Success is in the bags

Irarely get excited by Philippine-made goods, so when something catches my eye, well, I just have to say it.

It all started with some organizer baskets my mom was hoarding for gift giving, especially during Christmas. Mom was buying them from her best friend, Tita Vicky Sales, who designs and manufactures bags and home accessories mainly for export to the United States, Japan, France, Brazil and the United Kingdom.

S.C. Vizcarra has produced home accessories for clients such as Ralph Lauren Home and Armani Casa and bags for Hiroko Koshino.

The Skull clutch features an engraved image based on an actual X-ray of Rita’s skull.

Most recently Tita Vicky’s daughter Rita Nazareno came back from her studies at the London College of Fashion to continue the family business.

S.C. Vizcarra, the brand that is Rita’s grandmother’s name, was started in 1925 by Vizcarra herself. It was continued by Vicky Sales who made it evolve into what it is today.

Rita further expands the brand by producing her own line of bags named Zacarias, after her grandfather.

“I was very close to both grandparents,” Rita shares. “My lolo wanted to be an architect, but because of tuition fees and expenses, he studied sculpture at UP instead.”

Unlike most bags that are based on fashion trends, Rita takes inspiration from the works of architects like Frank Gehry and sculptors like Anish Kapoor.

Her unisex Porthole bag, made of recycled leather, was based on an Isa Genzken sculpture, called Luke Porthole.

The Marsupial clutch was based on an Anish Kapoor sculpture, and the Skull clutch is engraved with an imprint based on an actual X-ray of Rita’s skull.

On Nov. 11, S.C. Vizcarra opens a workshop store at an invitational event in their 737 Roxas Boulevard compound (“it’s between Baclaran church and the airport,” says Rita).

The 82-square- meter retail area was designed by Rita’s brother, architect Anthony Nazareno, who will also create home accessories for the brand.

On Nov 12, the store opens its doors to the public. Store hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..

This Marsupial clutch was based on an Anish Kapoor sculpture and features an indent that fits one’s hand.

For the first time customers will be able to buy S.C. Vizcarra and Zacarias off the rack or order bespoke bags or home accessories.

Organizer baskets range from P600-4,000 each, while bags are priced from P4,000-up.

Zacarias bags range from P 7,000-22,000 each (which is 40-50 percent cheaper than retail prices overseas), while limited edition bags from one piece of natural leather can go from P 20,000- 40,000.

For more information call 854-6751 or 854-6755.

Visit http://www.vizcarra1925.com/ or email info@vizcarra1925.com.