Bal Harbour

BAL HARBOUR 125 Luxe leather trunk cross-bodies (left) and standout structured lizard bags (above) round out Hunting Season's timeless collection and are available at Saks Fifth Avenue. "What I try to do is create something that's relevant in the sense that anyone could admire it." —Danielle Corona FINDING A HANDBAG that is thoughtfully crafted, eye-catching yet unfussy and available at a relatively accessible price point is a more difficult task than the crowded market might lead you to imagine. Think about it for a moment: Are you truly enamored of your go- to bag, or is it a placeholder for some elusive companion that never seems to materialize? Since beginning her label, Hunting Season, in 2006, designer Danielle Corona has made it her business to fill that void, earning fans like Emily Ratajkowski, Meghan Markle and Lady Gaga along the way. Consider the markedly different styles embodied by those three women a testament to the versatility of Corona's creations. "It's not trendy. What I try to do is create something that's relevant in the sense that anyone could admire it," Corona says. "For example, my grandmother just chose the same bag from the collection as Talita von Fürstenberg—Diane von Fürstenberg's 19-year- old granddaughter—and I think that's so cool." Hunting Season is available as of last fall/winter season, at Saks. The bags are hand- assembled by local artisans in Colombia, where Corona lives. "Similar to her personal style, Danielle's line is chic, sophisticated and has an understated elegance," says Roopal Patel, a senior vice president of Saks. Prior to launching the line, Corona interned in the accessories studio at Valentino in Rome, but it was moving to Colombia seven years ago that imbued her with a unique perspective less often observed of designers in the traditional fashion capitals. Not only is Corona able to operate from a place of true creative authenticity, she has a genuine desire to give back to her community. "I spent many years traveling through the country, getting to know different artisans, really looking into local craft, which is something I do when I travel anywhere," Corona recalls. Like so many indie label successes, Hunting Season came about organically. While living in Italy, Corona began making simple, chic handbags for friends. As the bags drew inevitable compliments, the customer base expanded. "I would pay for the next few bags from whatever I made when the first few bags sold," Corona says. "It started that way before I really understood what I wanted to do. I was just having a good time creating something." Hunting Season recently collaborated with Carolina Herrera on a collection of striped, lizard skin bags that appeared as part of the house's Spring/Summer 2018 runway show. She has also begun to dip into the home goods arena, offering leather table lighters through Goop and The Line. Those offerings, too, arose from the requests of private clients. "It's so easy to be drawn to other categories. Shoes, for example, is something that we would love to do," Corona shares. And while she says she's in no hurry to expand into ready-to-wear or establish Hunting Season as a multi-pronged lifestyle brand, she does believe in a philosophy of "never say never." CFDA Fashion Fund finalist Danielle Corona brings together consciousness and quality in her Hunting Season bags, beloved by grandmothers and supermodels alike. BY CAIT MUNRO A BAG FOR ALL SEASONS

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