A US designer has created a range of luxury handbags with built-in gun compartments.
With the motto “fashion that fits any lifestyle, holster that fits any handgun”, the Designer Concealed Carry collection features a wide range of bags from a $269 canvas carrier to a $4200 crocodile skin version.
Every design has dual locking zippers for right and left hand access to the holster pocket, where the gun is kept secure with special “quick release” straps.
Inside, there are special elastic loops for pens, a torch, pepper spray and a baton.
It might seem like a niche market, but the label has been an overwhelmed by customer demand. Several of the designs are sold out and others have long waiting lists.
Kate Woolstenhulme for Designer Concealed Carry. $4200.
Kate Woolstenhulme for Designer Concealed Carry. $344.
Kate Woolstenhulme, who founded the company in 2009, says sales are up 30 per cent so far this year.
She came up with the idea after she purchased her first handgun in 2008 and realised there were no stylish handbags that allowed her to carry her gun safely.
“At the time, the handbags that were out there were done by holster-makers who are really into function, certainly, but not style,” Woolstenhulme told Fashionista.com.
“I looked and looked — I even bought two or three fashion handbags and tried to modify them, but it didn’t work.”
“So I decided to try and make something that is fashionable for women who don’t want to leave their personality at the front door.”
Kate Woolstenhulme for Designer Concealed Carry. $344.
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