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.

Ella McHugh

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.