Unlike statement earrings, it’s not so easy to find statement handbags, let alone in our backyard, Miami. Finding three Miami based handbag designers when I wasn’t even looking, this discovery was meant to be. As you’ll see, there are some show stoppers here, and just as good, prices are in the hundreds, going as low as $60 if you look at these designers’ full offerings online. Happy viewing and love to hear what you think!

Carol Entin

At the annual membership meeting of Partners for Art+Design, an arts, design, and fashion group to which I belong, members bring a favorite art, design, or craft object to share and explain its meaning. Carol Entin brought one of the handbags she makes, and I was wowed.

Her bag combined art, craftsmanship, function, and fashion in one object. It was unique, full of presence, and carried a touch of romance and playfulness.

Entin believes handbags should be artistic but useful, so she creates a range of styles and sizes, from smaller evening pieces and clutches to shoulder bags, crossbody styles, totes, and larger day bags. Quality is central to her work, from high-quality Italian leathers and fine linings to fasteners, buckles, and hardware.

“The materials matter because they give the bag its structure, its longevity, and its feeling of refinement,” she explained.

The bags range from approximately $60 to $800, depending on size, materials, detail, and construction. For more ienformation go to www.carolentin.com

They are sold online and are also available at Julian Chang Boutiques and Designer Row in Palm Beach on Worth Avenue.

Mercedes Machado Zingg

The design process of Mercedes Machado Zingg  did not begin with handbags. It began with costume design for film and opera,and later evolved into interior design and then handbags. In all of her designs she tries to create something different by mixing textures,fabrics,leather and unexpected materials.

“I like to search until I find something that truly inspires me.During these explorations,I always discover unique elements that transform my designs into one-of-a-kind pieces” she explains..

Almost all of the bags are handmade and produced as unique creations.

Two years ago,she had an idea inspired by the Hermes Birkin bag. She thought she could reinterpret it in a different way and give it something shocking that would break away the mood of the moment. Her solution? To find incredible talented painters who,working from her concepts and designs,hand painted the Birkins.The response was extraordinary with people stopping her on the street asking where they could buy them,and every single piece was different.

She then traveled throughout Latin America searching for unique textiles and handmade work created by local artisans.One of this pieces was featured at Vogue magazine as a must to wear at Coachella festival.

Her latest collection was inspired by a trip to Bali,where she discovered hand embroidered fabrics, and that collection was also a great success.

She sells primarily through Instagram and private shows. Styles range from shoulder bags and pouches to clutches and other hand held designs. Prices range from $250 to $420.. To see more go to https://www.instagram.com/mercedesmachadohandbags/

Yanna Cabrera de Paz

Yanna Cabrera de Paz is passionate about what she does, designing and making handbags and jewelry (see the picture below where I’m wearing one of her creations). Her mission?” I pray that every beautiful woman that owns one of my pieces feels like she is one of a kind, that she feels gorgeous when she walks into a room because she is.”

No surprise, her handbags seem flirtatious, besides being attractive, fun and joyful, just like she is. Her materials of choice besides leather have a texture as in woven materials and suede, and her preferred decorative elements share a luminosity, whether mother of pearl, aquamarine or a rough coral.

Most are clutches, pouches or other handheld styles. She sells through her Instagram account, at house parties,  and is also a favored invitee at charitable events from United Way and the Chapman Partnership to the Boys and Girls Club.

The price regardless of the style? $125 and each bag is one of a kind. Follow her or message her at https://www.instagram.com/bella.paz.796/.

Looking for more statement earrings? Check out my earlier post, click here.