Founded in 2014 by Sophie Bonvin, The Collector is a Geneva-based line of unique handbags and accessories crafted from the best exotic skins, produced with sound design principles, excellence, and integrity at a competitive price point for a sophisticated and quality-driven clientele. Bonvin is taking her line to the next level by collaborating with Bill Claps, an artist who hails from New Jersey and was trained at Harvard University. He also studied painting and drawing at the Art Students League in both New York City and Florence, Italy. This collaboration was a perfect match.
To celebrate the collaboration, Sophie Bonvin and Bill Claps hosted a fabulous launch party and viewing at the posh Crosby Street Hotel in New York City. The invite-only group of fashionistas and fashion enthusiasts were eager to see the collection up close and personal. Guests were also able to shop the collection. Proceeds from the event sales were donated to The Angelica Patient Assistance Program, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of economically disadvantaged long-term care patients through programs including art and music therapy. For the rest of October, 3.5 percent of sales will be donated to the charity. A gift that gives back, what more can you ask for? Be sure to shop the collection at thecollector.ch/.
Guests included Sophie Bonvin, Bill Claps, Fareen Butt, Marie-Claire Gladstone, Avanti Gupta, Missy Hargraves, Antoine Verglas, Aurora Fenwick, David Brown, Patricia and Cecilia Lizarraga, Amanda Cronin, Lauren Casarona, Genny Kopina, Masha Filonova, Gigi Salomon, Paul Robinson, Lydia Duanmu, Li Wang, Karen Koval, David Barish, Lauren Richman, Janet Temidayo, Jessie Kirchman, Vita Dauksaite, Irena Yelanchik and Olga Raganelli.
As champagne and hors d’oeuvres flowed through the private room at the Crosby Street Hotel, guests enjoyed the details of each luxury handbag by Sophie, they got to see Bill Clap’s magical touch; his utilization of dots and dashes from the Morse code. It is a reflection of communication in the digital age.
Check out more images in our gallery.
Photos: Patrick McMullan and XOJOHN.com