Haydee Callejas + Jorge Vega Umana Design Luxury Leather Handbags

Luxury Nicaraguan handbag line Haydee Callejas is well known for its vibrant colors and classic shapes incarnated with fine leathers and exotic skins. Now, the brand has named New York couture designer Jorge Vega Umana as its Creative Director in a move to take the lux handbag line to a global audience.

The collaborative 2018 collection, El Toro Y La Luna, (the Bull and the Moon) is a line immersed in Opposites and most importantly, in Individualism. The juxtaposition lies in classic silhouettes reinterpreted with evocative color, skin combinations and embellishment with original pieces of art commissioned to global artists. For example, the Calaca bag, a generous leather tote, shines with a hand-beaded Dia De Los Muertos medallion made by artisans in Mexico. The Calia bag, alternatively, is individually hand painted by various Nicaraguan artists.

"Each piece has its own identity and is made to complement the owner's individuality," says Jorge Vega Umana. "This line is for the young, multifaceted women who is unique in her style, whether she's gallery hopping at Art Basel, or headed to a business meeting."

Haydee Callejas, the head of her eponymous brand, is passionate about designing and believes, "Luxury handbags should embody the personality of the owner and be crafted in a way that exudes refinement, creativity, and functionality."

The launch, held Sept 12th during NYFW, focused on the synergy between the two brands and highlighted their ability to provide designer handbags to style-conscious women who want to express their individuality. Guests were served flavorful ceviche and hors d'oeuvres by Nicaraguan born Chef Javier Alvarez of noted Chef Jehangir Mehta of Tribeca restaurant Graffiti Earth. Amongst the list of attendees were celebrities like Gerrard Lobo from Orange is the New Black, Acclaimed singers Falu and Gary Nesta Pine, Samrat Chakrabarti from The Viceroy's House, Youtube star Humble the Poet, philanthropist Meera Gandhi and Miss Universe Guyana 2017, Rafieya Husain.

Haydee Callejas

Haydee Callejas is a luxury accessories company synonymous with craftsmanship and style in the brand's native Nicaragua. A favorite amongst celebrities, the brand specializes in exotic skins and genuine leather produced the country's finest artisans. The company was founded in 2000 by Haydee Callejas and is currently represented at select boutiques in the US and Central America. Haydee's dedication to quality of Nicaraguan crafts continues to be the primary driving force behind the brand.

Jorge Vega Umana

Jorge Vega Umana, headquartered in New York City, launched is first women's couture collection in 2013 with the inspiration to style strong, confident women. His brand has combined style with high quality and ethically sourced materials and has become a red carpet favorite internationally. In 2015, Umana co-founded Vardama, a line of menswear designed in high-tech, functional fabrics. In 2017, Jorge Vega Umana was named as the global Creative Director for Haydee Callejas.

HaydeeCallejas.com JorgeVegaUmana.com