Hammitt is a new American luxury brand handbag store that opened last month on Girard Avenue. Jason Zelaya, the store manager, said: “Having this store in La Jolla is a breath of fresh air and feels like being home. Our mission is to have handbags that are easy, fun, and stylish all at the same time.”
Stephanie Hammitt created this business in 2008 and partnered with founder Tony Drockton who has been the driving force and creative genius behind the company. They created this high-value quality handbag that incorporates their signature hardware. Each handbag is equipped with these famous rivets. The linings are all decked out with the color red. To find the best leather, they shop all over the world including in Europe, Italy, and Milan.
The company is LA-based and everything is finalized in Hermosa Beach. Currently, they have a store in Manhattan Beach, which is close to the ocean, and one at South Coast Plaza, which is in a mall.
Hammitt partnered in the Design Concept for the store with Pink Sparrow and Nick Garritano. The customer experience is an inviting environment with a mid-century modern vibe. A skylight contributes to an airy atmosphere while natural plants leave the customer with an earthy feeling.
The Rivet Lounge is filled with round organic shapes representing the rivets on the bags. The walls are filled with murals representing the coastline of La Jolla shores. Customer service is number one to them with a concierge service. They take care of the customer and include a beverage bar in the store. All of the bags come with a lifetime warranty.
One of their well-known bags is the iconic VIP bag. This oversized clutch comes with an adjustable cross-body strap. What is new for the Spring Collection is the Chanterelle, which is a continuation of the woven raffia collection with a pop of yellow leather added. The second bag is the Periwinkle with a mix of blue and lavender and a slight gray undertone. One of their must-sees is the famous Clear Stadium Bag, which is complete with a clear approved twist.
Recently they started a collaboration with free-form expressive artist, Alex Alpert. In 2021 Drockton went to Art Basel Miami to meet Alpert and they created a limited-edition handbag. This amazing VIP large bag is in a black and white bold print. Recently, Mary Fitzgerald from the Netflix Show, “Selling Sunset,” has been seen sporting a bag that is named after the TV show: The Sunset Collection. To view these awe-inspiring handbags, stop by 7841 Girard Ave. or visit hammitt.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday, April 16, Bridal Bazaar with fashion shows presented by Gretchen Productions at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Two shows presented during the day. Info: 760- 334-5500.
Saturday, April 22, Spring Showcase 2023 presented by Fashion Week San Diego at the Hotel Republic from 6-9 p.m. Tickets: https://fashionweeksd.com/events/spring-showcase-2023/.
Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HAMMITT
