Crystalyn Kae handbags are entirely VEGAN! Designer Crystalyn Kae pulls from her international training in design and creative intuition to produce superbly crafted accessories with enduring beauty. Her solid construction and unique fashion sense have earned her the respected status for having sophisticated, discerning designs which honor the past and the present at the same time.
The signature glazed fabric is fashioned through a method in which upholstery-grade fabric is scuffed to raise the fibers, and then a sheer glaze is poured over the top. Once cured, the fabric is pressed with metal rollers and stretched to give a subtle crinkle to the glaze. The bags are well-built, water-resistant and amazingly simple to care for, and are a great fit for vegan and vegetarian EcoDivas, as they contain zero animal skins.
A personal journey to green
“One day, I found myself absolutely drawn to several pair of mens wool golf pants in a vintage store and bought them without a specific purpose in mind,” said Crystalyn. The ultimate purpose of the pants was to be transformed into, of all things, handbags. She enjoyed the process and results so much that she ended up turning all of the pants into bags. She was so inspired by the process of creating something new from something old that she did not just stop with the pants. “My intention was always to move to eco-friendly fabrics and natural materials in my designs,” Crystalyn continued, “I received my degree in apparel and textiles which is making clothing and jewelry.”
Today, the collection of bags are completely vegan and vegetarian friendly. “I am always looking for alternatives; vintage, reclaimed leather etc.” Crystalyn is also looking for ways to naturally add the signature glaze to her fabrics. Today, the glaze comes from a resin coating on top that is not 100% natural, but is very much vegan.
In this new market of green fashion, what makes your products and your company unique?
I love to infuse higher technologies with eco-friendly and vintage fabrics.
What are your some of your “green” personal and business practices?
After reading William McDonough’s insightful book, Cradle to Cradle, I always consider the cradle to cradle philosophy and ask myself ‘where are my products going to end up?’
Crystalyn is now sourcing recycled bottles, PET as a material option as well as working with alternatives that she can be proud of.
What are you future plans?
“I want to keep adding new styles and throwing in combinations.” In her future designs, Crystalyn is looking forward to using leather to add some funky new designs and to “up her quotient of eco-friendliness,” which is something every EcoDiva should be doing on a daily basis.
What would your friends/other people be surprised to learn about you?
“I decided to put my bags in a suitcase and showed up on the doorsteps of stores around the country. Some of the stores were very excited to see the new products.” Crystalyn is proud to be the underground, guerilla marketer of the vegan handbag world. The start of Crystalyn Kae showing up in stores is a bit untraditional, but definitely original and shows passion of spirit.
Who designs the line and what is the inspiration for the designs?
“My inspiration comes from walking around town and watching to see how people schlep their stuff. I think about it in a skeleton way.” This means that when Crystalyn sees a cool style she will start with the utility of the bag and then add a stunning vintage fabric and pleats. “I always want it [the bag] to look distinctive.”
Where to buy Crystalyn’s products?
You can find Crystalyn’s designs in over 60 stores around the country including online at: www.crystalynkae.com and www.mooshoes.com.
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