Handbags have always been a statement of personal style, fashion and function. But Mim & Ray, a new handbag company featuring luxurious Italian leathers and fine wool panels, is adding another element to the must-have accessory: purpose. Each Mim & Ray handbag features a fine wool panel detailing, expertly and lovingly hand-knitted by a senior adult artisan. These young-at-heart knitters had a passion for their craft but no outlet for their artistry, until the launch of this company.
“Mim & Ray handbags are not just an expression of great style. When a woman carries a Mim & Ray bag, she knows that she has made a difference. It’s an expression of great humanity,” says Toby Strogatz, designer and company founder. “This collection is a culmination of design inspiration, love of high-end accessories and the need to support the work of important organizations.” Strogatz is a Certified Positive Psychology Life Coach and yogi, who now channels her energy to serve as the brand’s lead designer, bringing together the worlds of fashion and giving back. “It’s important for your general health and wellbeing to stay positive, and giving impacts how you feel. That’s the inspiration for Mim & Ray—to have joy for people who are both giving and receiving.”
The knitters are part of KleinLife, a non-profit organization that provides essential services and programs to inspire engagement, foster friendships, and encourage human connection. Now, the program is giving these older craftspeople a renewed sense of purpose and pride, as well as financial support for their retirement. The seniors knit in groups, strengthening lifelong ties with some, making new friends with others, and creating a sense of friendship that is woven into every stitch of the Mim & Ray bags. Each weekly meeting is considered sacred, and is often bookended with meals, fitness classes and educational seminars. And TobyStephen Designs Inc., the non-profit creative team behind each bag’s design, pays a license fee to ensure that net profits raised through the sale of every Mim & Ray handbag are earmarked specifically for KleinLife’s 35,000 recipients, ranging from ages 2 to 102.
Each classically designed Italian leather handbag includes Mim & Ray’s signature knitted panels crafted by the knitters, along with a heartwarming story about the knitters and their sense of purpose, pride, and friendship. The leather collection comes in a variety of neutral color palettes for year-round wearing, with prices ranging from $275 to $695. Each of the 17 bags in the Fall 2017 launch collection will feature five elevated designs, with premium materials and a classic, on-trend point of view.
The collection features a range of handbags including totes, hipsters, pouchettes and wristlets. Naming the bags was an exercise of love and creativity as well. Toby Strogatz and her partner Stephen Klein, name each handbag after one of their family members, carefully pairing each design with the individual’s style. The Jennifer bag, designed by co-designer Jennifer Strogatz, features metallic silver hues and a self-rendering of her playful blue eyes. The Toby tote blends structure and style, signature statements of lead designer Toby Strogatz. The Debbie Rose tote, the Sage crossbody bag and the Julia pouchette were all named for Stephen’s daughters. And those looking to make a modern and elegant statement will love the Reesa tote, named after Stephen’s granddaughter. Even Winston, Debbie’s much-loved pooch, has his own namesake wristlet.
“As a style-minded, multi-tasking woman, I understand the need for functional elements in an accessory that can also give back and make a difference in people’s lives. We designed this line for that woman in mind. Our ultimate goal is to empower as many people as possible with our products,” says Strogatz.
The collection had a soft launch with a press event in Manhattan and in Philadelphia earlier this year. The handbags are available both online and in boutiques across the country.
Mim & Ray
Toby Strogatz, President
TobyStephen Designs Inc.
www.mimandray.com
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