Store sells Thailand-made luxury bags

Shopping for Zink luxury handbags, known for their worldly sophistication, just became easier with the opening of its first retail store at Jefferson Square on West 38th Street.

Zink’s Austin-based founder and creative director Ben Freedland spent years working in the New York fashion wholesale industry and found inspiration for Zink handbags after a trip to Thailand.

“I am so happy to finally be getting Zink a home in Austin!” Freedland said in an email.

Zink bags incorporate fabrics Freedland gets from Northern Thailand.

The Zink storefront also will carry fair-trade, handmade Thai tribal items produced by members of the Hmong tribe as well as the Lisu among others.

Some of the items include needlepoint and silk jewelry boxes, batik notebooks with mulberry paper, hand-embroidered handbags, jewelry made of needlepoint and silk, men’s wallets, cosmetic pouches made of velvet and silk, and pillow covers. Prices range from $10 to $45.

Most Zink handbags range from $475 to $525.

Shoppers also can preorder Zink’s Made in the USA bag, which will be available in February.

Though Thailand originally inspired the collections, having a bag made in America was important to Freedland. The bag, which is made in Indiana, retails for $1,295.

Find the store at 1601 W. 38th St., Suite 11, or online at zinkstore.com.