Love purses? Check out these innovative designs created in Tulsa or by Tulsans

Prada, Fendi and Louis Vuitton are among the big designer names usually vying for this season’s title of “it” bag.

But if you want to step outside of fashion’s conformity, as well as own something made locally or by a Tulsa native, we have a few suggestions.

Here are four women who create handbags, from fun, weekend purses to night-at-the-opera totes.

Ellen Medlock Studio by Ellen Medlock

Originally handmade, Medlock’s fanciful bags are now manufactured. In addition to sporting vibrant prints on the outside, the interior is lined with a fun coordinating fabric. Plus, each design is kept to a small limited edition.

Shown here is the Classic Karma, a gathered bag with detachable silver-tone metal, shoulder-length ball chain and matching purse feet.

It’s 100 percent cotton in and out, fully lined with a coordinating black-and-white striped fabric.

To order this bag ($95), call 852-5697 or visit www.tulsaworld.com/ellenmedlock

Kara Mia by Kara E. Jones

Some of you may know Jones best for her silk-and-feathered bags, but she recently introduced her Hairy Hobo handbag collection.

The line was created to fit the niche of a leather handbag that would blend in nicely with the wearable art or soft European way of dressing, she said.

Shown here are the Samantha hobo, which is Italian lambskin with pearlized straps. It’s lined in suede charmeuse silk with a leather pocket and, of course, the metal Kara Mia logo. Also shown is the Tara handbag — sheared Italian lambskin leather with wide metallic straps, lined and logoed like the Samantha.

Find them ($1,600 each) at Utopia boutique, 3716 S. Peoria Ave.

Harbor Totes by Lisa Miller

This Tulsa native, who now lives in Gig Harbor, Wash., fashions handmade hand and duffel bags, some of which will soon be at Loops in Utica Square.

Among them is an “Asian duffel,” which she describes as combining Asian brocade with a more modern print.

None are the same, she said.

She also makes a side-entry utility tote, usually from men’s suiting materials, brocades and tweeds, Miller said. Then, she lines them with contrasting fabric. Yet another is washed linen with dupioni silk with a bow at the shoulder, which allows the wearer to shorten or lengthen the strap to her preference.

And all of these have pockets on the inside and out.

Knit Owl by Amby Barnes

A member of Tulsa’s Craft Mafia, Barnes has been creating bags for about six months, she said — and has only been selling them for a few.

Some of her whimsical offerings are shown here (from left): A turquoise bag made with vintage fabric, with bright yellow flower and red lining with brown inside pocket; her gray Rainy Day tote with cloud and button rain drops, plus white vintage lining with blue polka dots; and a smaller, floral-printed orange, yellow and brown bag with tie closure.

Each $25 at www.tulsaworld.com/knitowl.

Jason Ashley Wright 581-8483
jason.wright@tulsaworld.com