Charismatic shutterbug Caroline Torem Craig, taking shots of notables in LES, NYC

If you’re anywhere around the “in scenes” of New York, you’ve met photographer Caroline Torem Craig. She’s been snapping lots of fun photos for Paper Magazine for at least the last decade. She’s one strong rock n’roll dame, and I’ve always admired her stamina.

What I didn’t know was that Caroline hand sews a line called “Freedom From Design,” what I’ll describe as art satchels with images taken from some of her favorite visual or musical artists. See in the slide show below, the depiction of a nurse — Richard Prince!– and another that resembles guitarist Jimi Hendrix. She pulls from what she loves and she’ll be showing her art at Opening Ceremony this fall. But before you pull out the wallet, note that they are not for sale!  Caroline has been doing these remarkable pieces for about eighteen years for the sheer joy of it, although I’ve seen a few talented designers, including pal Victoria Bartlett ignite upon seeing them as hot accessories. Maybe one day, but for now we can only look an covet.