Palm Beach Daily News
Carla Trivino Palm Beach Daily News
Published 4:39 p.m. ET Dec. 31, 2020 | Updated 4:35 a.m. ET Jan. 3, 2021
One-of-a-kind: Another South Florida designer tapping into Brazil’s finest and rarest with her handbag designs is Cecy Martinez, the mastermind behind Cecy Handbags. She has released an exclusive collection of fish-skin handbags handmade from one the largest freshwater fish in the planet, the pirarucu fish, which is found in the Amazon River.
The skins are ethically sourced from villages since the fish is protected by the Brazilian government. Before being used as leather, the pirarucu’s meat is sold to local restaurants while its skin and scales are preserved and used as an organic alternative to leather. The result is a durable, supple, odorless and strong material that is perfect for creating sustainable luxury items. The scales are then trimmed, dyed and finished. Since each skin absorbs the dye differently, each handbag is unique.
Cecy knows exotic skins. This $4,950 “Audrey Merlot” handbag was made from the Amazon river’s Pirarucu fish, one of the largest freshwater fish on the planet. Before being used as leather, these fish were eaten by the local population and the skins were discarded. The scales are then trimmed, dyed and finished. (Photo Courtesy Of Cecy Handbags)
The designs are inspired by the glamour of 1950s Hollywood, with many of the handbags inspired and named after stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. All designs are created by skilled artisans in the United States and Italy using the finest quality of materials. Other skins used by Martinez are alligator, python, mink and Saffiano leather made from calf.
Cecy Handbags are sold at various locations around the island including Haven on Royal Poinciana Way, MD Beauty Labs at The Royal Poinciana Plaza and Callidus on North County Road.
An exclusive design, the $650 “Lauren” bag features metallic, silver leather and beige cavalino leather. It can be used as a clutch or off-the-shoulder. (Photo Courtesy Of Cecy Handbags)
Another Cecy design, this $1,750 “Audrey” design is made of mink with a lamb skin interior. The gold logo features a calla lily representing peace and a heart at the center of the infinity sign symbolizing eternal love. (Photo Courtesy Of Cecy Handbags)