Paper Bag Princess

February 9th, 2010

At first glance, you probably think this Hermès Kelly bag is a beautiful use of alligator hide. But you’re dead wrong.

This bag is made of paper.

“When I illustrate, I usually work with paper cut-outs, watercolour, and ink – all mixed together,” explains Hanna Albrektson, the Swedish artist responsible for these incredible paper satchels. From her fashion portraiture of Sonia Rykiel and Vivienne Westwood, to the haute couture shoes series “Let Them Eat Cake,” to The Block’s exclusive feature of truly faux designer bags, Albrektson sure knows how to fold ‘em.

“I’ve got a passion for paper!” proclaims Albrektson, whose paper bag pieces were photographed for The Block by fellow Swede Emil Larsson (whose work you’d recognize from campaigns for Absolut, adidas, and H&M). Regular coloured paper, glue stick, and Winston & Newton ink for emulating stitching and patterning are the secrets to the surreal replicas: Chanel’s 2.55, LV’s Envelope Clutch, YSL’s Y-Mail Clutch, Hermès’ Kelly Bag, and Longchamp x Jeremy Scott’s Le Pliage Bag.

To view more of Albrektson’s work in The Block, pick-up a copy of Issue 20: Fame, available on newsstands now.

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