Designer Download: Manimal

By Suzanne Singer
April 20, 2010

I first spotted the eco-friendly accessories line Manimal when one of its bags was featured in the May 2007 issue of Elle when I was the Associate Accessories Editor at Lucky magazine. My then-colleague, Lucky Accessories Director Chris Frey (who is now, like me, a regular contributor to The Inside Source) saw the bag too, loved it and in no time at all bought it right off the page.

That pretty sums up Manimal to me: must-have-it-now pieces with a Southwestern vibe at prices you can actually afford (prices range from $20 for jewelry to $220 for booties).

Designer Kristen Lombardi founded Manimal in 2004 after her first, life-changing visit to the American Southwest. Her designs—including classic moccasins, drawstring pouches and jewelry with fringe and leather medallions—are clearly influenced by traditional Native American styles, while the colors she incorporates bring to mind the dusty and earthy hues of the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico mixed with muted pops of color.

Working with the health of the planet in mind, Lombardi doesn't waste leather, using scraps from items like shoes to create jewelry pieces like the Scrap Necklace. She also creates vegan counterparts for many of her leather pieces and she doesn't mass produce—in fact, each Manimal piece is made by a team of no more than three craftspeople.

Among our favorites from the line: the Fringe Bootie, the Ankle Bootie, the Ribcage Earrings and the Medallion Earrings.

Math Necklace ($40), Pouch Belt ($80)

This spring’s collection, Lombardi explains “is all about lightness and ease and includes items which are effortless and functional. I love the idea of an urban kind of hunter/gatherer. Walking around in good-looking moccasins and tucking discoveries away in your pouch belt. Tying parcels up with a beautifully decorated leather strip... I grew up in the woods and loved roaming the forest in the spring, documenting new growth. These spring items were really created in the spirit of those wanderings.” This appreciation of traditional ways of living is apparent not only in Manimal merchandise, but also in the artisan-focused production process.

Fringe Bootie $200, Vegan Cut Out Bootie ($200)

“For me, the design process is all about looking back at what has already been done," says Lombardi, who shares her designs as they evolve on her frequently updated blog. "I get endless inspiration from antiques and vintage [designs] and search eBay often to check out old materials, crafts, and accessories. Of course 'antique,' 'suede,' 'vintage' and 'leather' are keywords that get popped in that search window most often!”

Check out what Kristen Lombardi is searching for now on eBay:

1. Vintage Native American Girl Figurine (buy it now price, $15.99)

2. New Escada Neon Tiger Print Blouse (current bid, $18.99) “I've had my eye on this top for spring.”

3. Vintage Wool United Colors of Benetton Native Sweater (starting bid, $19.99) “I am loving this vintage Benetton sweater to pair with some moccasin boots [and style on a model] for Manimal's upcoming fall photo shoot.”

4. Vintage Leather Craft Kit (starting bid, $40) “I love looking through old craft books for ideas. This leather craft set would be fun to play around with (or would be the perfect gift to give to a lucky future moccasin maker).”

5. Vintage Native American Watch Band (buy it now price, $49.99) 6. Antique Leather Drawstring Box and Ladies Lace Collars (starting bid, $49.25) "Since I am always searching eBay for interesting leather goods to draw inspiration from, I found this watch band and this drawstring box.”

7. Vintage Ethnic Embroidered Mini Tribal Dress (buy it now price, $125) “Naturally in my travels, I can't help but do some looking for myself. I really want this amazing vintage dress.”

8. Girl Scout Leaders Ideas Book (starting bid, $6.99) “I have my eye on this Girls Scout craft guide from the 1950s. There's got to be some great treasures in there!”

9. Vintage Leather Stamped Moccasins (buy it now price, $45) “These vintage moccasins are perfect.”

10. Vintage Native American Beaded Cradleboard (buy it now price, $2950) “My little apartment wouldn't be complete without this lovely figurine and antique cradleboard helping to decorate.”

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