Helloooo! I'm Crystalyn. My blog is a peek behind the scenes of how I make my handbags, as well as the people and natural elements that influence my design process. I don't own a car, and live by the zoo with a big oaf and two savage kittens.
I’ve been making the Metier tote since 2005 – and it has become one of my absolute best-sellers. It has recieved tons of press, including InStyle Magazine and even featured in a movie. But after 6 years making the same bag, I felt it was time to mix things up a little. As you may have noticed, I have a big love of florals and prints – and along the way I’ve collected fabrics with large motifs that would lend themselves to a large expanse of space, instead of being tucked inside a pleat.
So, today I’m introducing my newest collection of Metier totes – with all the amazing functionality of the original, plus more! Featuring longer straps and additional inner pockets – these little beauties (if i do say so myself) are extremely limited-edition. . .many are only two or three of a kind. So snag your favorite today. . .and if you’re still smitten by the original tote – don’t worry, they aren’t going anywhere!
I thought you might enjoy some photos Metier totes in progress. . . .and a sneak peek at one of my newest 'helpers'.
Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
Hooray! My Tan Metier tote was featured in a Design Milk roundup! This lovely neutral tote is a classic staple for your fall wardrobe, and I am so flattered to be included in this collection!
Tonight I got my first glimpse of the new movie ‘Worlds Greatest Dad’ at SIFF. . . and I am happy to say that two of my handbags are prominently featured in the movie! It was filmed here in Seattle last summer, and stars Robin Williams. Let me assure you, it is not what you’d expect from Robin Williams: it was dark, inappropriate and funny.
my Metier green tote worn by Alexie Gilmore
my red leather clutch
During filming in Seattle, my bags were referred to the costume director – who selected my Metier green tote bag which “Claire”(Alexie Gilmore) to use as a school bag and my Pleated red leather clutch for a dinner date with (Robin Williams) character “Lance”. ‘WGD’ is one of the biggest movies to be filmed entirely in Seattle, thanks in part to Jennfer Roth (also produced Oscar® – nominated ‘The Wrestler’) and Seattle’s large community of artists, technicians, and production crews.
The movie was written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait debuted at Sundance Film Festival, and will open in Landmark Cinemas in late August.
Deborah, World Library Superhero, at Brazilian Senate Library
The lovely Deborah Jacobs emailed me to see if I could create a sophisticated laptop travel bag for her new job, because ”it is your work I admire and makes me feel great”. How could I say no to that? I invited her to come visit my studio, to hammer out the details of a professional bag for her world travels, but still help her express her funky style on the inside. Features to include:
Hold a laptop, plus room for folders and paperwork
a padded, removable laptop sleeve in a funky pattern, with zipper closure
Sturdy, but flexible enough to completely flatten and pack inside a suitcase
2 large pockets on the outside, and pockets galore on the inside
Straps: two short padded handles to carry the laptop bag by hand, and one long, removable shoulder strap that can attach with clips
Although Deborah travels for work about 40% of the time, I still managed to complete her bag in record time, communicating via email and photos over a few weeks. And I am so pleased with how it turned out! It was immensely satisfying to create a bag that met the very specific needs of a very busy woman.
p.s. You don’t have to be a Seattle VIP to have me create a custom laptop bag for you! Please feel free to drop me a line at ck (at) crystalynkae.com. I would love to hear your ideas!
Crystalyn Kae was recently featured in an article in CT Green Scene.:
“Looking for that classy little clutch or a funky Hobo? Look no further for your eco-chic handbag. There are some great shops online that have made the old new again.
In nearby Seattle, Crystalyn Kokorowski reuses vintage fabrics or materials with a very low impact on the environment every day. Kokorowski’s company, Crystalyn Kae, makes handbags with faux leather, vintage fabrics from eBay or Etsy, and even washable tweed.
I draft my own handbag patterns to eliminate waste, source the best available materials with the least impact, and try to incorporate recycled or vintage fabrics whenever I can, said Kokorowski. Most of my customers appreciate that with so many fabrics and colors to choose from, that their Crystalyn Kae bag is unlike any other designer handbag.
She added that her company also tries to be eco-friendly in other ways. For one, they have no company car. They use a car-share program to transport supplies and hand-deliver to local stores. But when it comes to her bags, she wants her creations to have staying power.
A major factor of sustainability is the lifespan of a product and it’s ease of care. My customers often comment on how well the bags hold up over time, she said. I certainly have a solid following from the vegan community, but I would like to think that my designs attract customers who want an attractive, well-made purse that isn’t trendy. I think eco-friendly is the icing on the cake.
I think that the trend of the ‘it’ bag is beginning to fade away, Kokorowski said in a recent e-mail. Customers are paying more attention to the value of investing in a bag that will be truly useful for their everyday lives and isn’t a logo-encrusted bag that everyone and their dog has.
But thats what makes these handbags so nifty. Manufactured with recycled fabrics has no further impact on the environment. Its the ultimate in green. And for handbags, green really is the new black.”
“This Métier shopper bag by Seattle-based designer Crystalyn Kae easily transforms from casual tote to stylish purse. Stash magazines, a water bottle, a map and your laptop for weekend roaming, or fold down the corners and snap shut for a more polished – but still roomy- “work” purse.”
Helloooo! I'm Crystalyn. My blog is a peek behind the scenes of how I make my
