Mad for Matisse

It wouldn’t be unfair to say that most ladies have a weakness for handbags. Even some men can’t live without their sacks. It’s a rarity to spot a woman without any semblance of a bag in hand. They’re vital to our daily lives, essentially becoming a reflection and extension of our personalities. Packed with our daily necessities, these treasure troves are flaunted every day and at any occasion, whether you’re headed off to work, running errands, hanging out or styling at the prom. Whether you’re a hobo lover or prefer clutches, satchels or totes, the bag lover in all of us can unite over the joy of searching for and then hopefully, obtaining the current ‘it’ bag. Pouring over glossies proves to be a major sport in this competitive field with the hottest bag being a trophy. What can be better than holding a spanking new carryall in your arms and inhaling the scent of buttery leather?

Bag fans, there’s a boutique full of handbags you need to be aware of. Just what Manila needs, tucked in a little outlet on Malugay Street off Gil J. Puyat Avenue in Makati, is a bagaholic oasis by the name of Matisse. Opened last year by sister duo Denise Santos-Dizon and Monique Santos, Matisse was channeled after the quaint boutiques you find in Saint-Germain-des-Pres or in Nolita. Completely charming and unique, Matisse was created to offer tres chic imported bags of wonderful quality and discerning style.

While Denise was living in Bangkok, the sisters chanced upon the Jackie O boutique and became so enamored with its bags, eventually forming an instant bond with the Thai designer Jacky (hence Jackie O). Without a doubt in their well-educated heads (Monique is a chef from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and Denise is a writer from the Grad School of Journalism at Columbia University), they immediately opened up shop on our tropical shores.

Jackie O’s collection includes slouchy leather bags with laser cut details revealing metallic leather from within. Glam zipper-trimmed shoulder bags and bright candy-colored purses with beautiful trims and appliqués are at your disposal for daily use while elegant clutches with rhinestone-embellished snaps are perfect for an evening out on the town.

Packed to the brim with gorgeous creations in stunning full grain and exotic leather, canvas, suede and brocade, Matisse’s inventory is impressive and varied. New pieces arrive every two to three weeks and stock has begun to include bags from the hottest collection in Hanoi – Vietnamese label Ipa-Nima has whimsical bags that are flirty and exquisite and are the toast of the foreign press. My eyes are set on the gorgeous Tamadur velvet and leather patchwork shoulder bag embellished with sequins. Why bother jetsetting when the best of the world arrives at your feet? Skiphop, a Manhattan-made brand of stylish yet functional baby bags cater to funky moms who don’t want a kiddy diaper bag. There’s really something for everyone at this handbag haven.

Customized orders can be done as these smart gals understand a bag fanatic’s desire to have things just the way she wants. Though they’re not designers, they do have a say in Jacky’s design process. They know what will take off with Pinays but if there’s a variation of something that you want, they’re loaded up with fabric options, materials, colors and sizes for you to choose from for pieces of the Jackie O collection.

Blown that lovely Christmas dough? Chances are you already have. But banking on the slim prospect you’ve stashed some loot away, hurry to Matisse and snag yourself (or a really lucky loved one) a fab bag to start off the new year in dazzling style.

Matisse is located at Unit 5A, The Zone, Malugay Street, Bel-Air, Makati.