by Stephanie Miles
Handmade and mostly one-off leather handbags, headbands and belts have Canadians buzzing about Cha Cha, a new eco-friendly accessories label created by young designer Lori Chalmers. From Ostrich-print hip bags to woven totes made out of salvaged leather, the purses in Chalmers' line look as individual and unique as the women wearing them.
After losing her job in graphic design, Chalmers channeled her passion into a profession, designing the handbags out of her native Toronto and turning her former hobby turned full-on operation.
Each Cha Cha product reflects the personal attention and forethought Chalmers puts into her collection with creative details like custom hardware and quality construction throughout, from stitching to fabric lining.
Chalmers adds to her collection as she finds inspiration, releasing new handbags and accessories frequently. Purses span $70-355, while accessories start at $40 for Bow Headband to $115 for the Elizabeth Belt. All sell online from the Cha Cha website or 