Our Story
Ella McHugh handbags, a youthful take on classic design, are the perfect option for day to evening. Inspired by the glamorous silver screen era, a life-long passion for Art Deco, and an addiction to period murder mysteries, Ella’s designs pay tribute to such style icons as femme fatale Marlene Dietrich, classic beauty Jean Harlow, and chic, razor-tongued Dorothy Parker.
The designer explains, “Handbags fascinate me as a snapshot of a woman’s personal style. My mother is an antiques dealer so I grew up surrounded by beautiful craftsmanship and timeless appeal. My grandmother, a renowned opera singer, was also a huge influence. While she was justly famous throughout Europe for her voice, inside our family she was renowned for changing her outfits three times a day – complete with matching handbags." So, naturally, each design in Ella’s collection is named after a special woman in her life.
Third generation Italian artisans handcraft Ella’s namesake collection from the finest leathers and exotic skins, including python and ostrich. Each of her modern designs is a nod to vintage style and silhouette, complete with semi-precious stone, streamlined hardware and superb function.
A New York native, Yale graduate, attorney, and avid traveler, Ella designs her collection in the hope that women will find it a satisfying marriage of unusual beauty, sensual textures, and great functionality.
Handbags fascinate me as a snapshot of a woman’s personal style.
Italian
Craftsmanship
Third generation Italian artisans handcraft Ella’s collection from the finest leathers and exotic skins. Each of her modern designs is a nod to vintage style and silhouette, complete with semi-precious stone, streamlined hardware and superb function.
The result: old world craftsmanship meets modern luxury.
