Me with my sweet little Bella, who passed away four weeks after this photo was taken.

I never dreamed we’d ever own yorkies.  Thanks to a dear, dear friend of mine who introduced me to his precious little Fergie, I am now smitten with them.  If you own a yorkie, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

After spending time with Fergie, I made the announcement to my family – who all stood with their mouths agape – that we had an appointment with a responsible & ethical breeder to choose a yorkie puppy.  She was our Christmas gift.

Bella passed away in January at a young 6-months-old. We’d only owned the sweet little thing for five weeks. I’m sure you can imagine how heartbreaking it was for us.

She passed peacefully in my arms – a true gift.  We gave sweet little Bella the best five weeks of her life.  The necropsy results indicated pneumonia as the cause of death.

Mia is cozy in Kiki Hamann's Arctic Handbag.

Mia graced our lives the very next day after Bella passed.    Thank goodness I have a wonderful breeder who lives nearby.  Thank you, Amy, for being so supportive and understanding.

The Yorkshire Terrier Tote

Kiki, genius that she is, has created a tote that will make yorkie owners scream with excitement.When Kiki told me that she was creating a new tote inspired by yorkies, I couldn’t wait to see it.  Kiki explains:

So the story goes that one of my first customers bought one of my handbags before she actually bought her dog. The dog in question was a Yorkie. Yes, that breed.. it does something to us poor humans! Although I am still not owned by a Yorkie, I already have the tote set aside!

Kiki chose a warm color palette and accented The Yorkshire Terrier Tote with gorgeous paisley, gold hardware and inventive texture.  She tells us why:

I chose colors that blend in with the breed’s wonderful medley of shades. Blues, caramels, beiges, tans… so you would think of your Yorkie even at those times when you are using the tote to carry your laptop. It really helps too, that those wonderful hues by God also match easily one’s wardrobe! I just had to sit down and create something of regal inspiration to honor the delightful and spirited Yorkshire Terrier.

Kiki describes the design for us:

I wanted it to be elegant so it could double as a handbag even when furry does not get to go out!
For the design I wanted it to be irreverent and audacious, portraying the spirit of the terrier. But what is a Yorkie without a bow?

The bag’s functionality is multifaceted:

• This tote bag is made from 4 layers, making it sturdy enough to carry either your baby dog or your personal items.
• It is lined in super soft fuzzy fabric that can be pulled out for spot cleaning.
• A safety chain is included so you can clip your dog in for safety.
• The tote can be carried either over your shoulder or on your arms.
• Gorgeous brocades are arranged in collage composition. Attention to all the details. Lace, velvet ribbons and
• Victorian inspired buttons signal the very British inspiration of my design.
• I had the best time conceiving this tote bag. I hope you love it as much as I did creating it!

Kiki Hamann's Victoria Tote and gorgeous matching dress.

Kiki tells why and how she created the tote:

I have created the tote for all the dogs that understand their royalty status. Yes, they like to be carried around (never ever left behind), don’t really do well in leashes and demand comfort. I have also created it for the humans like me with a fondness for practical products that remain functional while being haute. This handbag is all of the above and then some. It is hop in-hop-out practical and always ready to go.

I spent a long time designing this tote. It had to be perfect all the way. The perfect size, the perfect shape. I chose to give it an oval shape so doggie is as comfortable lying down as standing up. The bag sits right under your arm, so your baby feels secure and safe at all times and you have her right under your vigilant eye. It is light and feels very comfortable when you wear it over your shoulder.

The bag is engineered in four layers, which means a lot of sewing time, no short cuts and hours of hand stitching. On the other hand, this hard work translates into perfect shaping and durability.

The inside of the tote is lined with a soft mattress, making for great bedding on-the-go. The fuzzy lining can be pulled out for easy spot cleaning. A safety chain attached to a d-ring allows you to clip your baby to the handbag.

My goal for my new totes is to bring the same couture treatment I have devoted to my garments into a practical, easy-to-handle carrier that loves going places and getting attention!

The Victoria Tote is the first of a series to come. It is, as you can tell, inspired by the lifestyle of Provincial France. These are the first pieces of my 2011 Summer Collection.

The Kiki Hamann Urban Elegance Collection. Summer 2011.

I asked Kiki why she chose to take the Victorian route. Obviously, this Victorian Tote is completely different than the other totes in her 2011 Urban Elegance Collection.

Funny you ask! It s a travel machine inspired by the city and how women used to dress up to visit the city in shopping expeditions! The whole collection is …

The Tote measures: 15″ L x 9″ W x 10″ H

Please note: some photographs in the slideshow below have been edited in a manner that allows fabric patterns and textures to be showcased.

