14 DAY TRIAL // Jason Salstein, formerly associated with Hunting Season, which lists as fans Lady Gaga, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Simpson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lindsay Lohan and Kate Hudson, has recently introduced his brand-new line of accessories for Fall 2010. The central element of the collection is the Olympus Teneo clutch, which comes, as seen in the image attached, with a huge crucifix on it.
The Our Lord & Saviour line centers on the aforementioned clutch, which, though introduced a couple of weeks ago, continues to cause quite a stir online. The Teneo crucifix purse comes in two variants, one more expensive than the other, which has prompted some jokes as to how the clutch might be wonderful but the price tag is “pure evil.” The python version costs $3,265, while a crocodile version retails for $8,695, which places it well above many women’s means.
Speaking with the PurseBlog about how he came up with the idea of incorporating obvious religious elements into his creations, Salstein says the crucifix is not on the clutch for shock value. “I wanted to create a brand that already had a legacy and a history built in. I wanted to bring back emotion and couture qualities in the handbag market. Everything is handmade with Our Lord & Saviour,” he says, explaining how he wants the new collection to capitalize on his past success.
“The crucifix was not for shock value at all, but rather an introduction of the sacred Gothic aesthetic I want to convey. It just happens to be the subject that receives a lot of attention and moves me the most and others as well. I am sure that Catholics are not the only individuals that venture to Italy and visit the Sistine Chapel or Vatican. People ooh and awe at the paintings, frescoes, Michelangelo’s marble Madonna etc. I look at the clutch as a true work of art, every detail has been thought out from the inscription on the scroll, to the crown of thorns, and nails in the hands and feet. I want to create bags that have the same effect as true masters!” Salstein adds.
Indeed, it’s clear that lots of attention has gone into the details of the crucifix, though the initial reaction in the online community is not exactly one of “ooh and awe.” Quite on the contrary, fashionistas everywhere are saying on dedicated forums that it could very well be that the crucifix ruins what would otherwise be quite a nice clutch.