In 2023, longtime collaborators Kate Aubrey and Kyra Griffin launched La Mama, a new accessories label aimed at filling a perceived gap in the luxury handbag market. The duo, who first met while working at a New York creative agency and later founded the agency KStudio, sought to create bags that combine style, practicality, and durability.
Dissatisfied with the heavy, delicate nature of many high-end leather bags, Aubrey and Griffin envisioned a lightweight tote that could withstand the demands of everyday life without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. Their experience with designer bags — including Aubrey’s ruined calfskin tote stained during routine activities — underscored the need for a more resilient alternative.
To develop their concept, the founders drew on their industry connections to collaborate with artisans in Italy. They ultimately selected croc-embossed vegan leather sourced from factories in Milan and Florence, favoring the material for its lighter weight and greater durability compared to traditional animal leather. Their debut product, the LM1 tote, features a large, slouchy yet structured silhouette with multiple carrying options, including hand-held handles, an over-the-shoulder strap, and a detachable crossbody strap. Functional details include a partially zippered top that allows easy side access, and two interior pockets. The bag is available in glossy black, matte black, and matte ivory finishes.
La Mama also offers a line of pouches in various sizes designed to fit neatly inside the LM1. The brand is expanding its collection with new bag shapes and additional material options, such as croc-embossed canvas and woven vegan leather.
The name La Mama reflects both the founders’ Italian creative influences and their identities as mothers. Aubrey emphasized that the bags had to feel appropriate “on a school run and at a photo shoot,” highlighting the brand’s focus on versatile, dual-purpose design. This concept is echoed in the imagery accompanying the label’s launch campaign, which juxtaposes glamorous and everyday moments to appeal broadly to active, style-conscious women.
Priced at $1,650, the LM1 is positioned above many contemporary brands but remains more accessible than ultra-luxury handbags. It is available for purchase on La Mama’s website and at select retailers, including Maxfield in Los Angeles and Antonia in Milan. The founders view their product not as a replacement for established “It” bags from brands like Chanel or The Row but as a functional complement—a reliable “workhorse” for women moving through varied facets of life.
After nearly two years of personal testing, Griffin reported her LM1 tote has endured exposure to snow, sand, and subway floors without staining, underscoring the brand’s commitment to durability. Early reactions have been positive, with interest expressed by professional athletes and talent agents, indicating a broad appeal beyond traditional fashion consumers.