The Shopping List No. 55: Christiana
Most people know Christiana Lapetina-Johnson simply by her brand name, Christiana, renowned for its beaded bags. I first discovered the brand in the ’90s with those fabulous baguette-style bead bags and recently found one on eBay, which I promptly added to my collection! The colorful prints and fully embellished beads make each bag so special. People often ask if my bag is from Staud, and while I do love Staud, I always correct them, saying, “No, this is a Christiana—the original!” It’s no shade to Staud, but I adore spotlighting the original design and reminding everyone that vintage is usually the way to go.
Curious about her Kansas City beginnings, I recently did a deep dive into Christiana’s story. She founded Christiana Enterprises, Inc. in 1994, focusing on hand-beaded bags, home furnishings, and apparel. Christiana pioneered the concept of beaded bags for everyday use, revolutionizing everyday luxury long before designers like Prada, Fendi, and Valentino hopped on the trend. Her designs beautifully blend cultural influences from India, South America, Africa, and the American Southwest, offering a unique mix of heritage and contemporary style. Prior to starting her namesake brand, she was the designer for Other Destination in India – an art to wear fashion label. Definitely look into this line too if you love Christiana!
Some of her most iconic creations include the Belle of the Ball evening bag, a hand-beaded silk vest adorned with thousands of glass beads, and intricately embroidered mirrorwork jackets. While her apparel is harder to find on the secondhand market, her bags frequently pop up at thrift stores, on eBay, and at estate sales. If you stumble upon one, grab it—you’re holding a piece of fashion history.
A note on styling and prices…the shoulder bag that I own is definitely the most popular style from the brand, so prices tend to be higher if you’re looking on eBay or Poshmark. If you love something more 20’s inspired, the evening bags tend to be priced below $40. When it comes to styling, Christiana wanted her pieces to be used everyday – just grab and go! Headed to Trader Joes? Grab your Christiana beaded tote bag and head out!
One final note is when you’re searching online, be open to searches using “Christian” because people don’t type out the brand correctly!
My curated finds:
- Christiana Beaded Handbag – Multicolored – Satin Interior, $29
- Christiana Silk Beaded Zipper Leopard Jacket /Wrist Zips 100% Silk Lining Size S, $76
- Vintage Christiana Fully Beaded Shoulder Bag Teal Green Lavender Purse 90s, $130
- NWT Vintage Christiana Beaded Evening Bag w/ Mirror “French Fan” Pattern, $68
- Christiana Silk Beaded Vest, $18
- VINTAGE NEW Christiana Black Beaded 100% Silk Evening Purse Bag Made in India, $99
- Vintage Christiana Beaded Bead Shoulder Purse Bag Leather Native American Style, $60
- Christiana pink glass beaded crossbody boho festival bag, $49
- Vintage Hand Beaded Christiana Leopard Design Handbag with Handles, $50
- Vintage Christiana Beaded Baguette Bag Pastel Pink Cream, $120
- Christiana Silk blue and green vest, $80
