PEOPLE + IDEAS
ENTREPRENEUR
The first all-bentwood handbag. Layered sheets of wood - organic, protective, structurally resilient - note and remember Supplii's Bauhausinspired persuasions by taking a form that feels incredibly comfortable in the hand and against the body.
toward modern lines and handbags with uncommon textile properties and for the admirers of natural wood’s organic beauty” says Andrew. With the functionality and utility that’s innate in a wooden handbag, it may seem easy to underestimate the beauty of the Toolbox Series, or perhaps doubt its femininity, but in fact the bags possess a striking, high-fashion aesthetic. The clean lines and luxurious craftsmanship of these handbags position Supplii seamlessly amongst the revered designer handbags of fashion editorial esteem. “Each bag is created by hand in my workshop in Austin. Automation only goes so far in the pursuit of art and luxury,” says Andrew. “Articulating a form out of natural resources requires detailed finishing and a personalized touch to tame the wood’s variations and unpredictable beauty. It’s what I do and I absolutely love it.” Andrew also works tirelessly to tread lightly on the environment. Given that the beauty of natural wood is what truly inspires her, she celebrates her materials by practicing sustainability in everything she does. Every Supplii bag is made with no- and lowVOC glues, water-based finishes, and wood
22
CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE
that has been sustainably harvested. “For me, there was no other option than to practice sustainability in creating Supplii. Working with a material as beautiful, organic and pure as wood has given me an appreciation for our natural resources,” Andrews says. “I’m grateful to be able to work, create and thrive everyday using this material that’s so integral to our environment, and I want to celebrate that.” Many galleries and museums have begun carrying the Supplii Toolbox Series in their gift shops, due to the unusual yet flawless blend of art and fashion the bags represent. It’s not unusual for an admirer to stop Andrew on the street while she’s carrying her Supplii bag, and ask where she got it. The line has also taken off internationally because of its clean, almost androgynous appeal and distinctive use of such a ubiquitous material.” Having mastered the bentwood process, Andrew is pursuing a patent and plans to take on new designs this year. Next up will be a new handbag line inspired by circles—a line that uses softer curves to further expand on the bentwood concept. She also plans to capitalize on the naturally masculine appeal of her wooden designs
by adding a men’s fashion accessory to the Supplii line-up. “My journey in creating Supplii has been one of discovery—of pushing my limits as an artist and designer to create something unexpected. I love showing people that the seemingly impossible is possible, and introducing them to something beautiful that they never would have experienced otherwise,” says Andrew. “With that in mind, I don’t plan on stopping any time soon. I can’t wait to see what pops out of my workshop next.”
The Supplii Toolbox Series can be purchased online at www.Supplii.com. Supplii’s next line is planned for launch this year.