TOTES COOL

Tibi’s most recent brand expansion comes in handbag form. Though the line launched in late 2016, founder and creative director Amy Smilovic is optimistic about its potential, thanks to key designer Myriam Schaefer. With experience creating bags at Balenciaga, specifically the famous City style, Schaefer has embraced the Tibi aesthetic from conception to production. Said Smilovic, “The big difference with bags versus shoes is that we worked with Myriam from Day One, and she completely understood our [voice]. Our very first bags speak clearly to the brand and have a very consistent Tibi point of view.” The collection is made in Italy and consists of functional luxury bags that Smilovic said she saw a need for in the market. They retail for around $550 to $1,295. “I have a five-year horizon on the bags,” she said. “It’s still new here.”