We are proud and excited to announce a new collaboration between our dear friend Alexa Pulitzer, the ever-sophisticated BENE Handbags, and the Preservation Hall Foundation!

A portion of proceeds from this gorgeous collection of New Orleans-inspired handbags and Keep Your Head Up straps will benefit the Foundation’s mission to protect, preserve and perpetuate the musical traditions of New Orleans.

Inside of these Italian-made handbags lie an important reminder:

Keep your head up – no matter what.

Preservation Hall Creative Director Ben Jaffe’s hand-written, original score for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s “Keep Your Head Up” – a song that would quickly become our pandemic-era anthem of hope – graces the lining of these gorgeous bags. The mantra is also emblazoned on a woven detachable strap for instruments or the bags in the collection.

A portion of proceeds from the Keep Your Head Up strap and handbag collection, inspired by the sights and sounds of New Orleans, will power our mission to provide students and teachers with unique music education opportunities, like the Preservation Hall Lessons website and Kids in the Hall field trips, and continued efforts to support Preservation Hall musicians during this time without steady income.

*Alexa Pulitzer poses with BENE Handbags featuring her signature “King Gator” design, at home in New Orleans’ Bayou St. John neighborhood.*

“BENE handbags blend the best of Italian craftsmanship with a dash of New Orleans soul and whimsy,” said BENE Handbags founder Eleanor Schwing. “As a native New Orleanian, I find it extra rewarding to partner with local artists and organizations to generate a lasting positive impact through the purchase of my products.”

“When Ellie approached me about collaborating, I was thrilled to work with another woman dedicated to quality and creativity,” added Alexa Pulitzer, a New Orleans artist, designer and friend of Preservation Hall. “I serve on the board of the Preservation Hall Foundation and knew they were the perfect beneficiary and partner for this unique alliance of creative forces.”

We are blown away by this collection and are so grateful to the talented ladies behind the project. Thank you both for your support of music education, of New Orleans musicians, and the preservation of this city’s sacred musical traditions and heritage.