Harveys has it in the bag

Before launching their highly anticipated limited-edition Halloween-themed purses on Oct. 13, Harveys Seatbelt Bags had collectors lined up outside hoping to buy one of the 250 treats.

Located in Santa Ana, Harveys specializes in various styles of purses made from seatbelts using an array of themes and special linings. In addition to their signature purses, they also manufacture wallets and overnight bags as a part of their men’s line, Black Label.

Harveys was founded by Dana and Melanie Harvey 15 years ago. Dana had just finished installing seatbelts in his 1950 Buick and decided he would use the leftover material to make a bag for Melanie.

“The next morning, there it was, a small red tote. It looked amazing,” Melanie said.

The following day her colleagues were impressed with the little scarlet shoulder bag her husband had made for her. Shortly after, friends and co-workers wanted to order their own, and collecting has continued right up to the 2012 Halloween edition.

“I have been collecting the bags since 2006,” Jeanne Larson said.

One of Harveys’ most popular lines is their eco-friendly Treecycle brand made of recycled seatbelts from various auto manufacturers that would have ended up in landfills.