Handbag designer Sophie Bonvin and artist Bill Claps held a cocktail party on Tuesday October 10, 2017 at the Crosby Street Hotel to celebrate their collaboration on the “Code Collection.” Bonvin, founded the handbag company “The Collector” in 2014 which produces quality handbags made from python, alligator and ostrich. The “Collector” is a Geneva based line which is uniquely Swiss while skins are selected in Paris and Italy from the best tanning and finishing companies.
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| The Bags – All photos Lieba Nesis |
Every two years Bonvin collaborates with an artist for a limited edition of unique handbags and tonight’s bags took one and a half years of hard work to produce. Bonvin attended in a floor length Yellow Louis Vuitton dress that wowed the crowd and patiently explained the craftsmanship involved in the production of each bag to the evening’s attendees.
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| Missy Hargraves and Antoine Verglas |
The artist and collaborator Bill Claps, who came dressed in a more casual jacket and jeans look, has been featured in galleries and exhibitions all over the world including Salomon Arts Gallery, Aspen Fine Arts Gallery and Art Monaco. His recent work has centered on the utilization of Morse code through dots and dashes to communicate thoughts and ideas.
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| Jeffrey Bradford, Eric Singer, Marie Claire and Robert Gladstone and Norah Lawlor |
Claps used a gold foil method to place these dots and dashes on fifteen one-of-a-kind clutches and alligator bags each decorated with an aspirational saying translated into Morse code with prices ranging from $2,000 to $7,000. The bags can be purchased online or at select stores in Switzerland.
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| Ester Velo and Sara Roka |
The evening started at 6:30 PM and concluded at 9:00 PM with dozens of socialites and foreigners streaming in to view the accessories and enjoy the champagne and hors d’oeuvres.
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| Zoe Bullock |
Five percent of the proceeds from the event and 3.5 percent of sales through the month of October will be donated to “The Angelica Program” a charity dedicated to improving the lives of economically disadvantaged long-term care patients through programs including art and music therapy.
