A fusion of style and soul
The An-Noor and Eliora handbag collection from the VUCH LABORATORY project offers not only an elegant look but also a deeper message that resonates uniquely with each owner. These handbags combine a distinctive design with hidden symbolism, reflected both in their exterior and their soul – the essence of the handbag.
Timeless Vintage TouchThe external design of the handbags draws inspiration from classic vintage shapes, transforming them into a modern New Classic concept that exudes elegance and sophistication. Whether you choose the bold yet subtle color combination of Aurora Rosa (pink-orange), the calming harmony of Émeraude Ciel (green-blue), or the refined contrast of Midnight Dune (black-beige), you remain connected to what is.
The Soul of the HandbagThe soul is not black and white, and the same applies to the VUCH LABORATORY × ANTONIN SIMON collection. The soul of the handbag is embodied by its interior, which holds something extra. The custom-designed lining features a unique combination of the initials VVV AS, symbolizing not only the connection between the Vuch brand and project author Antonín Šimon but also the metaphorical question “WAS?” (German for “WHAT?”). This idea reflects the endless process of seeking new interpretations, where every detail becomes part of a deeper story – the story of the creator who leaves a piece of themselves in the design. The handbag's soul is a place seen primarily by its owner – a space where hidden thoughts intertwine with personal stories.
Expression of Your PersonalityEach color variant of the handbag is carefully selected for its impact on mood and emotions. Sometimes you want to stand out; other times, you seek harmony with your surroundings. This mood is enhanced by the unique hardware, which acts as jewelry. Its minimalist yet industrial design adds character to the handbag and emphasizes its unique style.
If you prefer carrying your bag by hand, you can simply detach the long paracord strap. The strap loops are hidden under the flap, so when carried by hand, the An-Noor bag embodies perfectly clean design. Its minimalist look is enhanced by a striking color contrast. Each model is unique, just like its owner.
Symbolism and EmotionsCarefully selected color variants are key to both handbags. Despite their differences in size and design, the colors are what make them a small piece of you.
Aurora Rosa (pink-orange)
Aurora Rosa brings the energy and elegance of Italian sunsets over the Tuscan hills, where golden light mingles with pink hues in the sky. This combination reflects a passion for life, "dolce vita," and the enchanting atmosphere of Italian evenings. It’s a color variant for women who cherish the beauty of every moment, love simple yet striking elegance, and seek a style that combines youthful vibrancy with timeless sophistication.
Midnight Dune (black-beige)
Midnight Dune carries the mystery of cities like New York or London – classic yet imbued with unmistakable charm and wit. Beige intertwines with deep black, like clouds mingling with the city lights at night. This combination is for the confident woman who understands that true strength lies in understated elegance. A handbag in this color is luxurious yet subtle, leaving an unforgettable impression.
Émeraude Ciel (green-blue)
Émeraude Ciel captures the essence of Parisian charm – a thoughtful blend of green and blue reminiscent of the view from Montmartre, where the sky above the Seine meets the elegance of Parisian parks. This color combination embodies refinement and playfulness, traits you encounter on every corner in Paris. A handbag in this color represents freedom, creativity, and elegance, designed for a woman who enjoys the beauty of life with ease and grace.
Sakura Iro (turquoise‑salmon)
Sakura Iro transports you into the snow‑framed poetry of Japanese spring, as pink cherry blossoms gently drift onto the turquoise surface of a lake beneath majestic Mount Fuji. This colour pairing is a celebration of fragile beauty, subtlety, and mystery. It evokes the world of geishas, where elegance blends with profound serenity and playful tenderness with spiritual strength. For the woman who carries calm courage within and knows how to pause at the beauty of a fleeting moment.
Noir (black)
Noir is an ode to quiet luxury and the undeniable power of detail. Smooth black leather combined with metallic accents creates a contrast that stands outside of time and trends. This colour variant is designed for a woman who doesn’t seek attention — yet naturally draws the gaze. Her style is strong, precise, and leaves an impression you remember. Minimalism that speaks louder than words.
Heritage (brown)
Heritage fuses nostalgia with nobility. Soft mocha brown conjures imagery of aged library wood and winter’s coffee tones, while antique gold gleams like jewellery in Antwerp’s shop windows. This blend radiates calm confidence and the warmth of tradition. Crafted for the woman who honours past stories yet steps elegantly into the future.
Large handbag Eliora
The large Eliora handbag combines several design elements that make it unique. The shape of the flap references the iconic design of the Joanna backpack, fitting perfectly between the bag’s handles to create a compact and harmonious appearance. The strap, which rises and blends into the bag’s body, serves both as a practical carrier for a logo resembling a piece of jewelry and as a functional element into which the flap locks.
The handles themselves are styled after a men’s belt, transitioning from a flat to a rounded shape. The bottom of the bag and the handles are adorned with stylish metalwork resembling the head of an Allen key – a subtle detail visible only upon closer inspection. The handle has a universal length, making the bag suitable for both shoulder and hand carry. On the back, there’s a practical zip pocket covered with leather, protecting the wearer’s clothing from damage.
The back of the bag is signed with the VUCH logo, the designer’s name, and the model number, here 0.1, signifying the first model of this collection. The bag is practical, offering plenty of inner pockets, large storage space, and small compartments for cards. The interior is adorned with a custom lining featuring the designer’s initials and the stylized “VVV,” referencing the logo. The lining creates a dynamic contrast to the bag’s elegant exterior.
Small Handbag An-Noor
The small An-Noor handbag is deceptive. From the front, it appears as an elegant clutch, but a side view reveals that it’s actually two bags in one. These two sections are mirror images of each other but with inverse colors, allowing you to change the style according to your mood and the dynamic of the day.
About the ANTONIN SIMON Brand
The author worked as an intern with Jakub Polanka and also collaborated on a collection with Denisa Nova. He won with his accessories project for the Simple Concept Store boutique as well as with a laptop case for Intel Czech Republic in 2013. A significant milestone was his internship with Belgian designer Raf Simons, who served as the creative director of Christian Dior and is now with Prada.
The brand was founded in 2013 as part of a school project when the author presented the collection "The Mirror Has Two Faces" at Mercedes-Benz Prague Fashion Week. This collection earned him the "Good Design 2013" award at the National Prize for Student Design. In 2015, he showcased his collection "The Broken Bow" at the same event, which attracted attention from numerous international media outlets.
The brand is characterized by an unconventional approach to men's and women's fashion for the current young generation, with an intellectual dimension and a focus on individual identity, which has become the defining style of the brand.
