Amid this fashion season’s white-hot metallics and hardware trends, lauded luxury handbag designer Farbod Barsum has introduced his chromed out “Leela” clutch—a posh purse handcrafted from sustainably sourced African ostrich leg, coated with a metallic finish, and adorned with studded accents.

Photo Credit: Farbod Barsum

With the shape of the bag inspired by old fashioned airplane wings from the 1940s and the metal studs making reference to exposed rivets, this clutch will ensure you’ll jet set in leading-edge style!

Known globally for creating “wearable art” that’s sought after by celebrities, international royalty and discriminating style seekers world-wide, Farbod Barsum designs utilize the softest and most supple exotic skins that are meticulously handcrafted into unforgettable form.

“Everything about the clutch is handmade, from the cutting and handling of the skin to the placement of each stud—the location of which needs to be carefully measured and mapped out during the creation of the bag,” Barsum notes. “Even the symmetry in the orientation of the ostrich leg panels is intentional.”

Consumers can also rest assured that skin materials used by Farbod Barsum are responsibly harvested and farmed. In fact, all skins are registered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department and meet strict compliance requirements. “The ostrich skins we use in particular support a large community of ranchers and farmers, providing vital industry to a great portion of South Africa,” Barsum says.

A brand often compared to Hermes, Farbod Barsum’s commitment to quality is exemplified through the premium materials, high degree of craftsmanship, and specificity in all facets of the design and production process. It is an extraordinary attention to detail and a keen understanding of the complexity of working with exotic skins that gives these bags a definitive edge. Retail prices range from $2,000 to $3,500 for evening clutches ($3,480 for this chrome “Leela” design) and $4,500 to $32,000 for handbags.

While Barsum intends for his designs to follow current trends like the chromed and studded “Leela,” he also strives to make the pieces timeless with classical styling. “They are created in a way to transcend beyond a trend and remain as standalone art so that the owner may use the accessory for years to come,” he says.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided at no cost and/or arranged to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way as per the disclosure policy on our “Legal” page***