Edinburgh student makes handbag from cow stomach

Jocelyn Mather with one of her purses. Picture: HE Media

Jocelyn Mather, a fourth-year design student at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “My lecturer kept saying they would look great on Lady Gaga.”

Her four statement bags, which will go on display at the university’s Creative Degree Show from Friday, were all hand-stitched.

The collection ranges from a formal clutch to a dainty handbag, with tripe either used as a lining or outer material. The fastenings are also made using the animal’s horns and bull-ring.

Inspection

But the 23-year-old student hit a hiccup along the way when her flat was raided by wildlife officers.

“My letting agent had been carrying out an inspection in my flat and had obviously come across a pair of cow horns”, she said.

“He had thought they were ivory tusks and called the police. I was terrified but they just laughed when they saw the horns.”

Ian Lambert, art design and communication subject group leader, said: “Jocelyn’s designs are thought-provoking and like much of the work set to go on show, executed to a high standard.”

The show runs until June 2.