The story of how JT began is truly a love story. It is the love of fashion, a love of beautiful things and the lasting love of good friends. Which all led to the love of bags. Jeff and Tony (the “J” and “T”) met each other at FIT 18 years ago. They worked in fashion for Geoffrey Beene (while Alber Elbaz was there), Michael Kors and Giorgio Armani so they know their stuff. They continue to draw inspiration from Alber Elbaz, Lanvin is their favorite designer. It has been 2 years in the making and after a lifetime of work in fashion, it has lead them to their own line of what can only appropriately be called, couture bags. It is beyond luxury, or what the word luxury has come to mean (which is almost nothing). Jeff and Tony moved to Florence, Italy 2 years ago to start a design studio (where they made bags for Armani Couture among others, one made was a corded crocodile, made from 18 pieces of skin but amounted to one very tiny clutch). While they sourced the best tanneries and factories for other labels, they were in fact doing research for their own line, slowly amassing resources and talent until they were sure they had all the perfect pieces in place for their own masterpiece.
UL Tote $2925, KP Small Hobo $1995
We see a lot of new designers and at this point have become quite jaded. Another socialite turn bag designer, celebs designing bags, it seems everyone is a bag designer these days – it is enough to make us give up and just continue our robotic jaunts to Bottega Veneta, Chanel and Hermes. But when inspiration hits, it will crash through any preconception and skepticism. I was persuaded by many on behalf of JT to attend the trunk show at the Chateau Marmont last Friday and I will be perfectly honest (as you have all witnessed, I will do so at my own demise), I was not planning on going. Driving all the way to Hollywood on a Friday does not sound like fun to me. But while in New York I saw the windows at Henri Bendel showcasing bags so unique, original and gorgeous, I ran in the store screaming, “what are those bags!!??”. I find out they were JT.
I have seen pictures and you will look at these pictures here and think the same thing – so what? Needless to say, I went to the trunk show. In person, these bags are nothing short of pure genius and human creativity at its glorious best. During the design process, instead of drawing in 2D, they drape, which as far as I know is unheard of for bags, which are normally flat. These bags have so much volume and movement, it looks like it is flowing and alive. The pocket on the satchel balloons out and the sides have soft gathers like a silk organza gown. There are nips and tucks all around giving the bag feminine details.
The entire bag is hand sewn, including the handles which are adjustable (to shoulder length) and all the loose straps are held together with a “keeper”, a reference to the serpentine keepers that were used during the arts and craft movement. The detail in each square inch inside and out will blow your mind. All the hardware are made like jewelry, another area they have experience in. You can tell from the meticulous detail that they are in the factories every day annoying them to death about every little thing. The entire bag, 100%, is made in Italy. Many bags that are said to be made in Italy are in fact made in pieces in other countries but the final construction is done in Italy, which is enough to have the “Made in Italy” label. They use a combination of materials, like eel and buffalo or lamb and buffalo to give the bag contrasting texture and interest. I instantly fell in love with the Air satchel in white lamb and buffalo with the painted edges (the edging detail is called costola in Italian) in Vein, which is a dark Bordeaux 
that was developed by JT and is their signature. I had to have it so they let me buy one on the spot and it has not left my side since (I have to disclose, they did give a 30% discount off the retail for me). For the last 4 days, this bag has gotten more attention than any bag I have ever worn! Brigette Romanek was there and bought several personal bags as well. Everyone was blown away by these bags. In fact, Vogue’s west coast fashion editor, Lawren Howell, was there and asked, “Has Bag Snob seen these?”. Indeed we have. The Air satchel is $3440, exclusively at Henri Bendel, 212.247.1100. Coming soon to Luxcouture, who will have the online exclusive.
I appreciate the fact that these bags are hand made and everything is done in Italy as you say, but I don´t like the ones shown, to be honest. They seem a bit too decorative and lack the structure I seek in the bags I desire.
the white bag with the red piping is so fresh!
The white bag is so gorgeous.
I really like the white with red piping as well. It is very fresh, which I think will be very darling for the summer. I am into red recently. I don’t know about spending $3000+ for a new brand, but until I see it for myself I will hold off judgement.
Kelly can we have some close ups of your new bag? internal and external did you buy the white with red piping?
L.x
Dear Kelly,
I am so thrilled that you went to the JT trunk show (I am the one who sent you the catalog in PDF and email invite followed by a formal invite by JT). I have the ML satchel in black buffalo and have gotten so many compliments from everyone who saw it. I am in love with the entire JT colloection. Thank you for sharing the JT love story!
