The Carpet Bag "Love" ~ Monyan Forevermore Collection

"Monyan" ~ it means "my all." This eloquent term comes from the Michif language, which is a mixed language based on Cree. Cree is part of the Native American Algonquian language and also consists of the French language, that of which was spoken along the Canadian border and throughout the north central United States.






This extraordinary handbag is based on a love story between Honora and Frank Wargo. While in Loraine, Ohio, the two met, found themselves in love, married and spent a lifetime together. It is thought that Frank learned of this lovely word "Monyan" from a local of Lorain, as the usage of Michif was still a part of the local diction. From then on he referred to Honora, his beloved, as Monyan forevermore. The gorgeous rose, composed of lace from one of Monyan's dresses, is symbolic of love.

Click on any of the images to get a more detailed photograph.




I have the wonderful pleasure to create a series of handbags based solely on Monyan, the grandmother of my client. My client sent me a box chock full of material, all pieces that belonged to Monyan, one of which was the skirt that Monyan wore to her daughter's wedding (my client's mother). Given the charge and artistic liberties to do my "thing", I deconstructed several dresses, reworked some very old lace, employed the use of decorative pocket flaps on one dress as detail for the exterior pockets, cut up some major cool vintage curtains that Monyan had hanging in her house, and dipped into my massive vintage button collection. My-oh-my, this has been an exciting and invigorating project!

During this time, I also had at my workstation a photograph of Monyan, sitting there in a pretty frame ~ I truly felt like she has been there with me in spirit from the inception. This bag is the first of 5, and I pray that her spirit will continue to be with me.



"Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If one offered for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly scorned." Song of Solomon 8: 6-7

All is a term that we use day in and day out, giving it no afterthought. Frank however, used it for the intent of completion. She was his all, his everything, the air he breathed, the light in his life. Love can conquer all.


Even the fabric inside the bag is taken from Monyan's fabrics. This handbag is Vintage Chic all the way ~ just the way Monyan would like it.