Did your ever wish there was an easier way to find the things in your purse when you are in a dark place? Designer Sade Popoola of Quute Ltd. has come up with the answer to this everyday problem. Her stylish and functional Damask handbags have a light inside them that turns on whenever the bag is opened. The light allows you to see everything in your bag so you don’t have to search with just your hands. La’s the Place interviewed Sade Popoola on her novel invention:
How did you come up with the idea of the handbag with the lights inside?
I was fed up with searching for things in my bag with either the streetlights or having to put on the car light to find something. I was especially teed off with my mobile phone light that doesn’t stay on long enough for me to search through the maze that is my bag. I decided to find a technology company that would help me make my idea of a light inside the bag a reality. I soon found one that said they could come up with a prototype for me. I described my desires and voila lights!
Your website says you received an overwhelming response, what were some of the comments from your UK customers and people e-mailing you from US?
E-mails from the states were of surprised people who were pleasantly shocked and some who wanted to find out where they could get them. UK clients also loved the idea and the fabric – it is quite new to the western world. If only I would get one from the interested investors!
What are your general thoughts/goals about taking Quute to the states?
My goal for the states is for the bags to become an aid for stylish women everywhere who are searching for their keys and lipstick in the dark. I want them to be an absolute must have and revolutionize the accessories industry with their stunning fabrics that command attention and of course the concept of the lights.
Tell us about Damask, this rare fabric you use to create the bags.
Damask is widely used in Nigeria; it is a major fashion statement over there used for party frocks. When someone is getting married each bridal party pick a particular color scheme. For instance if you belong to the side of the bride and the bride picked yellow you arrive dressed in yellow damask, and if groom picks a particular color his friends and family come in that color. This is a very old tradition. I always felt like it was a waste in a way because one is constantly buying different color damask after every occasion and every Nigerian woman’s wardrobe is stacked with damask. I thought it would make fabulous bags instead.
What does it mean for mass production that the bags have to limited edition because of the fabric?
The color of damask on the market changes all the time, I just buy whichever color I like that’s out there at the time. It is actually a benefit to me because it makes the bags unique so you know not everyone has your bag. They can be massed produced but that would mean dealing with manufacturers directly.
What are your inspirations when creating the designs?
Shapes. I would normally look at the pattern and color of the fabric and decide what kind of bag it would be. Maybe that’s a little weird but hey maybe I don’t do normal; I’m a creative person!
Which celebrities would you like to see carrying your bags?
Oprah, Keira Knightley, Catherine Zeta Jones.
What are your hopes for the company?
To one day compete with the heavyweight handbag designers and be a front-runner as well as a household name in unique accessories.
How can we get our hands on these bags right now?
You could place orders by e-mail to [email protected] but we will also be in US stores sometime soon.
Looking for handbaga with built in loghts inside.