Handbag designer, Chantal Thomass

Chantal Thomass, handbag designer

KOMELY HANDBAG

www.komely.com.hk

Photographed against the masculine background of American footballers,

Chantal Thomass’s tartan-lined men bags flies away to reveal a co-ordinating bustier.

Providing frilly, coquettish young people fashion bags for every Lolita or Vargas Girl in France, Thomass describes her designs as “provocative, but not vulgar”, it is a delicate distinction and a line she treads carefully.

Thomass dis not train as a designer but began her fashion career in 1966 by opening a boutique, Ter et Bantine, in partnership with her husband.

It sold tantalizing, flirtatious casual bags for young girl, and enjoed patronage from Brigitte Bardot, among others. In 1975 the pair founded the Chantal Thomass label and designed a fashion handbag range.

Thomass trimmed school bag and backpack with lace but her name will forever be connected to heavy metal accessories, small leather goods and accessories that combine fashion and sensuality.