Medieval medical instruments and Spanish architecture may seem unlikely bedfellows, but these were precisely the inspirations behind M2Malletier’s debut collection of geometric calfskin handbags. Having launched in September, the Barcelona-based brand was founded by Colombian designers Melissa Losada, 28, and Marcela Velez, 26, who first met while studying at Parsons in New York. “We wanted to do something different and create bags that were also mini sculptures,” says Losada of the duo’s decision to collaborate on a line. Citing their studio—a former cement factory from the nineteenth century—as a major influence, Losada notes that the focus of their deep eggplant, black, wine, and nude bags is strong, sculptural handles (because we know you’ve been wondering, this is where the medical instruments come into play). Called “the needle,” the grips are just that—sleek metal rods that crown the sturdy doctor’s bags and hexagonal purses. “We were tired of always seeing typical handles, so one of our main interests was to create new hardware,” says Losada. Indeed, there’s nothing typical about M2Malletier’s wares, which, made entirely in Spain, range from $1,200 to $1,600. The designers hope to introduce shoes in the next year, but for the moment, they’re focusing on Fall ‘13, which will debut during a presentation at The Standard Hotel during New York fashion week. Their Fall collection will feature the same architectural shapes as Spring, only this time around, they’ll be shown in bold, bright hues and new materials, like deep violet crocodile.
M2Malletier’s bags will be available at Owen in New York this February and online at Net-a-Porter this March.
—Katharine K. Zarrella
Photo:Gregori Civera
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