex appeal, opulence and elegance.

Rocha crafts meticulous handbags suited for a queen, Queen Victoria that is, the theme of his current line which exudes panache and venerate beauty and style. With handpicked raw material, vivid and exclusive patterns accentuated through exquisite colors he offers a romantic yet classy collection inspired by 19th century England through his spring collection.

The fall 2007 collection (below), themed "Baby Jane", is a very sexy offering inspired by the early 60’s. It’s structured by mixing patent leather with exotic skins like python, and animal prints.

Kingsley handbags utter a simple yet unique classic tone for the sophisticated bagista with bag labels derived from the Chicago streets: Astor Clutch, Schiller satchel, and Southport Traveler. 

Celeb buzz has already been generated from the new line: Gwyneth Paltrow has been spotted carrying the Southport Jr. tote in black ostrich all around New York, London and L.A.

A spring collection rendered in ostrich, cobra, and tumbled leather unified with dusty rich colors inspired by Kingsley’s travel throughout Mexico set forth a chic and utilitarian line.

Kingsley designs for the well-versed in style, fashion-forward vs. trends-of-the-moment woman. This brand is for a worldly and sophisticated gal that is interested in carrying bags that are timeless and fresh not just "this years" trend.

For fall 2007, Kingsley employs travel structure and the dusty color palette taken from the 15th century buildings in San Miguel De Allende, while silhouettes are inspired by trips to Paris and the oversized clutch.

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