Io Adoro - Chez Dédé
I've written about Wonderfool the spa and concept store before. One thing I really like about Wonderfool is how they highlight Iocal artisans.A few weeks ago there was an aperitivi at the store and several of the designers were there.I had a chance to speak with the très chic Daria Reina the Creative Director of Chez Dédé, a French-Italian label. She and her partner Andrea Ferolla started the company a few years ago. Inspiration struck the luxury goods communications consultant and the art director while they were on the island of St. Barths.At Wonderfool they sell only their bags, but Chez Dédé also makes scarves and bracelets. Their scarves for men, Les New Yorkaises, would be perfect for my boyfriend, if I had one. The colors are striking and I hope they start to design some for us ladies as well.Each bag is name for an island or a beach they have visited. One of the newest editions is their Grand Tour bag. It's sporty and sophisticated. I LOVE it. It's a perfect bag for a longer trip. You can fill it with mementos of your journey.Another addition to the collection is the Taormina bag. Made with a stunning Sicilian red, this bag inspires me to book a trip to Sicily pronto.
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The craftsmanship is remarkable. Not only are these bags gorgeous, they are well made. Daria said it was important to her and her partner to make the bags in Italy. I'm sure Chez Dédé would make a lot more money producing the bags elsewhere. I appreciate their commitment to pay artisans well.
I'm not completely anti-fast fashion, but I'm doing my best to avoid it. I'd rather own a few things of excellent quality than buy a bunch of things from Zara/H&M/Top Shop that fall apart after two washings. Also, I have the worst figure for fast fashion. What looks cool on my thin and/or tall friends looks, well, cheap on me.
I adore these bags and not just because I'm an Island Girl myself. They are very "Stylish Simplicity".
I was telling one of my friends that I couldn't decide which one to get. One of the bigger totes (Ciao Portofino! Bonjour Cap Ferrat!) or the cute smaller Salina one? I will decide after my birthday next month.