Elefante Handbag from Arnoldo & Battois
Manolo says, it is not often the Manolo features the handbag, but sometimes the object is so striking and unusual that the Manolo cannot resist. Such is the case with the Elefante handbag from Arnoldo & Battois, the two young Italian designers.
This shape is so out of the ordinary, so organically pachydermish, that it literally made the Manolo do the double take when he came across it. It is not exactly beautiful, but rather it is arresting.
And, no, it is not for every taste. Such the item would most likely only work for the bohemian, downtown girl. It is too scary for the ladies who luncheon.
And now, the Manolo asks, would you carry it?
Yes, definitely. With jeans and boots.
Oh, damn straight I would! It looks like a beautifully crafted objet d’art whose representational qualities would probably be pretty subtle when actually carried.
This is close to what the Manolo has been thinking. It is not exactly beautiful, but it is so much like art that you would want to carry it, and you are correct, on the shoulder, it would be more subtle.
Yes! May I have it please?
Absolutely…it is a work of art.
Not being the bohemian downtown girl, I would look like the hyena skulking away with my share of the elephant after the ivory poachers were done. I concede reluctantly that art must have its proper setting to be appreciated, and decline to carry it personally.
Depends on the size, I think. The form & construction are appealing, but I don’t think it would look good at more than, say, 15″ or so from stem to stern. Anything bigger and it might look a little too much like you’ve slain a baby elephant to make a purse.
YES YES YES
That depends. Is it functional? Pockets for all my crap? How big is it?
It’s intriguing, but because my bohemian downtown days are over a quarter century behind me, I would probably look silly carrying it.
I would, however, carry something else from their collection.
http://www.arnoldoebattois.com/assets/Uploads/ArnoldoBattois16-Sacca-bauletto.jpg
Most certainly not. I’d feel like I was carrying some kind of aged goat’s horn. Besides, bohemian days being out of character, I prefer a purse with practical features that assist me with the paraphernalia I feel obliged carry around.
I am the archetypal bohemian, downtown girl, and I wouldn’t be caught dead with that thing, simply because the visual allusions it conjures up for me include both elephants AND colons.
The fact that something looks like something else may make it art, but it does not necessarily make it pretty. Handbags are one of those things, like earrings, that should be pretty.
No, I think it looks like a wrinkled elephant. Strange shape.
http://fashionnews.zalando.co.uk
In a heartbeat.
I think the colour is spectacular, but the woman who said it reminds her of a colon is spot on. Also, I know I’d put things in there and they would never be found again.
So no way.
sigh. In my dreams…
I am torn.
I am not a lady who lunches, but I do like classic things. On the other hand this looks like it would be one of those soft leather things that you would want to keep touching. And I admit to bohemian yearnings, mostly in the Spring and Fall.
But the deciding factor is that I constantly lose things in smaller, traditionally shaped bags with lovely inside pockets. I can only image the frustration of trying to find the keys or ringing cell phone. It would end with dumping the entire contents on the nearest flat surface while muttering rude things about handbags in general.
But thank you for the link to the designers’ site. Their work is wonderful.
No. It looks like one is attempting to smuggle some poor animal into the restaurant. I also agree that it could be frustrating trying to dig your things out of this shape. It is eye catching, but I’m not sure it’s in a good way.
It is very interesting-looking, but bohemian and I have never met.
I like it, but would want to inspect the elephant-head hardware before committing . . .
Miss J agrees with The Manolo. It’s arresting. And beautifully crafted. But would have to test it for size. She thinks unless its on the smaller side, it wouldn’t suit her. Miss J is not a fan of the luggage-sized handbag.
Again I ask, is it genuine Sharpei puppy skin?
I don’t “do” handbags at all, but I like that one.
Where can I buy that bag?
Dear Dana,
contact us writing to: info@arnoldoebattois.com
Visually intriguing — but “old wrinkled scrotum” came to mind and I have no desire to:
1. put my things inside;
2. if #1 should happen, take them back out;
3. sling it over my shoulder like a hunting trophy (on 2nd thought…)
Oh My – that’s about the funniest thing I’ve read in ages, and I completely agree!
Ooooo!!! My heart just stopped. That is gorgeous!
I think I’d drink the cup down to the last drop. This thing is so iconic it would be a shame not to follow it where it wants to go.
Hunter’s chic for instance. A well cut denim jacket on a khaki dress, knee high leather boots matching the bag. Barbaric jewelry.
In a heartbeat. I adore it!
I live in a sea of blue neighborhood and would enjoy toting a quirky elephant on my shoulder.