Birkins and Balenciaga rarely turn heads, but holding a handbag that's also a work of art? That's next level. Customized bags are having a moment, and fashion-forward women know that the ultimate OOTD accessory is accented with monograms, hand-painted designs and graffiti accents. (Plus it's a great way to give a favorite older bag an instant fashion refresh.)
Balenciaga
Forget the DIY approach - this storied French fashion house is tricking out its best-selling bags for you with its graffiti-emblazoned city bags and market totes. Fans of creative director Demna Gvasalia's artistic approach include Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Neiman Marcus Fort Worth,
5200 Monahans Ave., Fort Worth. 817.738.3581. neimanmarcus.com.; Mini City Bag: $1,890; Market Tote, $2,090.
Patrick Church
Brooklyn-based British multimedia artist Patrick Church has become an Instagram star, thanks to the instantly recognizable - and often quite daring -pop art motifs he paints on suits, bags, boots and even underwear. His work has appeared in Vogue Spain, L"Officiel and Out magazines; he's collaborated with BLK Denim and Opening Ceremony; and V Magazine called his paintings "a bridge between fashion and art."
Prices vary depending on complexity; as shown, $300.
KCA Designs
If you can dream it, Dallas artist Kris Ammon of KCA Designs can paint it. From simple multicolor monograms to complex Japanese cartoon characters, jungle cats, hearts, flowers or more, if you supply the bag, she can bring your inspo to life.
kcadesignco.com or @kcadesignco on Instagram.
Prices vary depending on complexity.
Leatherology for the Sweet Tooth Hotel
Leatherology is well-known for its range of foil-stamped leather goods, but the brand recently partnered with the artists behind the Dallas pop-up experiential art installation sensation, Sweet Tooth Hotel, to create an ultra-exclusive capsule collection of painted bags. Featured artists are Rob Wilson, Jeremy Biggers, Jojo Chuang and Shamsy Roomiani, and the bags can be purchased online or in person at the Sweet Tooth Hotel, which has been extended through August.
Sweet Tooth Hotel, 2316 Victory Park Lane, Dallas.
sweettoothhotel.com; Leatherology X Jeremy BIggers Parker backpack, $750.
Parker Thatch Tote
The motto of this California-based brand is "Tell Your Story," and they make it possible with a wide range of charming designs and bold fonts that can be mixed and matched to personalize their high-quality canvas totes, clutches and small accessories. Founded by the husband and wife team of Irene Chen and Matthew Grenby, the duo handles both design and graphics, and every bag is finished in the U.S.
You Are Here, 5109 Pershing Ave., Fort Worth. 817.862.7466.
youareherefw.com; Prices vary; as shown, $188.
