The concept behind Laurel Broughton’s L.A.-based accessories range, Welcome Companions, is a simple one. “The line comes out of the idea that the objects around you can be your friends,” says the 34-year-old designer. Sure, you might get a funny look or two if you carry on talking to one of Broughton’s clever totes, clutches, or scarves, but at the very least, they’ll put a smile on your face. Having launched her line in 2011 with the surrealist-inspired Mr. Fork, Miss Knife collection—which included a bowler-hat handbag, a change purse that looked like a white glove, and an airmail-envelope-turned-wallet—Broughton is interested in presenting iconic shapes in unexpected, tongue-in-cheek ways. For Spring ‘13, the whimsical line (which is produced locally in L.A.) offers Part-Time Picnic, a collection that reimagines picnic wares and eats as covetable kidskin and calf accouterments. Take, for instance, Broughton’s toast handbag. “The shape of toast is recognizable, but it also functions really well as a shoulder bag,” says the designer. For a complete dining experience, there’s also a butter-pad clutch, napkin- and plate-print scarves, zip-lip pouches and totes, and woven leather bags that resemble flattened picnic baskets. “Picnicking is an activity that we do to get outside of our normal, everyday lives,” says the designer. “And these accessories allow you to be on a part-time picnic all the time.”
Welcome Companions is available at the Webster, Creatures of Comfort, and online at welcomecompanions.com.
—Katharine K. Zarrella
Photo: Courtesy of Welcome Companions
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