“Each piece of VERAMEAT jewelry mirrors a self-sufficient life form with a sculptural presence. Hand-crafted in New York City from such fine materials as ecologically sound recycled silver and pure 14k gold, VERAMEAT designs are artfully refined contemporary heirlooms to inspire your own individual flair.”

Read on for an interview with Vera Balyura, the founder and designer of the brand and be sure to check out her SS2011 collection at (capsule) Women’s NYC Sept 21-22.

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Talk about 2 great tastes that taste great together! SlamxHype gives us the scoop on the latest collabo between Margaret Howell and Porter:  Margaret Howell continue to impress with their organic concept which is very minimal, while this latest project with Porter accompanies each other really well. With three different pieces in production we see two different backpacks and a shoulder bag all featured in a pallet of colors that is genuine to Margaret Howell. Pics after the jump.

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Brown Shoe Company, Inc. announced it has acquired the remaining 50 percent interest of Edelman Shoe, Inc., a leading designer and marketer of fashion footwear, from the founders of the company, Sam Edelman and Libby Edelman.

Brown Shoe’s partnership with Edelman Shoe began in 2007 when it purchased a 42.5 percent investment, and expanded its ownership to a 50 percent stake in 2008.

Since the debut of the Sam Edelman brand in 2004, Edelman Shoe has grown to $60 million in sales at wholesale by offering sophisticated, contemporary consumers fresh interpretations of hallmark styles like the ballet flat and gladiator sandal.  The company successfully launched the libby. edelman brand in 2008, and is in talks to expand the Sam Edelman brand into accessory and clothing categories including handbags, swimwear and eyewear.

“This is the next step of a tremendous partnership with Edelman Shoe, strengthening our commitment to a family of brands that continues to delight women with innovative design and new perspectives on modern style,” said Brown Shoe Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ron Fromm.

Sam Edelman and Libby Edelman retain their respective roles as president of the Sam Edelman division and head of marketing, and will continue to be based in Edelman Shoe’s Manhattan offices and design studios.

“This is a significant milestone in the history of Edelman Shoe, and in my and Libby’s careers in footwear.  The support of an industry powerhouse like Brown Shoe, with more than 130 years of expertise in building and marketing brands consumers love, guarantees the longevity and integrity of our brand,” said Sam Edelman. (StyleSight)

Japanese photographer Koichi Yamaguchi originally debuted a collection of collaborative bags and luggage with master-piece. The two reconvene in the release of part two to their collection which features subtle aesthetics and technical construction and materials. A 60/40 cotton/nylon material is the main focus with contemporary inclusions of Outlast for comfort and breathability. An additional material incorporated into the design also absorbs body heat and releases it as the temperature dips. The collection includes shoulder bags, backpacks, totebags and briefcases. Available now through BEAMS. (Hypebeast) More after the jump. Check out more master-piece at (capsule) this summer .

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2010 marks the 30^th anniversary of Ally Capellino with a number of important events starting tonight. The Wapping Project will play host to an exhibition of Ally’s work both past and present.  An imposing wall of bags will be installed by the art director Rupert Blanchard, in the main hall of the industrial space.  The bags will consist of Ally’s own archive, current pieces and vintage bags that have inspired the collections.  Bags donated by fans of Ally Capellino will be included in the installation, reflecting both the wide and varied fan base and also Ally’s insistence that the brand remain very much for the people who love it.  Archive clothing, images and video footage will tell the story of the brand in a small room, accessed through a secret door in the wall of bags.  Three films by photographer and filmmaker Donald Christie will be on display in and around the main hall of the Wapping Project.  The exhibition will open on the 23^nd April and run for five weeks.  A Q&A with a cross section of industry experts will be held on the 29^th of April and is open to the public. Ally Capellino has collaborated with long-term stockist and supporter Liberty department store in London for the anniversary.  She has used two of her existing bag styles and reworked them for Liberty.  For men’s the ever-popular Frank rucksack has been produced in soft blue leather and contrasting tan leather buckles.  For the women’s a Sadie bag has been taken from Ally’s archive and reworked in soft brown leather, again with contrasting satchel buckles.  Both styles are lined with Liberty of London fabric and feature an embossed joint label.  During the month of April, Liberty will house an installation in the main stairwell, starting on the men’s floor. It will wind its way upwards, to be viewed also from the women’s floor.  The display will act as a taster of the full installation at Wapping.

With Coachella fast approaching, thousands will descend to the valley for the annual music festival.  New York eyewear brand Illesteva will be giving out a Survival Pack to friends and family with necessities to brave the weekend. The pack includes Illesteva’s Beca Sunglasses made from Italian steel (pictured), Chap Stick, Advil, condoms, a flashlight, insect repellent and other items.  Have a look at their entire Summer 2010 lookbook here. (George Ferrer)

New from Temple Bags—the iPad case. Temple is an American-made bag company; sourced and produced locally in Los Angeles, California. Every bag in the brand’s Heritage Collection is handcrafted from materials formerly used in WWII. The fabric is found after hours of searching through dusty warehouses; it is then washed, cut and re-purposed into contemporary designs.Due to the unique process of salvaging these vintage military goods, each bag is guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind. “Ironically enough these fabrics that were once used for defending our freedom now serve to protect what we value most.” Says the designer Steve Opperman. Temple Bags are sold at www.templebags.com. Prices for these bags are  Canvas/Leather case – $149; All Leather case $189. More pics after the jump.

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Artist Brian Crumley held a variety of creative positions — sculptor, stylist, art director, and photographer among them — before founding his eponymous jewelry and accessories line.  Now Crumley, showing this week at (capsule) women’s, produces full collections each season based out of the label’s Austin, TX design studio.  Each handmade piece is crafted from a selection of different materials, including some repurposed and recycled from other sources.  Crumley’s Fall 2010 collection, entitled “dusk///dawn” makes use of fine leather, hand-printed silk and vintage Czech glass pearls.  Click through for an advance look at some pieces from fall.  (Steve Dool)

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Born of a desire to create artifacts of our vices, Cast of Vices creates .925 sterling silver or 14k gold cigarette butts, coke bags, bottle caps and pills, celebrating the inherent design aesthetic of these substances.  AW10 collection preview after the jump.

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John Varvatos USA, the edgier younger brother to the designer’s eponymous collection, is introducing a full line of leather accessories for AW10.  In keeping with Varvatos’ signature “preppy-meets-rocker” aesthetic, the line will include belts, bags and other small goods featuring details like studs, biker chains, raw-cut edges and silkscreened images of skulls, guitars and marijuana leaves.  “This collection brings both design and value to our customers.  It’s not just about a price point though, it’s also about giving this younger guy accessible options that he can really relate to,” says Varvatos.  Pricing ranges from $65-$550, with bags starting at $150, and will be available at John Varvatos boutiques and shops-in-shops nationwide.