Introducing the new Summer Bag Collection 2021

We’re delighted to give you a glimpse of our first Leather Bag Collection! Inspired by the perfection of Maltese vernacular architecture and crafted in exotic textured leather skins, the collection can be viewed at Malta’s most prestigious and exclusive luxury boutique property Iniala Harbour House on St. Barbara Bastions, Valletta.

All bags are artistic, one-off pieces, hand-stitched to perfection by our in-house designer and leather master, Ozzy Chien. This is the first bag collection for BIRGU BLUE, which is an independent atelier workshop, specialising in personalised and hand-stitched designed leather goods. Different collections include ready-made small leather goods and one-off customized pieces. 

Ozzy Chien is a Taiwanese artist and designer who lives permanently on Malta. His inspirations are drawn from his Asian background. Minimal decorations, clean and sharp outlines.
“I am often more interested in exploring structures and constructions than patterns and prints, thus, my designs are very architectural. For me, experiments and inventions on new structures and constructions are more innovative and adventurous than just using old or new prints or patterns on existing objects.”
The ELEMENTS Collection
This new collection is fully focused on fundamental elements of art and geometrical shapes. Combined one-off vintage or designed brass pieces with precious exotic leather make these items unique. The idea of taking objects out of their context and repurposing them into bags is the most interesting part of the collection. The collection is entirely hand-stitched.
The Diamond Handbag

Black, defined by science as the absence of colour, comes to life in this bag through the use of texture. The Diamond Bag defines black through texture rather than hue, through the playful use of two different leather types – genuine Australian sand python leather and vegetable-tanned cow leather. Australian sand python is known for its consistent pattern and resistant surface. Its perfectly balanced geometric shape is softened by the clever use of a vintage brass handle, which gives this piece a unique personality.

The bag is fully lined. It is combined with a one-off traditional Maltese vintage pure brass door handle. The bag is hand-stitched.

The Hexagon handbag
Indian mythology features strongly in our new designer bag collection, particularly so in the Hexagon Bag.  Half-animal & half-human, this individually-made handle cast in brass was specially made for this bag. Constructed with two materials, genuine python leather, and vegetable-tanned cow leather. The python retains the natural pattern. The bag is fully lined. Combined with one-off designed pure brass piece by jewelry designer Sonam Sakhuja. The bag is hand-stitched. 

This bag is an absolute stunner. A true statement, with its very special sculptured brass handle inspired by Indian deities, its lush snakeskin and vegetable-tanned leather, and unique geometric shape. A one-off piece merging art with fashion.

The Triangle Cellphone Pouch
Shaped like a wooden wedge & tapered at the front, the wedge is the simplest of designs with a fundamental function. It can unite or separate when placed in between two objects. A trait de liaison of sorts, this bag has a strong message to convey in today’s world.  Constructed with vegetable-tanned cow leather. Combined with a pure brass ring for either a cross-body strap or hooking onto the belt. The pouch is hand-stitched.

 

Hamper Pamper!

Hampers are a gift good enough for royalty. In 2014 HRH Queen Elizabeth II presented Pope Francis with a hamper of British produce to mark their first meeting at the Vatican.

Nothing beats a fully laden luxury hamper to treat your loved ones for Christmas, and for those amongst us fortunate enough to ever receive one, we all know how wonderful it feels to go through the goodies reserved for us, almost like going through a cabinet of curiosities.

Hampers have a wonderful history, and as with most traditions, the Christmas hamper was once meant to represent something very different. The concept of hampers was first introduced to England by France and gained popularity during the Victorian period.

The wicker basket filled with delicious and savoury treats dates back to 1066 when William the Conqueror ruled Britain.

These early hampers were filled with food, drinks, and even clothing. Then, the baskets were first given as a charitable offering to poor or impoverished families. In some cases, the supplies could last a single family for several weeks.

As years passed by, the word ‘hamper’ evolved and with it, its meaning. In the 1200s, hampers, also known as “hanapers”, were used by some to store important documents. Several more historical events transformed the name and use of the hamper.

In 1706, people began to travel by stagecoach. This meant passengers would need food and drink for their journey. Hampers became a popular choice among many travellers dining en route.

The expansion of the railroad system in the late 1800s changed the way people and goods travelled. The railways made it easier for families and friends to send Christmas hampers long-distances as presents.

With the invention of the car came even more changes. Some baskets soon included tea kettles and burners. This allowed travelers to stop along the way for a calming, hot beverage and tea became a common inclusion in the hamper.

But transportation wasn’t the only feature that became more sophisticated. The contents of the Christmas hamper also evolved with some of the more lavish baskets showcasing delicacies like lobster.

It was around this time that the history of the Christmas hamper also evolved from a simple wicker basket carrying food and drink to a cherished gift given to those you love most.

Then and now, Christmas hampers are seen as a gesture of love and goodwill between friends and family. Many holiday traditions surround good food, good drink, and good people, making the Christmas hamper the perfect gift.

So why are our Christmas Hampers special?

Quality Contents
Our hampers offer a variety of high quality, luxury contents. From high-grade Ceylon teas to home-made jams and chutneys, premium wines and Maltese honey.

Surprise Delivery
When you order from us, you can arrange delivery at a specific workplace or home address.

High-Grade Craftsmanship
Quality food and drink is a must, but what distinguishes us from the rest is the artisanal craftsmanship of our leatherware. Our luxury hamper will also include an artisanal hand-stitched leather garment, for him or for her.

You may of course create your own personalised hamper and compose your own basket of goodness, or choose from combinations which we propose to suit anyone’s pocket!

Order yours today from www.birgublue.com

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