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Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry Icons
Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry Icons
Handbag Designer 101 is a podcast that explores the stories behind handbag designers, brands, and industry icons. Host Emily Blumenthal, author of the book Handbag Designer 101 and founder of the Independent Handbag Designer Awards, interviews fashion entrepreneurs and experts. The show covers topics like brand storytelling, accessories design, and the business of luxury goods. It offers insights into the handbag market, leather goods manufacturing, and the creative journeys of visionary creators.
Episodes
Why Your Samples—and Ego—Are Costing You Retail Deals | Emily Blumenthal & Karrica
Why do independent designers struggle to land and keep retail accounts? In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Emily Blumenthal sits down with industry expert Karrica for a no-nonsense look at what it really takes to sell into boutiques and department stores. From production-ready samples and retail compliance to EDI, chargebacks, fashion shows, and the ego traps that can drain a young brand’s m
The Psychology Behind Why We Buy Handbags with the Lazy Thrifter | Jeremy Carr & Emily Blumenthal
Why do people become so emotionally attached to brands like Coach and Louis Vuitton? In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Emily Blumenthal sits down with Jeremy Carr, creator of The Lazy Thrifter, to unpack the psychology behind handbag loyalty, status, identity, and the way fashion communicates who we are. A school psychologist and secondhand fashion enthusiast, Jeremy shares why certain bags
Why a Swedish Restaurant Owner Started Making Handbags | Markus Richtmann & Emily Blumenthal
What happens when a restaurant owner and lifelong maker decides to create a handbag—and discovers a whole new career? In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Emily Blumenthal sits down with Markus Richtmann, founder of Atelier Richtmann, to explore how a handmade bag for his wife evolved into a Swedish handbag brand rooted in craftsmanship, color, and local production. Marcus shares how he develo
Can a Football be a Handbag? Ann Gaylord on Reinventing Handwoven Bags | Emily Blumenthal & Ann Gaylord
What happens when childhood memories of Philippine handwoven materials collide with an unexpected idea—and a football becomes a handbag? In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Emily Blumenthal sits down with Ann Gaylord, founder of Ann Gaylord Bags, to explore her unconventional path from the Philippines and an international performing career to handbag design. Ann shares how traditional weaving
Lale Boz of Normal New York: From Passion Project to Retail Disruptor | Emily Blumenthal & Lale Boz
What happens when a passion project becomes a new kind of retail platform? In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Emily Blumenthal sits down with Lale Boz, founder of Normal New York, to explore how her pandemic-era interiors and vintage platform evolved into immersive retail experiences bringing together emerging designers, vintage sellers, artists, and creative brands. Lale shares what it take
The Luxury Handbag Patience Game on Building Siena Wolf | Emily Blumenthal & Lori Tyberg
What happens when customers love your handbag—but don’t buy it right away? In this episode, Lori Tyberg, founder of Siena Wolf, shares what it takes to build a luxury handbag brand around timeless design, Italian craftsmanship, custom hardware, and high production costs. From restarting her business after raising her children to embracing Instagram as a discovery engine, Lori opens up about the pa
Is the Handbag Dead? Jay Choyce Tibbitts on What’s Next for Luxury | Emily Blumenthal & Jay Choyce Tibbitts
Are handbags losing relevance—or are they simply evolving? In this episode, fashion creator and strategist Jay Choyce Tibbitts explores how changing lifestyles, rising luxury prices, resale, and Gen Z shopping habits are reshaping the handbag industry. We discuss why fewer people carry bags every day, how brands like Coach are thriving while others struggle, and why resale, boutiques, and curated
Trade Shows, Future of Wholesale & How Handbags Changed Retail | Emily Blumenthal & Dorothy Belshaw
Handbags have evolved from everyday essentials into expressions of personal identity—and that shift is transforming the way retailers buy, merchandise, and discover brands. In this episode, Dorothy Belshaw, CEO and co-owner of NY NOW, shares how the wholesale landscape has changed, why trade shows remain essential in a digital world, and how independent designers can stand out with buyers. From th
The Business of Wearable Handbag Art | Emily Blumenthal & Elif Akaydin
What happens when a handbag is designed as a work of art instead of just an accessory? In this episode, Elif Akaydin, founder of Patent of Heart, shares how her journey from Istanbul to New York shaped a brand rooted in craftsmanship, storytelling, and purpose. She explains how hand embroidery, chain stitch techniques, and upcycled leather create bags that feel personal, while balancing one-of-a-k
