Let’s face it — A brand like Olympia Le-Tan’s was always destined to be one I would adore — her label’s aesthetic of kitschy / pin-up / cute and handmade is totally in sync with my entire being. I find myself drooling over many of her pieces, my most recent obsession being the unattainable limited-edition Bizarre magazine book clutch she made for New-York based Richardson shop. I am not alone in my love of Olympia’s hand-embroidered book bags, everyone from Tilda Swinton to Natalie Portman has been spotted with her trademark minaudière.
Olympia Le-Tan’s prints make use of her father Pierre Le-Tan’s distinct illustrations. ?
Now, those who dream of owning an Olympia book clutch can have the next best thing at a friendly price point — a zippered version as part of her collaboration with American lifestyle brand LeSportsac that launched at Colette in Paris Monday evening. The Olympia Le-Tan x LeSportsac collection celebrates the literary tradition of love letters and offers LeSportsac’s heritage nylon bags in three original Le-Tan prints illustrated by the designer’s father, celebrated artist Pierre Le-Tan.
Love Letters is a print with letters, books, stamps, kisses and more with a black background, while Love Letters Blue is the same with a blue background. The “Blooming Hearts” print (obviously the print I am personally after) is a romantic sheet of postage stamps in soft pink scribbled in black. These prints are used on 31 classic LeSportsac styles like backpacks, weekenders, and make-up bags. The collection also includes three soft-sided clutches or cosmetic cases directly inspired by the trademark Olympia Le-Tan book clutches, and two specialty placement totes.
I had never thought that really wanting a LeSportsac bag was in my future (I always found it too sporty and too functional) but alas, it looks like I now will need most of the Blooming Hearts range for my life as a traveler. If only they had suitcases in this print too.