ArtAK is a bag and small goods design firm owned by Ana Knoll. A true artist to the core,
she hand makes every piece, setting her brand apart from the bunch. And what’s more, her
customers –that means you– get to design their own handbag: the style, the size and the
color combination of your preference. Furthermore, you can conveniently do it online at
www.artakbags.com It becomes a really fun process, where you can unleash all of your
creativity!
I’m telling you, this is the new IT BAG. Once you have yours, you won’t let go of it. They’re
very lightweight, even the larger styles, they flatten out nicely to fit in your suitcase, they’re
water-resistant and they never lose their shape. How is this possible? Because ArtAK bags
are handmade with 100% Merino wool felt, 3mm thick. It’s renewable, biodegradable, liquid
resistant and non-flammable, and the density of the felt gives the bags structural quality.
I met with Ana at her Coconut Grove studio, where she explained to me all about her design
and handcraft process. Making use of her skills as an engineer, Ana measures every piece of
felt with extreme precision and care; these will be used later when assembling and sewing
the handbag. She then cuts them by hand, using a utility knife. Even the slightest error
renders the piece useless, since it will alter the perfection and stability of the bag. Once she
has cut every piece, she proceeds to embroider your monogram in the color you selected,
she then literally burns the ArtAK logo on the inside main pocket and finally assembles each
piece to sew them together. Some bags have invisible magnet clasps, which by the way are
quite convenient.
All bag styles are quite modern; some are more classic and others very trendy. You can
choose between clutches, crossbody, shoulder bags, top handles or totes. ArtAK also has
small goods like iPad mini sleeves, big wallets for traveling, standard size wallets and
reading glasses sleeves. More recently, Ana decided to create a small butterfly rug for her
daughter’s room. The butterfly rugs are small, made with 5mm felt and non-slip backing.
I’ve already designed my ArtAK bag. It’s the travel KUNST, combining orange, fuchsia, and
purple. I’ll have it ready soon! Can’t wait to have it and show it to you all.