Bagging the holidays in style
It all started with a bagful of ideas and an enterprising mother-and-daughter team. And now, Edna Buenviaje-Cruz and daughters Trisha Cruz-Cuason and Lally Cruz-Dizon have their stylish bags on the arms and shoulders of Manila’s fashionistas.
These bag ladies have been manufacturing and exporting since 1982. Of course, Trisha and Lally learned everything they ought to know about bags from their mom, who’s proud to have daughters who have carried on the business to a new, different level in the local arena.
For bags sold off-the rack in this one-of-a-kind bag boutique/restoration shop, Lally designs totes in classic shapes, like a doctor’s satchel, bowler’s bag, or a hobo, but she gives them a quirky twist by mixing two to three colors in each design. She also likes to mix different types of materials, like leather with patchwork snakeskin, or combining them with shiny patent leather, metallic leather, and imported metal accessories.
Their restoration shop/boutique called Vintage Restore is also known for its made-to-order services, with Lally tailoring her designs to the clients’ specifications. Or if you want to make your own design, Lally can collaborate with you and sit down to discuss every detail of the bag — from the style to shape, color, materials, etc. Made-to-order bags are by appointment only.
Vintage Restore also offers its newest luxe collection using real python skin customized as a made-to-order item. One design is a hobo with a gold chain strap in full real red python skin, which Lally created for a politician’s wife. For clients who want the luxury of python but would like to keep a certain budget, Lally combines leather with python trims.
These leather beauties are affordably priced from P4,000 to P9,500. Each design is always named after the first lady who gets to own that bag.
More, Vintage Restore is proud of its repair and restoration services specializing in high-end designer bags, even wallets and belts. “Bag doctor” Trisha Cruz-Cuason has come up with this special service to give life to dying and ailing bags. Vintage Restore’s services include: change inner lining and tattered leather parts; electroplate tarnished metals; clean leather, canvas, and suede; shorten handles; change metal parts; and redye (depending on the kind of leather).
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Vintage Restore is located on the 2nd floor, 122 Doña Consolacion Bldg., Jupiter St., Bel Air, Makati City. For inquiries call 890-4326, 0916-6262967; e-mail v.restore@gmail.com.
