As such, Convict bags are designed and handcrafted by experienced and accomplished leather artisans right here in Australia. This ensures that every single bag not only includes a generous dose of functionality, but the hallmark signs of traditional craftsmanship.
Whilst fashion in the 21st century moves at a rapid pace, here at Convict we prefer to dawdle. Traditional artisan skills and age-old craftsmanship take time to execute. Our bags are not mass-produced, or are simply another number on a production line. Once designed, the bags’ prototypes are tested before going into production, and then handmade with love and care in one of our carefully hand chosen hides. Given the longevity of a Convict bag, if a repair needs to be done, it is restored by the same person who made it. Our customers appreciate the care (and Convict love) that we invest in every single one of our handbags.
Whilst our workmanship reflects that of European fashion houses and their tradition of working with master craftsmen, Convict bags are quintessentially Australian. Each is unique due to natural markings on the hide, and features minimal styling, which is authentic and down-to-earth, and reflects our convict heritage and the inimitable and raw beauty that Australia is known for. Convict bags also have a connection to the iconic poem My Country, by Dorothea Mackellar. Hidden inside each one, is a woven ribbon with an extract of the iconic Australian poem.
Hopefully our devotion and small contribution to this dying art form will assist in keeping this precious industry thriving, because we make our bags not only for you, but also for generations to come.
Enjoy it.
]]>Not that personalising leather goods is a new idea. A prestigious practice today, it originated as a way in which to lay claim and ownership. It first appeared in the form of the royal seal, used to mark the reign of a monarch. During the middle ages, artists added their stamp to original artwork. Later it became a general practice, with most households owning their own monogram in order to stake their claim on everything from everyday cutlery and table linen to letterhead.
Today personalisation has returned to its more elegant roots. Royalty still use it to mark their reign, but also bestow it as a stamp of approval on worthy subjects. French luxury brands like Chanel, YSL, Louis Vuitton and Goyard once used their monograms to prevent counterfeit; now it is a coveted stamp of high fashion.
Here at Convict, we like to take personalistion even further. Whilst we love a good monogram, we equally like to inscribe a special date, message, favourite quote or logo. Given social media user names are this generations’ monogram, why not inscribe your handle or hashtag? Be it your Esther wallet, Annette Pouch, Grace Soft Cross Body Bag or Bridget Bowler, whatever means the most to you, we can engrave it.
CB
This service takes an additional week for delivery. Email us directly for personalised engraving rates. info@convictbags.com.
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“I love the relaxed approach and vintage feel of this brand. My favourite piece is their Marilyn dress in Limetree. I have several versions of it. It’s my summer-go-to frock.”
My Sydney fashion fix…
Strelitzia
327 Darling Street, Balmain, NSW
“A real institution. It’s always brimming with a well-edited selection of cutting edge designers from all over the globe.”
My escape….
COMO The Treasury
1 Cathedral Avenue, Perth, WA
“Home-away-from-home and beautifully located in the CBD. It’s just been voted the second best hotel in the world by Conde Nast. Need I say more?”
My favourite food….
Long Chim
Barrack St & St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA
”My favourite restaurant serving up the most exquisite Thai food. I order the Steamed curry of barramundi with Thai basil. It’s off-the-scale.”
For hot fashion…
Emporio Store
271 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco, WA
“A long-time favourite and go-to of mine. I love the clash of colours from Romance was Born, and Danish label Raaine for its subtlety and simplicity of design.”
For shoes….
124 Shoes
“Think hand-crafted, beautiful leather, extreme fit and uber-comfortable. The perfect aesthetic and shoe for my personal style.”
For fossiking…
The Big Design Market
Royal Hall of Industries, Sydney 25–27 November 2016
Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne 2–4 December 2016
“The place to go to source the very best in homeware, fashion, furniture and lifestyle products, all by independent designers. It’s nirvana.”
Like our products, our client base is a creative and inimitable one and hails from cities all over the world, from Perth and Melbourne to New York City.
Given our wearers are as unique and stylish as our bags, we asked some of our favourite Convict custodians to wax lyrical about their favourite ‘wear it forever’ Convict accessory.
Paul Westlake, photographer, New York City and his Aaron wallet. “My Aaron wallet is still in perfect shape. Over the last two years it's been in my pocket every single day, has had some serious caning. It’s still going strong! Here it is at Medano Beach (Playa el Médano) California Sur, Mexico just before the Margaritas arrived.”
Antonia, sales, Ziggurat Design Melbourne and her Betsey bag. “I love Betsey’s design and colouring, and the fact that she’s Australian made in leather - she ticks all the boxes.”
Debbie O'Donnell, photographer, New York City, and her Grace bag. “It's a toss up as to which one of my Convict bags is my favorite, but my Grace bag is my go-to everyday bag. It's stylish, versatile and the perfect size to fit all the essentials. I love that I can take it with me while I'm out shooting, allowing me to keep both hands free for camera gear. I also love that it embodies Australia, honors the resilience and courage of female convicts, and that in some way is infused with convict Grace Steven's spirit, preserving her life story
Nathalie Pavlovic, vocals and guitar with the band Dianas, Perth & Melbourne, and her Betsey satchel. “After three years of wear, my leather Betsey satchel just keeps getting better – I love it more and more!”
Sophia Jalla, owner and buyer, Perlu Boutique, Perth and her Bridget bowler. “I fell in love with the Bridget Bowler when it was first released a couple of years ago and bought the black cowhide one straight away. Although I have several other bags, it is still one of my top two go-to-bags – I love the size, the option of top handles or cross body strap. With my busy routine, I like to be hands free as much as possible and I like the fact that I can use it day-to-night, travel with it, and that it can fit the majority of my essentials with just the right amount of sections and zip up pocket inside. As a massive supporter of local designers, I love that Convict accessories are affordable considering that they are designed and made in Australia. It is quite rare these days.”
We would love to hear about your most coveted Convict. Let us know!
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