Artbag is a series of Resin Handbag Sculptures first created in 2003 by the artist Debra Franses. It is also the inspiration for FRED ALLARD'S highly commercial series although he doesn't admit it
Debra Franses – ‘The preservation of keepsakes created through the consumption of time float motionless within the space of a handbag’
Debra Franses
Raised by an art teacher and an international handbag agent for luxury brands, Debra was exposed to a unique outlook on art and fashion from a young age, which shaped her intriguing style. As a student at London’s Central Saint Martins, she caught the eyes of the tutors with her handbag casting in 2003. This rapidly became her canvas and the medium to connect intimately with her audience on their most personal of spaces – the interior of their own handbag. A pandoras box of secret codes and memories. Recently she has experimented with the idea of movement and speed by collaborating with Moto Arto and created the “Moto Muse” Collection.
Artbag Collections
Digital Artbag Design Studio
Wonderful consultation
I had been thinking about a personalised artbag for my 40th Birthday for a while and in a recent trip to London I met Debra and visited her charming studio in Amersham. We communicated via email and Zoom and I am so excited with the result! I love you Debra - visit me in New York please next time you're here!
Laura Gold,
New York
James Bond fanatic! My wife bought this in Amsterdam from COBRA gallery
Finding a perfect artwork isnt easy, especially for me a man who has everythig. I love that my wife found this for me. It was a wonderful surprise for my 30th Birthday. I am now commissioning Debra for something special for my wife next year !
Rick Butler,
Amsterdam, Cobra Gallery
Most beautiful 50th birthday gift
My children organised this incredible artbag for our Interior design office and it is admired by all of our clients! We suplied all the personal objects and Debra created a masterpeice for us.
Deb Ingersol,
New Jersey
Client gift
Kim contacted me to create a wonderful gift for her interior design clients to finish the project off. I am currently liasing with her clients to create their dream Artbag!
Kim Zimmerman, Interior Designer
Atlanta Georgia, USA
Just what I was looking for my hall decoration
I actually bought this directly from the artist after seeing it in my local gallery. They weren't very knowledgeable about the artist so I did some research and contacted her directly. Debra was so much fun to work with and I am thrilled with my creation. It is my happy place! The theme is Paris as I was married there and so I asked Debra to add an Eifel Tower!
Lisa
Conneticuit
I Love my Artbag lockdown treat
What an artist! Such unique pieces. A joy to interact with too. Thoroughly recommend that you take a look. Proud to have a piece in my collection. Thank you
Mallery Eisenshtadt,
Farmington Hills, MI., USA
Best gift ever!
I have known Debra for about 20 years since I saw her talk at the Kensington Women's group and I was almost knocked out by one of her creations. We became best of friends! My Daughter contacted her for my 50th birthday and they liaised over my favourite flower.
Kami Evans
Connecticut, USA
Custom order to integrate with my pop art collection
Both debra and I worked patiently to create EXACTLY what I had in my mind to go into my MIAMI home. I worked with my daughter as she will inherit this one day and so I chose personal items from our collections to add to the bag. I'm THRILLED and all my friends LOVE it!
Audrey Rosenbaum,
PALM BEACH
I included some of my vintage BUTLER & WILSON that I wasn't using
This is such a great idea for creating a personal vitrine for your precious once-worn but still loved possessions. Not everything can be included but Debra works her magic to include as much as possible. I am delighted with my purchase and commission!
Mandy Rand,
Essex, UK
My client just wanted PINK!!
This was one of 4 pieces that I commissioned for my celebrity client in Casablanca for their Pink Cafe for Girls Only. It was great to work directly with the artist on such a personal commission and she was great at communicating to me through each step of the process. I will definitely recommend Debra.
Omar Interiors,
Casablanca
