We all remember those freaky purses made from coddled cats, but Daina Levine is proving keepsake bags don’t need to be creepy. Her business JennaClaire Handbag Studio takes special fabrics and transforms them into contemporary accessories.
When two women were unsure how to divide their grandmother’s fur coat, they enlisted JennaClaire to create two small bags from the lining. A bride also sought the company’s help to create purses for her bridal party. Fabric from the wedding dresses of her mother and grandmother were used to make these very special accessories.
But not every piece has such a touching back story. The store also offers swatches and fabric remnants, which bagistas can choose for their own one-of-a-kind purse.
“First, some people are overwhelmed,” Daina Levine said. “Then, people come up with different combinations of things you might think would never work, but they do.”
JennaClaire is based in Dayton, but its designs have still caught the attention of some famous stars, including Sheryl Crow and Mandy Moore.
While ready-made JennaClaire bags are available through the website, Ms Levine hopes to launch her online design store in the fall. In the meantime, Dayton locals can visit her studio at 4832 Juniper Way, The Greene Towne Center for that personalized purse.