Made in China vs. Made in Italy: What Luxury Brands Don’t Tell You | Emily Blumenthal & Karrica
Does "Made in Italy" always mean better quality? In this episode, designer and product development expert Karrica pulls back the curtain on luxury handbag manufacturing, revealing what really determines quality beyond the label. Drawing on years of experience developing handbags and footwear, she explains how global supply chains work, why finishing laws can be misleading, and what designe
From Recycled Plastic to a Global Bag Brand: How Got Bag Found Product-Market Fit | Emily Blumenthal & Kathrin Melchior
Can a backpack made from ocean-bound plastic become a global accessories brand? In this episode, Kathrin Melchior of Got Bag shares how thoughtful product development, customer insights, and sustainable innovation transformed a crowdfunding idea into one of the most recognizable bag brands on the street. From designing inside a fast-moving global retailer to helping scale a purpose-driven startup,
Know Your Customer or Lose Your Brand | Emily Blumenthal & Alex Greifeld
What separates brands that grow from those that stall? In this episode, growth marketing consultant Alex Greifeld shares why defining your ideal customer is the foundation of every successful fashion brand. Drawing on experience at FIT, Jones New York, Tibi, and Tapestry, Alex explains how leading brands balance creative instinct with real market data. From building a clear unique selling proposit
Turning Leather Waste into Luxury Handbags | Emily Blumenthal & Cassandra Kane
What happens when a designer steps inside the Italian luxury manufacturing system and sees how much material never makes it into the final product? In this episode, Cassandra Kane shares how a move to Florence transformed her understanding of craftsmanship, sustainability, and the hidden costs of luxury production. After years designing for major fashion brands, she discovered the staggering amoun
Why Gen Z Buys Luxury Differently: Insights from Hitha Herzog | Emily Blumenthal & Hitha Herzog
What drives a generation to skip credit card debt yet confidently spend on a vintage Balenciaga or a Fendi Baguette? In this episode, Hitha Herzog, Chief Research Officer at H Squared Research, breaks down the economic and cultural forces shaping how Gen Z shops today. From the rise of resale and the circular economy to the growing popularity of buy-now-pay-later services, Hitha explains how young
From Financial Advisor to Handbag Inventor | Emily Blumenthal & Penny Crook
What happens when a sentimental handbag inspires an entirely new business? In this episode, Penny Crook, founder of Denault Handbags, shares how a purse gifted by her late father sparked the idea for a patented reversible handbag designed to simplify wardrobes and deliver two looks in one. Leaving behind a career in financial advising, Penny entered the world of product development, manufacturing,
From Sail to Tote: How Beth Greenlaw Built Seabags Maine | Emily Blumenthal & Beth Greenlaw
What does it take to turn an environmental mission into a scalable accessories business? In this episode, Beth Greenlaw of Seabags Maine shares how she left a corporate career to help build one of the most recognizable upcycled handbag brands in America. By transforming retired sailcloth into one-of-a-kind bags made on Maine’s working waterfront, Seabags created a business rooted in sustainability
From Retail Collapse to Amazon Growth: How Shy Iland Rebuilt Through Handbags | Emily Blumenthal & Shy Iland
What happens when the retail world you built no longer works? In this episode, Shy Iland, founder of Daisy Rose and former owner of the indie-boutique chain Big Drop, shares how the 2008 financial crisis reshaped his entire approach to fashion. After watching handbags outperform most retail categories during the downturn, Shy pivoted from brick-and-mortar retail into handbag manufacturing, sourcin
From Designer Dream to Financial Reality: Alexandra Satine on Building, Scaling, and Starting Over | Emily Blumenthal & Alexandra Satine
What happens when a strong handbag concept collides with the realities of pricing, production, and scale? In this episode, Alexandra Satine—former handbag designer and founder of YourCohort—shares her journey from creative ambition to business reinvention. From moving from Venezuela to the U.S. and breaking into fashion, to launching her own line and facing the hard lessons of trademarks, sourcing
Beyond Hype: Syl Tang on Sustainability, Strategy, and the Future of Accessories | Emily Blumenthal & Syl Tang
What happens when handbag design stops being just about trends and starts confronting bigger questions—materials, sustainability, and what happens after the hype fades? In this episode, Syl Tang joins us to unpack how the accessories world is shifting through the lens of fashion history, customer behavior, and future forecasting. From the scrappy late-90s NYC era—when emerging brands had to win cu
Raffia, Color, And The New Bag Rules with: Ilia-Sybil Sdralli | Emily Blumenthal & Ilia-Sybil Sdralli
