Bag Reputation: Alternative's Mollie Culligan

If you haven’t yet heard of Mollie Culligan, just ask Scarlett Johansson, Agyness Deyn or Drew Barrymore. Before taking the reigns as Alternative’s new Accessories Director last spring, Culligan was heading up her own accessories line, Jack Rabbit Collection, which was a hit with A-list celebs and top-rated publications like InStyle, Lucky and Glamour. A self-taught, award-winning designer with a sixth sense for DIY business, she started the line out of her living room and expanded into more than 300 retailers worldwide, including Harvey Nichols, Barneys and Neiman Marcus.

Her favorite piece from the Scout series, the Woodsman Backpack. “It’s hip on a guy and sexy on a woman—and it’s cabin-ready,” Culligan describes.

Now, Alternative customers are about to find out what all the buzz is about as the brand launches its all-new line of bags and small accessories by Culligan for spring 2011. From rugged weekenders and oversized totes to sleek holsters and stylish cross-bodies, each cleverly detailed accessory reflects her appreciation for craftsmanship and innovative yet timeless design aesthetic.

“I was inspired by our founder Greg Alterman’s love of custom-crafted, soft-washed fabrics which create a touchable quality like you’ve owned the piece for years,” she says of her soon-to-be-coveted collection. Incorporating triple drum-washed leather, artisan thick stitches and vintaged canvas, Culligan’s cavalry-inspired Scout series not only showcases a flawless attention to detail, but, she says, “embodies Alternative’s brand ethos of comfort, craftsmanship and authenticity.”

Culligan’s design sketches and inspiration adorn the walls of her office at Alternative’s L.A. Design Lab.

With Culligan playing a key role in the company’s new all-inclusive, head-to-toe approach, Alternative customers can finally complement their ensemble with just the right accessory. 

Click here to shop the Spring 2011 Accessories Collection.

×Melissa Metcalf
photos by Stephen Zeigler

Comments

[Julie L]

Those bags are gorgeous!! :D

[Tamsen]

Awesome bags!

[Brandon Latham]

I heard Santa was using these bags to carry his presents in. I am definitely going to need one of these!

[Natalie Boon]

I like the idea of soft-washed fabrics in bags. The overall look is great!

[Megan W.]

Love 'em!

[Kasie Kirk]

Amazing taste! I love the rugged ease of these. So perfect for Fall/Winter when wearing lots of layers. Radical.

[naimah]

i've been drooling over these bags since i saw your tweet! they're beautiful!

[Davin Youngs]

Great addition!

[melanie]

Oh my, the bags are phenomenal!

[marla]

stunning!