Bootie Bags are Bootieful

Bootie Bags are Bootieful

Fashioned from the seat pants of gently worn, premium recycled jeans, Bootie Bags are not only conversation starters, they are fashionable and functional. Created by Chris Graham in 2003, the custom denim handbag concept took off and has resulted in the sale of more than 20,000 shoulder bags, with placement in at least 1,000 retail outlets nationwide. “Bootie Bags are modern, wearable art,” said Graham, a former court reporter turned design entrepreneur who has taken jean purses to the next level.

Bootie Bags are handcrafted in Marietta, Georgia. Each is unique, incorporating hand-beaded crystal handles with colorful trims, ribbons and accents, including Swarovski crystal-studded leather belts. The lining comes in different patterned fabrics and carries a booty shaped stainless steel serial tag to ensure its authenticity.

In the spring of 2003, Graham’s three-year-old son, Jackson, was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. Less than a year later, she made her first Bootie Bag, and within six months, Bootie Bags, Inc. was formed with a mission to help find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes. As a result, a portion of Booty Bag profits go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. “My goal is to continue to make strides in finding a cure and to raise $1 million for JDRF.” To date, sales of Graham’s bags have provided $30,000 toward research.

Putting aside profits in exchange for charity, Graham started her purse business with one size bag. Since then, her line has grown to include six sizes, including Baby Booties, Big Booties, Specialty Booties, Squattie Booties, Closed Booties and Bittie Booties.

Big Booties are the original Bootie Bag, from which all other Booties were born. What makes this bag “big” is not necessarily the size, but rather the detailing; Big Booties are always finished with a leather belt, and have the standard sized handles. Baby Bootie Bags are the “little sister” of the original Big Bootie. They tend to be smaller and have a ribbon belt that coordinates with the inside fabric lining.

The Closed Bags are new and use a fabric drawstring closure that cinches with leather ties and tucks back into the top of the Bootie Bag to hide personal items. In addition, Graham oversees the handmade production of specialty Bootie Bags and custom-made orders.

Booty Bags are priced between $89 and $150, with more than 3,000 satchels being produced every week. ■

For more information, visit http://www.bootiebags.com/ or call 770-425-6663.