With summer just around the corner, Kiki has found inspiration in all things urban and, well, all things elegant.

One of the most wonderful things about the Urban Elegance totes is their versatility.  When it’s not carrying your baby, it serves beautifully as a tote for you.  My laptop and many other things easily fit inside these sturdy totes.

When it is carrying your baby, she will be comfortable on the mattress, all cozy and secure.  Should something spill on the soft lining, it pulls out for convenient spot-cleaning.  Kiki has thought of everything!

I have created The Tote for all the dogs that understand their royalty status. Yes, they like to be carried around (never ever left behind), don’t really do well in leashes and demand comfort. I have also created it for the humans like me with a fondness for practical products that remain functional while being haute. This handbag is all of the above and then some. It is hop-in, hop-out practical and always ready to go.

I spent a long time designing this tote. It had to be perfect all the way. The perfect size, the perfect shape. I chose to give it an oval shape so doggie is as comfortable lying down as standing up. The bag sits right under your arm, so your baby feels secure and safe at all times and you have her / him right under your vigilant eye. It is light and feels very comfortable when you wear it over your shoulder.

The bag is engineered in four layers, which means a lot of sewing time, no short cuts and hours of hand stitching. On the other hand, this hard work translates into perfect shaping and durability.

My goal for my new Totes is to bring the same couture treatment I have devoted to my garments into a practical, easy-to-handle carrier that loves going places and getting attention!

Take, for example, The Kiki Tote and Matching Harness (and don’t miss the slideshow of close-ups just below the description). It’s an extension of Kiki herself:

The Kiki Tote

This Tote is inspired by Me.  Yes, it is so Kiki Hamann and for my Urban Elegance collection! I simply love silver, it is glamorous, yet basic, and so easy to wear. I just had to do a silver one for Kiki’s sake!

The fabric. It is embroidered with silver thread, like silver dew drops.

The combination of beautiful mauves and dusty roses make this composition so Uptown Manhattan. It is classy and current!

The tote features a Chihuahua Head done in dark silver brocade. The pewter eyes are round buttons that stand out for texture.

The Chihuahua is framed in rose colored silky brocade. There are bird chains on each side just to remind me how much little dogs like to run after the birds.

Two big pockets on the sides guarantee plenty of space for your trinkets.

A safety chain comes with the tote and can be clipped onto a harness. When not in use, the chain can be removed and the d ring on the side can be used to clip a key ring.

This tote is so artistic. A lot of manual labour goes into putting it together. Four-layered construction gives the piece body and form. A cushion guarantees the comfort of your puppy.

There are trims, brocades, pewter buttons, chenille, shantung, ribbons… all that is missing is your baby!

The Tote measures: 15″ L x 9″ W x 10″ H

Please note:  some photographs in the slideshow below have been edited in a manner that allows fabric patterns and textures to be showcased.

The Phantom Tote and Matching Harness

The Phantom Tote

Don’t be fooled by this black tote. It’s made of three completely different fabrics: a heavy matte brocade, a satiny thin stripe and a larger satiny stripe. The fabrics are put together to best accentuate each one’s properties.

Listen to the love Kiki has put into the design and structure of this tote:

To this medley in black I have added two beautiful Lacey trims for yet more texture, they frame the fabric composition, accentuating the differences.

It is from my new line Urban Elegance and it is all about the buzz of the city. Please notice how I play with the negative spaces in this brocade composition. Chains add pizazz to the modern lines of the tote. It is black, it goes with every color. It is super!

The handles of the tote were planned so you can either carry it over your shoulder and have puppy next to you, or to carry it on your arm and stroll around showing it off.

Looking for something a bit more feminine?  Don’t miss the Victoria Tote, also part of the Urban Elegance Collection.  So gorgeous I felt it deserved an article of its own.

Please note: some photographs in the slideshow below have been edited in a manner that allows fabric patterns and textures to be showcased.

An insight into how Kiki Hamann operates will give you a clue as to how she’ll plan Kiki Hamann Vacations

As a designer, Kiki is constantly consumed with thought and the creative process.  Combine that with her down-to-earth personality, penchant for all things luxury and classy and it’s an itinerary for a perfect vacation!

Just look how these insights into Kiki’s creation process lend themselves so well to planning Kiki Hamann Vacations:

- When I create something I think of myself first…would I wear it? If the answer is a YES…I go for it!

- I design with thoughts and I think with images! I just can’t separate the two processes.

