I enjoy fashion but I definitely wouldn't consider myself fashionable. I don't have any designer label purses except for a possibly fake vintage Chanel my mom found for me at an estate sale and that I love regardless of authenticity. However when I saw this bag pop up on my stylish Korean's feed I thought to myself, "I NEED one of those." Weeks of research later I dropped the not-so-subtle hint with Sly that a purse would make a good gift one of these days.
I have been looking for a medium sized light purse that is easy to travel with, can carry what I need on city excursions (but doesn't look backpack-y), and will fit a good amount of stuff (like my huge full frame camera). Recently (and after dealing with China Air's dumb rules) I have experimented with traveling with just one carry-on sized bag. Camera, purse, everything. One bag,: hands free travel. My problem is that when I arrive at my destination, I usually need something other than my duffle-backpack for sightseeing. Something that is big enough to carry my camera and a small water bottle without being too big, heavy or bulky. And something that will also function for going out to a nicer dinner.
When I finally dragged Sly to the Hyundai department store to "just look" at the newly opened Kwani shop I knew I was right about these purses. They were so light, packed flat, and sized perfectly. I spent way too long trying to figure out the best size, shape and color but in the end, with's Sly's help, picked a medium sized black and white imitation snakeskin print with no frilly flair like tassels or dangling design circles. Then I went home and stuffed it every way I could imagine, just to be sure. I've taken it around the city and so far, so good. But the real test will be in about a week when we fly to Japan.
DETAILS
KWANI // approx $65 - $100 // Kwani is new brand designed and made in Korea, which was yet another reason why the bag appealed to me. The material is a lightweight synthetic material that somehow manages not to look cheap. Another feature of these bags is the square cut out in the top allows you to reach into the bag, say for a cell phone or wallet, (there is a snap) without fulling having to open your bag. The most popular style is The Hornet with studs, which I didn't think I would like until I saw it in person. I also really like the circle bag, though not very practical for travel. Kwani also sells accessories like a bow scarf (? I'm not sure I understand this one), tassels and other purse flair, purse rain covers, and my personal favorite: "Heavenly Jelly" shoes. In Korea, these bags can be found at the Kwani store in Seoul and at select Hyundai stores -- the Daegu Kwani just opened recently at Hyundai, 3rd floor.