Alexandra Knight

[brian]

When fashion editor and stylist Alexandra Loyd Knight married and moved from Manhattan back to her native Houston, she was in for a rude awakening. As a former fashion editor at Allure, who was also an assistant stylist for Vogue and Vanity Fair, Knight has long worked with such leading photographers as Helmut Newton, Irving Penn and Annie Leibovitz. For these prestigious shoots, stylists often have designers custom-make items, whether it is reworking an evening dress in vivid red or heightening the heel of a stiletto. Once back in Texas, Knight realized it was an opportunity denied most consumers. As she remembers, "I thought, 'Why can't designers and manufacturers just make what you want?' If I could do it as an editor—knowing that factories can make those kinds of changes—why can't the client?"

Alexandra Knight, who is now launching her complete line for Fall 2004, has quickly become one of the world's most innovative designers of handmade alligator handbags. "No hardware, no logos," announced a "Fashion Newsflash" in Vogue, "Alexandra Knight's pieces are just fine in their own skins."

Alexandra Knight embodies two of the most important trends in fashion: customization and individuality. Sophisticated clients now want a hand in the design process and insist on setting themselves apart from the crowd. Every Alexandra Knight bag is entirely made-to-order. The client chooses the color, whether it is one of the signature shades or a color-match with anything in the wardrobe. The alligator skin can be a rough matte or a sleek glazed finish. The lining—in alligator, leather or suede—can be fashioned in any shade—matching or contrasting the exterior. The straps can be lengthened or shortened. Each takes between six and eight weeks to produce and comes with a sterling silver plate on the interior, engraved with the owner's name and the birth date of the bag.

Alexandra Knight also represents another stylistic trend: discreet luxury. Her forms are always classic, there is no hardware and logos have been banished. "Women want beautiful accessories that will complement their look, not compete with it," Knight says.

 

[brian]

 

[brian]

 

[Greendrv]

Brian, thanks for posting those!

I'm lusting after the vibrancy of the glossy orange croc! Will definitely look into getting one of those bags!!!

 

[brian]

^ they're gorgeous, aren't they?

i'm thinking about ordering the large tote in post #3 (shown in cowhide)... i love the style and shape... but i want it done in vibrant green ostrich!!

by the way... her website is http://www.alexandraknightonline.com ...
... sorry i didn't mention it here earlier

 

[LouiseyPeasey]

Wow, these are beautiful! Thanks for posting, Brian. I love the olive bag in post #3. And the leathers on her site are gorgeous - she has stingray!! I've been dreaming lately about a custom shagreen bag...maybe it's fate...

 

[Guessgirl96]

I like the skins and colors, but the designs are a bit too plain and mature looking.

 

[PrincessImp.]

Hmmm..the ponyskin tote looks interesting..and this is the first time that I am intrigued by any bag in ponyskin!

Thanks for the link Brian! Karma to you

 

[nat_attak]

thanks for posting brian. the bags are great! i love the plain and simpleness of it. and the leather looks real clean.

 

[luckybunny]

these bags are gorgeous! i couldn't find prices tho . anyone else have more luck?

 

[Greendrv]

these bags are gorgeous! i couldn't find prices tho . anyone else have more luck?

Here's the link:
http://www.alexandraknightonline.com/ordernow/fall05-acc_bags-pricing.pdf

 

[crepebacksatin]

thanks for posting this!! the accessories are SO gorgeous... and i would absolutely love a clutch in stingray. i would love to see some of her bags in person.

 

[Dulcisima]

looks a bit like the spy shape?

 

[kentucky*derby]

^ Maybe after a LOT of drinks and some hallucinogens.

 

[Greendrv]

Dulci, without the spy clasp compartment the shape is only vaguely similar to the spy. Since the bag was designed for release in 2004 (and the spy was released in 2005), technically it pre-dates the spy. However, I'm sure that there have been other bags with a similar shape. I still the lush glossy croc leather: can you imagine this style in a glossy red croc leather?