It's in the Bag: Charmaine Ho's Super-chic Purses

By Amber Hsiao | Sunday, June 1, 2008

Purse designer Charmaine Ho understands the demands of the modern woman. With clean designs and functional to boot, her “Me Char” line of purses is a nuanced departure from the usual logos, shapes and styles you’ll find in any ol’ department store. Ho draws inspiration from designers Yves Saint Laurent and Marc Jacobs for their no-nonsense designs and marketability, as well as her own love for fashion stemming from childhood.

The purses come in vibrant colors and playful shapes that are well suited for those on the run. Ho’s design concepts are based on the idea that a woman with a purse is a woman with power: “It stands for women who are modern, sophisticated and intelligent, who are not afraid to take charge and follow their dreams and hearts,” she said.

While designed for women, the purses have a purposely unisex nature that will make your beau less embarrassed to hold your clutch during a night on the town. Best of all, the entire Me Char line can go from day to night, so you can avoid the hassle of switching from work tote to clutch. The affordably priced purses are currently available in several small boutiques in New York City and are also available online at her Web site, MeChar.net.

Having trouble deciding which of the 21 purses to get? Ho’s favorites are the Power Bag, Dumpling Summer Clutch and Summer Love Clutch, all very sophisticated and classy, but you really can’t go wrong with any of these ultra-chic pieces.

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Originally appeared in AsianWeek Newspaper, Arts & Entertainment section. See the original article.