newspapers such as The Los Angeles
Times and The New York Times, as the
fabric for her bags and accessories. She
also manufactures wallets, clutches,
baseball hats, and more--all adorned
in newsprint, magazine print, or
even comics.
process," says Coles, who works from
her home office in Southern California.
"Each item is one-of-a kind and
handmade. I pay attention to where the
headline and pictures are placed on the
bags--and there are no ads on the print."
The matte finish used to laminate the
bags and maintain their authenticity
took some "trial and error" to perfect,
but Coles says, "I'm very happy with it,
plus it's low-chemical. I knew the finish
needed to be laminated, and also something you could
wear every day." Additionally, the laminate makes the totes
sturdy and the newsprint itself looks, well, like an actual
newspaper--as opposed to other newsprint bags out there
day or night out. (In fact, I first spotted a The News LA tote
bag at a store in Manhattan, and loved that it was sturdy,
didn't look plastic-y, and was just kitchy and whimsical.)
a bag,' or they can relate to an image or an
article on a personal level," says Coles, who
also accepts special orders and even created an
in-demand bag that featured President Barack
Obama's inauguration. "Clients see the bags
as memorabilia; capturing history or moments
in time."
focus, and is moving into interior design. "I
have some newsprint pillows on my Web site.
I'm going back to my love of paper rather than
designing with the same materials as the bags,"
she explains. "I may be focusing on pillows,
curtains, and lampshades," she says, adding,
"I know what women are looking for; who my
demographic is. Everything I create for them is
a labor of love."