What happens when fashion stops following one trend cycle and splinters into thousands of micro-movements? We sit down with fashion editor Ilia Sib Zvalli to unpack why the old model of seasonal “must-haves” is breaking down—and what that means for designers, shoppers, and brands trying to stay relevant. Ilia explains how social media fractured trend forecasting, why niche aesthetics now shape con
Trust, Tech, and Truth: How Vidyuth Srinivasan Built Entrupy | Emily Blumenthal & Vidyuth Srinivasan
What happens when curiosity, risk-taking, and a refusal to follow the expected path collide? We sit down with Vidyuth Srinivasan, CEO of Entrupy, to explore his journey from India to New York, from journalism to entrepreneurship, and from outsider to innovator. Vidyuth shares how embracing his identity, thinking independently, and challenging conventional systems helped shape Entrupy—a company bui
Luxury Without Compromise: Nancy Gale on Building a Brand That Stands for Something | Emily Blumenthal & Nancy Gale
What if luxury wasn’t about pressure—but about freedom to be fully yourself? We sit down with Nancy Gale, founder of JAMAH Handbags, to explore how a clear point of view shapes every decision, from materials to manufacturing. Nancy shares what it takes to build an ultra-luxury brand in the U.S., why she refuses to cut corners to hit price points, and how strong relationships—from factories to supp
When Handmade Stops Scaling: Andrea Pascual on Pivoting a Handbag Brand | Emily Blumenthal & Andrea Pascual
What happens when the way you start building your brand is the very thing holding you back? We sit down with Andrea Pascual to unpack the shift from early hustle to sustainable growth—when handmaking every piece, chasing quality, and saying yes to everything starts costing more than it gives. From her path through FIT and New York’s garment district to the realities of bespoke pricing and burnout,
The Hermès Game, Decoded: Chloe Chen on Getting the Bag You Actually Want | Emily Blumenthal & Chloe Chen
Why is buying a Hermès bag so complicated—and is there a smarter way in? We sit down with Chloe Chen, known as Chloe Hermes Fairy, to break down the real mechanics behind scoring a Birkin, Kelly, or Mini Kelly—from purchase history and boutique politics to the reality of being offered a bag without knowing the specs. Chloe also pulls back the curtain on the resale and sourcing market, explaining h
The Leather Trail: Tanner Leatherstein’s Global Journey to Fame | Emily Blumenthal & Tanner Leatherstein
Meet Volkan Yilmaz, also known as “Tanner Leatherstein,” a leather artisan and entrepreneur whose journey spans continents. From his beginnings in his father’s tannery in Turkey to becoming a TikTok sensation in the U.S., Tanner’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and passion.After moving to Turkmenistan and Armenia with his family to run tanneries, Tanner eventually found himself in Chicago
Real or Replica? Dani Smith on What Actually Makes a Bag Authentic | Emily Blumenthal & Dani Smith
What makes a luxury bag feel “real”—and why can even an authentic one sit unsold? We sit down with Dani Smith, senior authentication specialist at What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA), to unpack the fine details that drive trust in the vintage handbag market. From a Chanel bag mistaken as fake to the limits of resale photos, Danny explains why in-person evaluation still matters and how structure,
Designing Bags That Actually Sell: Holly Lauren Beedle on the Real Math Behind Handbags | Emily Blumenthal & Holly Lauren Beedle
Why do some beautiful bags fail the moment they hit the market? We sit down with handbag designer and consultant Holly Lauren Beedle—an industry “ghost designer” whose work appears under brands you definitely know—to unpack the realities behind successful bag design. Holly explains why pricing must come first, how ethnography shapes function, and why merchandising and material choices determine wh
Luxury Without Gatekeeping With Bags For Breakfast | Emily Blumenthal & Shay Prasad
What makes a handbag truly worth carrying every day? We sit down with Shay Prasad of Bags for Breakfast to explore how years on the retail floor shaped her approach to bags as tools for life—not just status symbols. From writing deep-dive Substack essays to launching a curated vintage shop, Shay explains how storytelling, condition knowledge, and retail anthropology turn casual shoppers into thoug
From Idea to Sample in 47 Days: Lauren Reed on going from burnout to bags | Emily Blumenthal & Lauren Reed
What does it take to turn a spark into a bag you can actually hold? We sit down with founder and designer Lauren Reed, who left corporate life, partnered with generational leather artisans in Guatemala, and launched her brand in just 47 days from idea to first sample. Lauren shares how retail experience shaped her product instincts, why vegetable-tanned leather and upcycled denim linings were non-
Perception Is Profit: Matthew Lafargue on Making Bags Feel Important | Emily Blumenthal & Matthew Lafargue
