If you've ever rocked a cross-body bag or even a messenger-style satchel, then you know all about the convenience of a hands free existence: how you can carry a cup of coffee in one hand and talk on your cell using the other, how you can shake anyone's hand without pausing awkwardly to set down what you're clutching, how you never have to worry about your bag slipping off your shoulder or out of your fingers. But there are certain challenges involved in finding the right cross-body bag — you need the right balance between roominess and bulkiness, and you don't want anything that will steer too far away from the body. Model and actress Patti Hansen is hoping to offer just that type of convenience with her new Hung On U handbag line, which focuses on versatile pieces that fall close to the hip, much like baby slings, and which can transition from day to night.
The Hung On U collection will be available exclusively at Barneys New York starting October 12th and, in celebration, the two brands teamed up on a massive charity auction. Twenty guest designers — among them Simon Doonan, Debra Messing, Donna Karan, Patricia Arquette, Gavin Rossdale, Christian Louboutin, and Elle's Joe Zee — personalized their own Hung On U bags to create one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art. These unique, customized designs are being auctioned off on CharityBuzz.com/, with all proceeds being donated to the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation, which helps scientists research the causes and find treatment options for those suffering from EB, a genetic skin disorder involving blister formations. Interested parties have until October 12th to bid on their favorite designs.
Pictured above are some of the designs featured in the Charity Buzz auction. At top, you'll find Debra Messing's Polynesian-flavored tribal design (notice the silhouettes of little men along the side), while immediately below it, you'll see Joe Zee's unisex camo design and, third from top, you'll find the familiar Louboutin pump illustration, replete with the designer's trademark red sole detail. For a more adventurous interpretation, check out Simon Doonan's design (fourth from top), which has hair trim for a creepy-but-fascinating shaggy effect. We also love Donna Karan's artful design (shown fifth from top), which features hand-painted foliage and branch-like silhouettes in earthy sepia, ochre, mud brown, and russet tones.
