What’s In My Bag: Handbag Designer Rebeca Mendoza

 

 

Rebeca Mendoza is the co-designer of a cool, NYC-based handbag line called RYE. She, along with her partner Ryan Clements (pictured above), creates gorgeous accessories made from luxe leathers, shearlings and even fur. Check out the brand’s Spring/Summer Collection inspired by Africa’s Tuareg Tribe; the colors and textures are to die for. But Mendoza is no newbie to handbags. Her career started working with famed designers J. Mendel, Zac Posen and Kaufmanfranco. Not bad, huh? Here’s what she stashes in her RYE bag. 

 

 

“My go-to has been the RYE Gala Cobalt clutch [1]. The color is so vibrant and beautiful and the clutch is big enough that I can carry everything I need.  Also, when I go anywhere after work, I never have time to go home and change so this makes me feel like I have something special to go out in.”

 

“Rose water spay [2]! Every season and every day! I buy mine in Mexico, it’s all-natural.  I've used it for years and it keeps my face looking moisturized and fresh. I also always carry the 10 ml Chakra perfume from Nova [3], my friend Anush from For Eyes Like Oceans gave it to me for my birthday and I love the tobacco and rose smell.” 

 

“Another addiction is my Vaseline Rosy Lip Therapy [4], it has a really nice pinkish natural hue and my lips never ever get dry.”

 

“My iPhone 6 [5] (I’m sure this is no surprise), my keys, a pen [6]! I love the pens from Top Hat on Broome Street and I always have one in my bag.”

 

“I take my ALAS card wallet in Bronze [7] everywhere, this is where I carry my cards, receipts, ids, etc and it’s great to use when I'm carrying a small bag.  And I also carry my Comme des Garçons zip around wallet [8], I've had it for almost 4 years and it still looks great.” 

 

“I always find leather swatches [9] in my bags.  I also have old photos of my family in my wallet as well as a good luck "charm" that my mom has us do with her every New Year.”