I did get the white with the red edging. I will try to get detailed pictures, it is truly amazing! And to make things even sweeter, Jeff and Tony are adorable and incredibly nice.
Love,
Kelly
I absolutely adore the pink one so much it hurts. sigh.
Lady Jane– I told Kelly you were the first person to introduce JT bags to us and the look book
I am so sorry to have missed such a great event!
Thank you for the tip!!! xoxo
How thrilling to see these amazing bags, at last a new design star who really seems to know how to combine structure, form and quality with an incredible style statement.
I saw these bags in Paris, and you just have to see inside to appreciate the attention to detail. They are lined in amazing quality red leather, with gold leather piping, absolutely scrummy. I have found them online at http://www.mememeaccessories.com and they do free shipping. Movie star prices but worth every penny. Watch out Fendi, Chloe and Hermes, these guys are serious contenders.
I think these bags are great. I saw them at a trunk show in NYC, and was floored by the unique shapes and variety. Great work JT!
Would love to know if there are any plans on any designs for men (gasp)!! Men need bags too… well, at least this one does.
How thrilling to see these amazing bags, at last a new design star who really seems to know how to combine structure, form and quality with an incredible style statement.
I saw these bags in Paris, and you just have to see inside to appreciate the attention to detail. They are lined in amazing quality red leather, with gold leather piping, absolutely scrummy. I have found them online at http://www.mememeaccessories.com and they do free shipping. Movie star prices but worth every penny. Watch out Fendi, Chloe and Hermes, these guys are serious contenders.
beautiful !! i’m crazyyy
the white one at the top with the red piping is great!! even my fiance thought it was nice (and he NEVER agrees!!!!)
I had the chance to touch, feel and hold some JT bags at JT’s last LA event and I have to say that they are absolutely stunning. You trully do not see purses like these anymore. The material, design and finishes that these purses are made off are phenomenal!
I simply love them!!!!!!!!
I only have one question — are the bags heavy? It seems that the design and quality of these bags have passed the bag snob test, but can they be carried without pain?
I completely love your line and although it is pricey, it is DEFINITELY worth every penny. I have the JT Hobo and like Kelly, it has not left my side. JT is so refreshing and it’s the best investment I’ve made. I also read the JT story and I can truely feel the love that went into creating these amazing handbags.
I can’t wait to see your next JT collection!
LOVE LOVE LOVE JT! saw JT handbags at Henri Bendels and went crazy! these bags are AMAZING! You have to see these bags to really appreciate the art that went into creating these handbags.. The details is immaculate, it has red leather lining with beautiful pockets, the straps are adjustable…I can go on and on…you really do feel special holding these JT handbags. It’s definitely a MUST HAVE!!
Hello,
I’m italian and the store where i bought the
jt bag told me there is a blog who’s talking about this bag, and so i wanted to see.
Also here in italy we do love it.
sounds amazing.
grazie.
natalia,
forte dei marmi,
italia
These JT hangbags is so beautiful and chic. The pictures of the bags are beautiful but it does not do justice, you really have to see it to appreciate the details and quality that went into creating these amazing bags. The bags are as beautiful inside as it is out. The red leather lining and pockets are so elegant and beautiful, even their JT logo plaque, and the hardware used on these bags are like pieces of jewel. You feel so Luxurious carrying them. So proud to own a JT…never got so much compliments!!!
These bags are absolutely stunning!
Hi Kelly, sounds like JT is a must have. The white bag is so beautiful. Could you share some pictures of the red leather lining and the gold piping details of the pockets. I have not seen leather lining in a bag for quite some time.. Can’t wait to get my hands on one.
Hi Kelly,
Would you happen to know where in Paris I can see these bags? (Or Gillian, can you let me know?). I am in Paris next week.
Thanks!
Weylin
I just returned from NYC last nite. I made a beeline to Henri Bendel to view these bags after reading your blog. Wow! The bags are just as advertised! One caveat: They ARE heavy! Not the small versions so much, but once you venture into the larger sizes, they really start to weigh you down, even empty! I am 5’8″ and used to big bags, but these gave me pause. And so far, there does not seem to be a mid-size bag. Having said that, tho, I am still dreaming about them!
These designers are truly serious! Bags are on the pricey side, however, once you touch, feel these bags, you don’t want to let it go. These are hand sewn with leather inside and out! It’s truly a piece of ART! You definitely don’t see bags made like these anymore.
Got to get some JT! Kelly, I would love to see some pictures inside these bags, heard so much about how beautiful it is..could you please share some photos inside the bags please. Thanks.