Upon returning to Dubai after euro romp ’09 I took a look at my school holidays and decided to head back to either Amsterdam or Berlin as soon as possible. I had such a great time in both places and felt there was still much to do and see I couldn’t wait to get back. It was a close call but I opted for Amsterdam to catch up with Noor Wentholt, leather bag designer and founder of Ignoor.

Having contacted Noor about the write up I gave Redlight Fashion and her line I mentioned I may be back in town. Lucky for me she was able to squeeze little ol’ me into her schedule during my next visit. Really, I am just a woman with a burning desire to seek out interesting and inspired designs and art and a pension for sharing the goods about what I find with you all. Noor seemed to sense that about me and opened up the doors to her studio and office to show me around.

What first caught my eye was the Freyja, her interpretation of the hip bag. Without question this bag was coming home with me because I am all about taking the stress off my back and shoulders with heavy handbags. What I didn’t expect was her ingenuity to create a bag that can be used at least three different ways and for any occasion. As expected it can be worn as a belted hip bag, as a satchel over the shoulder and across the body, or as a cute cocktail purse draped over one shoulder and tucked under arm. The flaps of three different size pockets can actually hold that extra garment in case it gets chilly later and for added storage there are two extra compartments hidden along the back panel. No matter how this bag is worn it inevitably molds to the body for added comfort and ease of use. I can even slide my camera case on the belt/strap for easy access!

Now that I have found the answer to a midsize handbag I looked toward both ends of the size spectrum. I couldn’t resist the Carme, a small clutch with tiny belted bracelet for hands free enjoyment. It seems so obvious and yet so innovative and fresh. I guess for Noor, whose talents stem from a proud family history of leather craftsmanship, this is second nature or more likely a cathartic release of said talents and ideas.

Lastly, I picked up a slightly over sized shoulder bag, Danae, whose side seam mimic those of a woman’s torso and has an asymmetrical base. These details are not just for visual effect but rather they enable the bag to full mold to the female torso when a woman pulls the straps over the shoulder and tucks the bag under her arm. The crescent shape cut from the base makes room for the woman’s hip thereby literally blending the two shapes together. This bag will undoubtedly last a lifetime with its classic shape, strong leather and exquisite craftsmanship. The bag logo and ethos, infinity, proves that Noor not only designs to join heritage quality values with contemporary leather design but that she cares about her customers and the future of the bags once they leave her studio. I can’t begin to relay how honored I was to meet Noor, hang out in her studio and walk away with, not one, but three of her pieces.