LOS ANGELES—Sizzling, sexy leather accessories from Kartel Kollections were snatched up by Pink, Lisa Marie Presley, Alanis Morissette and Billy Idol before the line was even halfway complete. Now the full collection makes its debut on the runway with Rock & Republic during
L.A. Fashion Week Spring 2004.

The line’s signature boot cuffs elicit gasps from fashionistas at first glance. Crafted from the finest Italian leather, the tall, ubersexy leather cuffs wrap around calves and slightly flair at the hem, buckling in back with straps clasped with silver hardware. Paired with a mini and heels, or strapped on top of jeans, the boot cuffs add a sophisticated polish and rock star flair. For city girls tired of carrying a purse, garter bags for the thigh and arm feature soft bra straps in a range of colors to hug the flesh and stay put for the night. Roomy enough for a few bills, a credit card and a lipstick, the sexy little bags enable you to balance a cocktail and write down a phone number at the same time. The bags and straps are interchangeable to mix and match—we love pale pink paired with chocolate brown, and latte with baby blue.

Twenty-something FIDM grad and former “W” staffer Elyse Jacob designed her line after deciding she’d rather “create than critique other people’s designs.” Her collection of upscale, luxury leather accessories mix high-fashion with a rock ‘n roll edge. “Most women would rather be a little risky and daring with an accessory than an entire outfit,” Elyse explains. “With Kartel accessories, you can add a little high-glam rock ‘n roll to jeans and a tee without going over the edge.”

With the leather left over from her boot cuffs, Elyse created the “jagged leather wrap”—sort of a cross between a belt and a skirt—to buckle around the hips for an edgy, daring update to jeans or a mini. They’re the ultimate in “rock star chic”—Pink bought one in black. Military-inspired belts that wrap around the waist, thigh and chest appeal to both women and men, while thin belts for the neck and wrist are perfect for layering. Try chocolate brown with electric blue.

The palette is available in a range of colors for Fall 2003 and Spring 2004. Fall colors include black, burgundy, chocolate brown, rust and electric blue. Spring colors include white, pale pink, baby blue, latte, black and metallics (gold, silver, blue, pink). Custom colors are available upon request for VIPs and editorial.

Kartel Kollections is available at the Los Angeles showroom Habitat beginning January 2004. The line retails at H. Lorenzo, 8660 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 310-659-1432; and Naked, 181 N. Martel Ave., L.A. 323.964.0222.




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