Jenne Rayburn Showcased New Collection at the SoWa Open Market

Jenne Rayburn Handcrafted Jewelry and Wearable Art presented her textile and handbag collection, Manu, at the SoWa Open Market on October 28th, 2012. One of Boston's trendiest neighborhoods, The South End has been celebrated as the best outdoor shopping in Boston. At SoWa Open Market you can buy items from local artisans, making everything from couture fashion and leather accessories to jewelry, glass, and custom framed art.

Standing apart from other fine handbag and scarf designers, Jenne Rayburn combines a treasury of antique textiles and her love of stylish handbags to craft a unique selection of wearable art using her carefully curated collection of fabrics and notions. Hand-selecting unique materials with distinctive details or that have an elegant flair; these beguiling finds are then playfully combined with sometimes unexpected colors and textures to create unique, timeless designs often with surprise and whimsy. One might find a Vintage kimono silk with a bold Lucite button, or a colorful ethnic fabric with an antique bronze buckle. Each design is meticulously handcrafted with care in the designer's Malden, MA studio. With attention to detail, richness and depth, the Manu Collection offers elegant handbags, scarves and belts with sophisticated color, pattern and texture.

Always on the hunt for rare or out of production vintage textiles and findings, and unique ethnic specialty fabrics, the collection includes silk, local wool, organic cotton, and leather. Several of the fabrics have been hand-dyed or graffiti printed in the studio, a technique Rayburn observed while traveling in Japan and further studied after returning home. "I am passionately curious about other cultures, their identities and design traditions," notes Rayburn. "I travel all over the world hunting for materials, sketching and photographing, and everything I discover and experience is incorporated into my design process." Utilizing antique buttons, vintage Lucite handles and elegant trims, these thoughtfully designed fashionable accessories stand apart from the mainstream. With great care taken with the construction and design of each handbag, from the quality of the vintage fabrics and designer leathers to the hardware, clasps and interior lining, the attention to detail in the design and the superior level of quality is something that most production handbags cannot offer.

Known as the place to view and buy the very best in local crafts, at the SoWa Open Market locals and visitors alike can enjoy a shopping experience like no other in Boston. Showcasing an ever-changing group of local and regional artisans not usually represented at local craft fairs and festivals, you will meet the artists, designers, chefs and farmers behind the work. Venders pitch their tents in the parking lot between Harrison Avenue and Albany Street. Several food trucks also serve the market, and a separate farmers' market sells seasonal produce. The SoWa Vintage market is next door where a carefully curated selection of antiques and collectibles are available. Each week offers shoppers something different and unique including original art of all mediums, gourmet food trucks, indie designer clothing and accessories, ceramics, glass, photography, jewelry, handbags, house wares, baked goods, local farmer's produce – you won't want to miss it!

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