In developing this new grouping of pieces, I looked towards historical paintings of women and textiles, to not only inform the shapes I would develop, but also the color range, texture and an otherworldly painterly sheen of the work. The bags in these portraits add pops of color to an otherwise monochrome outfit. Women who are dressed rather conservatively have exquisite and intricate little pouches as perhaps a subtle nod to a rich inner life.
Notice how the clothing, hairstyles and shoes worn in these ancient portraits look very specifically of that time, but oddly the purses do not. Isn't that funny? Somehow they have transcended trends to be eternally themselves, small classical objects of beauty.
I created these pieces with hand pleated silks and colored the textiles with natural dyes. They are embellished with embroidery, fresh water pearls, semi-precious stones, antique Venetian glass beads, vintage bugle beads and other sweet shiny things I had lying around the studio.
There are silk velvet wraps too, which are incredible looking and also quite warm. I will be adding in more work here as I make it.
If you see a piece you like, please inquire via email to hello@christinahattler.com I also have some pieces available inside the shop
Collage Collection 2026
Collage Collection, Presentation & Trunkshow at The Chelsea Hotel, 2026
Tattler Library Workshop 2026
Oaxaca Collection of Hand Pleated Bags, 2026
For the full archive, projects spanning the years 2006-20026 please go to