La Bebe Clutch II

Two women walk into the Supafrik pop-up in the Chatelet neighbourhood of Paris and make a bee line for one corner of the room with Ann & Arayata clutches suspended on paint brushes. The older woman had already been into the shop the previous day and had inspected the clutches for a few minutes before leaving without saying a word. The younger woman, who turned out to be her daughter, was now helping her select which clutch to buy. After about ten minutes of spirited discussion, they have reached a consensus on which clutch was the best and head for the cashier. Once the clutch is paid for and wrapped up, the mother suddenly hands the shopping bag to her daughter. 

She looks confused and holds the bag away from her body suspended in mid-air. Her mother giggles and gently pushes the bag towards her.

"Je veux que vous ayiez ça", she says. I want you to have this.

"But its yours", her daughter replies. A smile slowly starts to spread across her face as she realizes what is happening.

"It was mine and now it's yours" the mother says resolutely and they laugh and embrace.

There are things you buy to own and there are things you own to one day give. Perhaps it's the art deco lines or the brushed brass clasps and chain straps but there is an undeniably vintage charm and timeless quality about these clutches. It really does feel like you're holding an instant heirloom.  The body is covered with a sturdy Tinalak fabric that is woven from the Abaca plant for centuries by the T'boli women in the Southern Philippines. The patterns are only woven after they receive a vision in a dream so the women are often referred to as "Dream Weavers". 

The "La Bebe Clutch II" features contrasting satin lining, optional shoulder chain and hidden magnetic closures. 8" x 5" x 1.75"

Ann & Arayata donates a minimum of 10% of their profits to sustainable development projects in the Philippines and Rwanda through a charitable organization that is 100% run by volunteers.

As seen in SUPAFRIK #5 and #6 (London, Paris)