Bernarda: a Handbag that Looks Good Enough to Eat

If you follow me on Instagram (if you don’t, start now by clicking here), you might have noticed that I’m currently on vacation in Elba, Tuscany. A couple nights ago, while I was walking by the marina in Portoferraio, after a delicious dinner at Ristorante da Gianni, I stumbled upon a window that had a hypnotizing display of little colorful handbags… The sign informed me that it was the Dampaì Store.

As soon as I got in, a really nice saleswoman explained that their collection is designed by an Elban architect, Simona Giovannetti, and entirely handmade on the island. Then she showed me the model that had stolen my heart: the Bernarda H/B – DINA in Aqua, in the smaller of the two available sizes.

DINA is super light, as it is made of rubber, and features silver-colored brass snap fasteners. I find it rather unique – the perfect accessory to carry around your essentials on a summer night out, without risking a dislocated shoulder (women and their handbags…!).

I thought its 50 euro price tag was rather reasonable for a fully handmade designer piece, so I decided to adopt her and bring her back to Bologna with me. It’s real love!

In case you happen to come to Elba, I recommend you visit one of the Dampaì Stores (you can find a list on their website). If you don’t, their online store ships to EU countries…

*UPDATE: You may now find the Dampaì collection at Coin in Florence and Milan!*