Handbag Designer — Peter Kent

BelAlvear LLC is pleased to announce the official introduction of Peter Kent Luxury Leather handbags made in Argentina to the Midwestern United States during Milwaukee Fashion Week Oct. 03. – 06. 2008.

Peter Kent, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a luxury maker of leather handbags and accessories. The company was founded in 1972 by Hector Neer, who continues to run the company to date. The brand is centered around 3 pillars:

While leather handbags have always been the main focus of Peter Kent's vision, the company also designs stylish and colorful small leather goods including wallets, passport holders, change purses, and watch and jewelry boxes. In addition, Peter Kent produces several collections per year, which incorporate Peter Kent's classic look with current fashion styles. As Peter Kent does not produce in large volume, the result is one of the most luxurious and unique collections of leather handbags and accessories. At present Peter Kent owns stores in the most fashionable areas in Buenos Aires and is sold in selected high-end boutiques around the world.

Peter Kent Handbags reflect:

The consumer promise is top quality, delicate design and functionality. In the USA, Peter Kent is currently only being sold in selected exclusive boutiques in Arizona, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Washington. According to Hermann Plank, president of BelAlvear and Peter Kent USA representative, the response to the Peter Kent collection has been fantastic. The customers love the minimalistic design combined with the exceptional quality and smoothness of the leather and the beautiful hardware. We started importing them in January of 2007 after we found this "treasure" during a vacation in Buenos Aires in September 2006. My wife fell in love with the bags and already on the way back to Scottsdale she was constantly asked about the bags she carried. A phone call later with the designer in Buenos Aires opened the door to start importing the bags. After the first introduction in March, during a charity event, the signature bag of Peter Kent, called Baulito or Bamboo Box was featured in several Phoenix magazines . In November of 2007, Peter Kent had his first big appearance at Phoenix Fashion Week and has since participated in numerous fashion shows and charity events. As off last week, BelAlvear is pleased to announce that Peter Kent has been selected to participate in Phoenix Fashion Week 2008 (October 1 – 4) and Milwaukee Fashion Week October 3–6, 2008. Some of the highlights will be the addition of a complete line of evening bags featuring Swarovski crystals.

Key to the continued success of the line, will be to grow the brand organically, as Peter Kent does not mass produce and rather designs "limited editions." Prices range from $370 to $1,500.

The company name BelAlvear is a combination of Bel (beauty) and Alvear—the Avenida Alvear in Buenos Aires, is the equivalent to the Rodeo Drive in LA. For more information and where to buy please contact www.mypeterkent.com or handbags@belalvear.com.

Q & A

Hermann Plank for Peter Kent Buenos Aires.

Favorite color?
Orange

What is your first memory involving fashion?
Spending time at Peter Kent store in Buenos Aires with my grandmother

How would you describe the collection you are showing?
Casual elegance – classic design with a modern twist

Why did you choose to tryout for Milwaukee Fashion Week?
Great fashion platform to launch my collection in the Midwest

If you could have one wish come true, what would it be?
Peace on earth

How would you describe Milwaukee’s fashion scene?
Look forward to finding out more

Where do you draw your inspiration?
Spending time with my family

What resources are invaluable to today’s designer?
Perseverence, believe in yourself

What are your favorite fabrics to work with?
Leather