With timeless designs and exquisite materials, Bagteria handcrafted handbags feature a perfect balance of eccentricity and elegance wrapped in bespoke craftsmanship.
Bags are more than just carriers with the sole purpose of containing one’s belongings; they have become fashion statements, significant accessories capable of making (or breaking) an outfit and perhaps even treasured belongings passed from one generation to another. Nancy Go, an Indonesian born in Brazil, has been exploring this particular discipline of fashion under her label Bagteria.
Bagteria's unique lineup of handbags has captured the attention of celebrities like Emma Thompson and Paris Hilton. Even the name alone is captivating. Nancy named her label Bagteria in hopes that her creation would have the power to spread like a bacterial epidemic.
With timeless designs and exquisite materials, Bagteria handbags feature a perfect balance of eccentricity and elegance wrapped in bespoke craftsmanship. They feminine carriers are perfect for elevating an outfit's presence and could well be the focal point of the wearer's entire look.
Genuine leathers sourced from the finest European vendors, delicate French lace, semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, sterling silver, Japanese glass beads and sequins are some of the materials that enamour Bagteria handbags. The materials are gathered in Indonesia because Bagteria only relies on the highly skilled local craftsmen for the needlework and the rest of the making process. It takes up to seven days to finish one bag, proving just how detailed each is.
“I have always loved needlework, and admired our ancestors’ purses embellished with intricate details,” said Nancy, who is hoping people revisit the art of needlework before it’s completely lost.
One of the highlights in Bagteria’s collection is the elegant Ivy clutch. Crowned with colourful semi-precious stones like Ocean Jasper, Azurite and Botswana Agate, the Ivy is lined with soft and sultry pony hair in ruby red, deep blue or black. Another highlight would be the spherical, fish-skin-covered Prickly Pear, a clutch with a name as quirky as its shape. Its top lid, lined with attractive semi-precious gems, opens up to reveal the compact interior, almost like an oyster revealing a pearl.
The jewel in the crown, however, is the Foxglove: a dreamy and festive beaded handbag reminiscent of the flapper girls in the Roaring Twenties. Crystals, gems and beads drip down from a sterling silver and glass handle, swaying with languid sensuality with every movement.
Despite being primarily popular almost a century ago (and despite the ephemeral nature of fashion), this particular style of handbag hasn’t gone out of style. It is the epitome of timeless design and it fits Bagteria’s goal to create precious timeless design that is worthy to be passed down to future generations.
Bagteria handbags and purses first gained attention abroad, but now that Indonesians are increasingly shifting their focus onto locally made products, it’s the perfect time for Bagteria to spread in Nancy’s native land, perhaps as a family heirloom to be passed down to future generations.
This article was originally featured in Indonesia Design's 12th Anniversary Edition themed “Timeless Designs” that was published in 2015.