Three women designers on the summer bag

Maybe it was the heat or the packed calendar but despite a decidedly easier summer wardrobe, I was losing patience rifling through my once-perfectly-sized black leather bag. And as what we wear gets lighter and brighter this “season,” the next question — what to tote — is the big decision for summer. It is finally the time of year to loosen up, live easy and infuse more relaxed and playful elements into your ensemble. My own clothing preferences, usually made up of non-colors like black and nude, were suddenly feeling too “city” when what I really wanted to feel like is “resort.” So I have finally been gravitating towards bright pinks, cool blues and the tricky, but oh-so-chic whites, then it was now truly impractical, and simply wrong, to be running around the city holding a black lambskin bag, no matter how ideal it used to be for me. Even a go-to boxy tan leather carryall was looking rather boring and serious for the tropics.

It was time to switch to a lighter, softer, roomier tote. This would save on bag-rifling time and magically solve all my life organization problems. Although I had been avoiding the big bag syndrome which I once truly loved, I found a great reincarnation: a beige-and-yellow sack, a “last piece” from Banana Republic’s last season sale, which now signals a happy start for my day, and makes me feel like I can take on anything and go anywhere. What was sorely lacking now was a good summery clutch I could tuck into it for day-to-night jaunts. Hot summer nights in the city also require a color and style update. If you’re lucky enough to just tote a clutch during the day, I envy you. But for those of us who can at least whip it out from our big bag to signal a relaxing evening ahead, here are pretty cool choices. I turned to: three bag designers — Janina Dizon Hoschka, Amina Aranaz and Lally Dizon — with their suggestions on summer style.

Janina Dizon-Hoschka’s Tatjana bags: Understated luxury

Talented jewelry designer Janina Dizon makes these luxurious Tatjana clutches which I’ve been lusting over since I spotted her Stingray collection last year. They are the ideal mix of softness and structure.

What do you like to do during summer? How does your wardrobe change? 

I usually am a monotone dresser but come summer, I try to infuse more pastel colors and maybe just maybe (gulp!) prints. 

What does it signal for your bag changes?

Living in a tropical country and blessed with sun almost year round, we tend to gravitate towards brighter colors for bags. I find that brighter hues really perk up an ensemble. I’ve also recently added a detachable strap to make my clutches look more casual. 

What do you imagine a woman should carry in her summer bag? 

I see her carrying her own money (for women should be independent), lippie, a cell phone and breath mints. 

What images inspired you in this collection?  

I am inspired by the beautiful colors of the Aegean Sea — how light bounces off the whitewashed walls of the houses in Greece. The image in my head is quite saturated in color and that propelled me to create vivid hues in exotic crocodile leather with my trademark diamond mounting in 24k gold-plated silver.

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Tatjana crocodile bags with a three-pointer diamond start at P58,000 and are available at Janina for Jul Dizon, Mezzanine, Peninsula Manila Hotel and at Cura V, 2nd Floor, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell.

Amina Aranaz-Alunan: Resort in the city

The perennially busy Amina Aranaz-Alunan is a perfect resource for year-round summer style because of her bag designs that use lighter materials. Now is the best time to use any of those pieces in natural fabrics.

How does your wardrobe change for summer?

Summer is our favorite time of year at Aranaz. It is the season when we can celebrate the tropical lifestyle at its finest! Personally, summer is when I bring out my brights, prints and whites. I also love to use straw bags even when in the city!   

What does it signal for your bag changes?

I believe in taking your straw bags for a spin during the summer, whether beachside or in the city. It is natural to see a beach bag while out of town. But do something unexpected: a straw summer bag will give your look a summer vibe even when you’re stuck inside an office building. For evening a fun straw clutch or evening bag will also add a luxe resort touch to your look, whether you are partying seaside or in the city. 

What do you imagine a woman should carry in her summer bag?  

Cologne to freshen up (I like light ones like baby cologne), sunglasses are an absolute must! Tissue packs for those extra-hot days.

What images are inspiring you this summer?  

Raw and rustic beachside images, bright foliage prints, bright minimalist and sculptural forms.

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All bags will be available by end of March at Aranaz stores, Greenbelt 5 and Power Plant Mall.

Lally Dizon: Modern Art Deco

Bag designer Lally Dizon enjoys traveling with her hubby and two young boys taking in inspiration even during the kids’ summer vacations. E-mailing this week from New York, the usually very glam and put-together designer tells me that for summer she switches to a very casual look. For summer she did a colorful interpretation of the Art Deco from the ‘20s and ‘30s era, featuring patchworks of snakeskin in two to three colors.

How does your wardrobe change for summer?

I wear denim cut-off shorts for day. For night I wear maxi dresses and short summer dresses to parties for a resort luxe look.

What should a woman carry in her bag this summer?

She should carry a small makeup kit that will hold her summer makeup essentials like a pink lipstick, blush and lip gloss. Also a face blotter, facial tissues and of course, fab sunglasses.

What images are inspiring you this summer?  

I was inspired by Art Deco style. The images that came to mind are the Chrysler building in New York, the oriental yin yang symbol and the British flag. Since the clutch frames I used look very vintage, I thought of developing a collection to complement the frames. Just like Art Deco style, the feel is very eclectic. The materials are mixed yet symmetrical, old yet modern.

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Lally Dizon bags are available at Vintage Restore, Doña Consolacion Building, Jupiter Street, Makati and Bellitudo Bldg, Katipunan Avenue, White Plains, QC.