The legions of LSU fans who deck themselves out in purple andgold now can accessorize even more with a new line ofofficially-licensed, upscale handbags by Austin, Texas designerLinda McMahan Gunning.
Bagalogos! added LSU to its list of clients this year afterthree years of producing high-quality leather totes for schoolssuch as the University of Texas, University of Oklahoma and AuburnUniversity.
Gunning, an attorney and UT alumna, said she started the companyafter receiving dozens of compliments for a leather handbag shebought 15 years ago which featured the Texas Longhorns’ logo. Thosebags were discontinued because they violated NCAA licensing policy,and she never found a similar product.
“Fans from opposing schools would ask me where I got it,”Gunning said. “I literally had women follow me into the bathroom toask about it.”
LSU alumna and season ticket holder Celeste Kavanaugh saw a UTbag last year and loved it so much she e-mailed Gunning aboutcreating an LSU version.
Kavanaugh was the first person to receive the LSU GamedayBag.
“The shape is basic and it’s a high-grade leather,” she said. “Iget tons of compliments. The quality is pretty much like a Coachbag.”
Kavanaugh said she has already put her bag to good use, but sheexpects it to last through many seasons.
“It’s been to every game this year and it survived its firstrainstorm. But it’s nice enough that I can carry it to work.”
Gunning said she always thought women needed more options thanthe usual baseball caps and men’s sweatshirts with team logos.
“When I represent my alma mater, I want to do it with class,”Gunning said.
Shoppers can order the bags online at bagalogos.com, but theyare still nearly impossible to come by at stores in Louisiana.
Bagalogos! publicist Erica Sumner said the first shipment toLouisiana retailers would be made this week, but some retailersstill are waiting to place an order.
Tyger Gifts in Metairie, La. received three bags last week, butthey are the only retailer to confirm having them in stock.
Gunning said Bella Bella on Perkins Road also would sell thebags, but store manager Jennifer Mathis said they have not yetplaced an order.
Gunning said she still is working to enlist more localretailers.
The bags are purple and feature the LSU athletic departmentlogo. The bagalogos.com price for the bag is $90.