- When I design a collection I have a vision… who, where, how and why. It all comes together in my mind when I have a clear understanding of purpose and intentions. My Black & White Collection is inspired by the busy urban lifestyle. Class, functionality and a bit of exhibitionism! It is designed for the stylish dog lover with an urge for “out of the box” fashion.

- If you have walked into my life, you are now part of my inspiration and a living character of my life story. I believe in the power of connecting energies. I never walk alone and this is why my journey is always pleasant and enjoyable!

- I need Sushi to create amazing fashion! My stomach is Asian!

- I am completely unfocused, thus I create. Allow yourself to scatter and you will find yourself geniusly creative.

- My dreams are too big for my pillow!

- We, Fashion Designers, are always a season ahead, an emotion behind and an attitude on time!

- When the unpredictable happens.. it could just be God rearranging outcomes. Embrace changes!

- My numbers have colors… my colors have scents… my scents have forms…my forms have sounds…my sounds have movement In the two left sides of my brain, I create with all my senses! Nonsense? Nope, Kiki-sense!

How is Kiki planning these ultra-luxurious, ultra- canine friendly vacations?

She’s applying the same concepts and thoughts and feelings you just read about to every Kiki Hamann Vacation she plans. You can be certain that not only will every detail be covered, but it will be done so in a classy, heartfelt, luxurious fashion.

Every location will be inspected prior to itinerary planning. The inspection team ensures that each property meets their high standards. This is done by paying careful attention to our clients’ needs – and that includes your sweet little pet.

Tips for your carry-on canine

As a new pet owner, I’ve never traveled by air with a dog.  My puppy is a yorkie, topping the scales at 4.5 pounds.  To some, traveling with small pets is second-nature; to a beginner it’s a whole new world.

Of course, you should always make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date.  And, traveling with a favorite toy or blanket is always a good idea.

What NOT to do

Do NOT send your pet through the x-ray at airport security.  Remove your sweet pet from her carrier.  Place the carrier on the belt and send it through x-ray.  You and your pet then walk through screening together.

Don’t worry

As pet owners, we tend to worry about our pets when we fly.  Small pets fit easily under the seat in front of you (not in an exit-row or at the bulkhead, thank you).  You’ll be surprised at how easily they travel.  In fact, you’ll be more stressed about them than they are.

Look for family-style restrooms at airports

Most airports have family restrooms.  They’re perfect for you and your small pet.  These restrooms typically consist of a large counter space for diaper changing.  If your pet is small enough, place her pad on this counter.

Do not allow your pet to relieve himself near the air traffic control tower

You’ll be ambushed by security.  Best thing to do is to research your airports online to learn where pet-friendly areas are (Tampa International, for example, has a lovely grassy area that’s perfect for pets).

Easy does it

Don’t feed your pet just prior to boarding to ward-off potential air sickness issues.  A lite meal approximately two hours pre-flight is generally recommended.

Home sweet home

Allow your pet enough time to get adjusted to their travel carrier before your trip.

Traveling abroad

Always check with the country your pet is going to because each country has their own set of rules.  Some of those rules are simple; some are more complex. Consider contacting that country’s consulate or embassy for information.

• Foreign Consular Offices in the United States (US Department of State website).
• Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (UK)
• Movement of Pets (Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) – Non-Commercial Movement within the EU

Do you have any small-pet travel tips to share? Please leave a comment – we’d love to hear from you.

And, if it’s good enough for Gucci’s canine, it’s good enough for yours.  The Arctic Collection is Gucci’s KH favorite!

Why I love it

Adjustable strap lined with grosgrain ribbon offers flexibility with carrying style.  Wear it across the chest or over the shoulder.  No worries – the bag is customizable and Kiki will fashion one to your specifications.

Exterior pockets with magnetic snaps.

Sturdy metal accents, complete with safety chain for my dog.

Attention to detail.

Keeps my dog resting in one place because she’s so happy when inside; perfect for dining out, shopping and Kiki Hamann Vacations.

I love to see how content she is.

Why my dog loves it

She feels safe, content & secure.

Tall sides and furry interior.

Exquisite Design…OK – I like that part, too.

Details

White leather handbag with faux hi / lo rabbit fur lining, embossed croc details, 4 exterior pockets with magnetic claps. Adjustable strap allows to be worn over the shoulder or across the chest. Safety chain included for the dog. Stunning crystal appliqué in Royal Motif. This handbag is totally hand made with attention to details, not mass-produced.

XS (for dogs up to 6 Lbs)
Diameter: 16″ Height: 10″
Note: Included keychain may vary. Kiki Hamann herself handpicks them.
$1400.00

email: orders@kikihamann.com