INÉS FIGAREDO: THE ART OF BAGS
(revisiting my original post on INÉS FIGAREDO written in 2011 on my original, humble Tumblr blog: BEAU MONDE.)
IT’S IN THE BAG: ATELIER VERSUS UNIFORMITY
Ines Figaredo, once a lawyer, now a designer, delves into the realm of bags as an art form—an endeavor that captivates me. In a world increasingly characterized by uniformity, where both male and female styles converge in a tapestry of skinny jeans, sneakers, and t-shirts, the emergence of Generation Z has underscored the newfound allure of uniformity as an aesthetic ideal. Louis Vuitton bags, Nike socks, and a culture devoid of guesswork regarding designer labels have become ubiquitous. Yet, amid this sea of sameness, there remain scarce sanctuaries to showcase one's authentic investment in life as an art form or to embody the persona of Art for Wear. Figaredo's creations, each meticulously conceptualized drawing from the wellspring of nature and imagination, stand as testaments to this ethos. Crafted by hand in Spain using only the finest leather and materials—including 18K gold plated fittings—her pieces resonate with the essence of true craftsmanship. Ines Figaredo emerges not merely as a designer, but as a connoisseur of Art for Wear, as evidenced in the video accompanying this article.
“My bags are my best thoughts. They are small rare items, uniquely vivid handcrafted pieces. They are collectors items that are born to inspire women. Their purpose is to be enjoyed, shared and admired for a lifetime, and then to remain, as heirlooms. ”
Born in Madrid, cosmopolitan and culturally restless, Inés Figaredo was a passionate art lover since her teenage years. Nonetheless her education took her in a different direction. She graduated from Law school, and practiced in Spain before moving to London to work as a broker for one of the major Spanish maritime shipping companies. During these grey times she felt like “a tamed bird” since her artistry and her urgent need to express her creativity were disappointingly curbed.
A personal turning point made her look back to her first love strengthening her determination to follow her calling. She completed her studies in interior design and focused all her efforts on the fulfillment of her dreams: exploring the bag as an art form. And I think she did an exceptional job - watching her brand transform as it has over the years has been quite exciting and I would buy her bags over Judith Leiber any day - sorry but it’s the truth. The gypster aesthetic of her site. This sizzle video which focuses on craftsmanship with the french music. When looking at the two sites side by side it’s clear that Figaredo has no fear of Leiber… If I had to make a metaphor Figaredo is the Balenciaga to Leibers Louis Vuitton. And I’m speaking in the present where EVERYTHING has a logo on it - it’s awful!
“Mine is not the concept of luxury that prevails nowadays. My art-bags can be worn with casual clothes, they are meant to encourage women in their desire to stand out, to be unique. Luxury to me is the ability to reinvent our own private happiness.”