A dear friend recently introduced me to Catzorange after hosting a pop up with them at Maiyet in NYC. Maiyet is known for their high end, ethically crafted pieces, but they also carry a beautiful selection of local artisan goods. Catzorange being among them. The line of bags is handmade in Brooklyn by husband and wife team Johnny and Coco Mannix. Their thoughtful craftsmanship, purposeful designs and gorgeous styles are spot on.

The couple runs the show from start to finish, everything from making the bags to creating their visual content and managing the business. The creation of the line came about organically, as the couple searched for a more natural and calmer way of life.

Coco is from Berlin and Johnny a New York native, together they moved from Germany to a small apartment in Manhattans West Village. Few possessions and tiny quarters encouraged them to nurture their creativity, by designing and building out their space in order to fit their aesthetic. After a year, the search for a mellow life lead them to a farm in Amagansett, Long Island. During this time the idea for Catzorange started to take form. Cocos own bucket bag served as the inspiration, a daily carry all that she wore from farm to beach. The piece generated a lot of attention so making more just made sense.

The bags are made by coiling and stitching natural cotton rope. They come in two styles, the aforementioned bucket and a circle tote, both are available in multiple size options. I took the medium bucket bag on a trip to Kauai last month, it was perfect for lazy beach days, heading to nice dinners and mai tais at dive bars. The bags possess a sense of natural simplicity, they are effortless, but designed with intention. I love items that eliminate the need for more the way these bags do, their versatility makes them a wonderful everyday staple.

Shop online www.catzorange.com and follow along @catzorange