Endymion Leather
Los Angeles–based business partners Arianne Tunney and Kerry Johnston launched the Endymion Leather line in late 2006, and the label is picking up speed with modern classics that blend luxury with functionality.
The name Endymion comes from Tunney’s great-grandfather’s wooden schooner, which was named after a Greek mythological character. The nautical theme of the bags is expressed in the hardware, details and boating- stripe canvas lining. “We only use the most luxurious Italian leather, and we also try not to clutter our bags with unnecessary details,” said Tunney. “We prefer refined simplicity.”
Tunney, a graduate of the American University in Paris and former associate fashion editor and accessories editor for Esquire magazine, relocated to Los Angeles in 2000 to become a freelance fashion editor and stylist. In addition to working on Endymion, Tunney maintains her styling gigs and serves as a freelance editor for Interview, Esquire, Jane and Glamour magazines. Johnston, a Fashion Institute of Technology grad, is a former fashion director for Sportswear International and has been the West Coast director of Sputnik Entertainment Inc. since 1999. “As an editor you become painfully aware that ’trendiness’ is not something you want to make a serious investment in,” said Johnston. “We feel the cornerstone of style is sticking to the classics. It is with this eye that we design, and this is the essence of our line.”
The current collection consists of six styles. The small “Neptune” bag and “Venus” wallet/clutch are the latest additions to the line. According to Tunney, the small “Neptune” and small “Minerva” styles are currently the most popular. When the line premiered, buyers gravitated toward the “Neptune” (a large frame bag), and the smaller satchel version has been equally successful. The “Minerva,” considered a unisex bag, is offered in two sizes, the larger of which can be used as a travel or weekender bag. The color palette includes marine blue, caramel and red, and the basics are covered with black, ivory and brown. The “Venus” wallet comes in gold, burgundy, black, and green snakeskin, as well as brushed gold leather and bronze and gold faux croc.
The designers said their roomy totes have been very well received. “As working women, we wanted to have the option of carrying one bag for all functions. Not only as a fashion accessory but to carry your computer, or even as a travel bag or baby bag,” said Tunney. “Bags are the most important accessory these days, and women want to look chic in all aspects of their lives. The modern woman needs to have the option of having larger bags to accommodate their busy lifestyles.”
Wholesale prices range from $180 for the “Venus” wallet to $450 for the large “Neptune” bag. Southern California retailers include Diavolina on Robertson Boulevard, Kaviar & Kind at Sunset Plaza in Los Angeles and Bettina Duncan at Fred Segal Santa Monica in Santa Monica. For more information, visit www.endymionleather.com. —Dena Smolek
