In the Bag

THE PARTY Handbags ruled the evening when Gucci brought its team of Florentine artisans to the Fashion Valley boutique for a night that celebrated the house’s exquisite craftsmanship. THE SCENE Hosted by style mavens Joan Waitt, Abeer Hage, Deborah Marengo, Dawn Davidson and Tracy Lyon, the exclusive event doubled as a fundraiser for Promises2Kids, the S.D. nonprofit that responds to the needs of foster children to prevent abuse and neglect. Thus extra motivated to shop, guests swirled their wine glasses and nibbled canapes while visiting some of Gucci’s talented craftspeople at stations set up around the sleek shop. Draped in Gucci-embossed leather aprons with the house’s signature red and green striping, the Italian artists stitched bags, demonstrated the painting of exotic skins and hand-embossed leather goods with custom monograms. THE HIGHLIGHTS The “it” bags of the night? New Bamboo, New Jackie, Soft Stirrup and Soho bags—signature designs with a contemporary interpretation from Creative Director Frida Giannini. More than one guest found herself sighing over the workmanship, then making a beeline for the register. Expect to see these beauties in circulation this season! Photography by Tim King