What makes a bag feel powerful the second someone spots it across the floor—and why does that magic disappear when brands scale? We sit down with Matthew Lafargue of Accessory Think Tank to unpack lessons from the Macy’s sales floor to leading $1.8B in wholesale. Matthew explains how service, presentation, and training shape perceived value more than spreadsheets ever could—and why clarity in asso
Sell the Story, Not Just the Bag with WIlliam Brobston | Emily Blumenthal & William Brobston
Retail isn’t dying—it’s recalibrating. We sit down with William Brobston of the Brobston Group, to explore the shift from oversized, anonymous stores to smaller, neighborhood spaces where teams know your name and brands feel personal. Drawing from experience across luxury fashion, jewelry, beauty, and home, William explains why e-commerce owns convenience but human connection builds loyalty—and h
She Learned the Rules. Then Built the Bag Brand, A by Anyah, That Breaks Them: | Emily Blumenthal & Anyah Sealey
What turns a love of making into an accessories brand people stop you on the street to ask about? We sit down with Anyah Sealey, founder of A by Anyah, to trace a path shaped by global training, hard critiques, and real market feedback. From early beading classes in Ghana to design school in Paris and rotations across major fashion houses, Anyah shares how craft, data, and adaptability combine to
Craft That Earns the Hand: Grant Anderson on Meaningful Building Bags | Emily Blumenthal & Grant Anderson
What makes a bag feel alive after years of use—not just intact? We sit down with Grant Anderson, founder of Uptown Common, to explore how hand sewing, vegetable-tanned leather, and solid brass hardware reshape durability into desire. Grant breaks down why quiet construction details matter more than logos, how pricing honestly protects makers, and what it takes to build products that improve—not di
Ana Laverde on Turning Colombian Craft into a Scalable Handbag Brand | Emily Blumenthal & Ana Laverde
What happens when a dream job disappears—and the real opportunity is right at home? In this episode, designer Ana Laverde shares how a Milan-trained industrial designer transformed a setback into a focused handbag brand rooted in Colombian leather, systems thinking, and disciplined edits. Ana explains how her background in luxury packaging shaped her approach to bags as functional objects for dail
The Bag Man’s Blueprint: How Coach Built Democratized Luxury with Lew Frankfort | Emily Blumenthal & Lew Frankfort
What does it really take for a heritage brand to become part of everyday culture? In this episode, Lew Frankfort—former CEO of Coach and author of The Bag Man—shares how Coach scaled from a small leather workshop into a global brand by designing for real life, not runway moments. Lew breaks down why he focused on “share of closet” over one-hit wonders, how early DTC testing and customer data shape
The Birkin Playbook: Inside Handbags as an Asset Class | Emily Blumenthal & Dana Auslander
What happens when a Birkin is treated as an asset instead of a trophy? In this episode, Dana Auslander, founder of Luxus, breaks down how she built a private investment fund around Hermès quota bags—where discipline, data, and liquidity drive returns, not hype. Drawing on her background in law and finance, Dana explains why diversification can outperform a single headline purchase, how institution
From Clutches to Community: Boutiques are Back | Emily Blumenthal & Nancy Forman
Wholesale isn’t dead—it’s just evolving. In this episode, we unpack what’s actually working in handbags right now with Nancy Forman of Accessory Think Tank, from how specialty boutiques, focused DTC, and selective dropship can coexist, to the design details that truly move product. We dig into handles and straps that define comfort and versatility, intentional embellishment and personalization, sm
Why Consistency Beats Virality in Today’s Creator Economy | Emily Blumenthal & Brittany Hennessy
What if your content didn’t have to perform—just work? In this episode, we sit down with Brittany Hennessy to unpack how social media shifted from a scrapbook to a search engine, and what that means for founders building visibility without burning out.We break down why clarity now beats consistency, how “real work” content outperforms polish, and why the smartest creators treat their feeds like li
Story Over Specs: Wale Sanni on Founder-Led Luxury and Hero Bags | Emily Blumenthal & Wale Sanni
What if the material doesn’t matter as much as the meaning? We go deep on the power of story to outsell specs, exploring why a polarizing point of view can create die-hard loyalty and how luxury falters the moment it tries to scale. With Wale Sanni—millennial product specialist with a razor-sharp lens—we break down founder-led allure, pricing psychology, and the difference between a bag that looks
Purpose in Every Stitch: Mercado Global’s Ethical Accessories | Emily Blumenthal & Fabiola Bercasa Beckman and Ruth Álvarez-DeGolia
Heritage craft scales on design and strategy, not good intentions. Ruth Álvarez-DeGolia, founder of Mercado Global, and Emmy-winning filmmaker Fabiola Bercasa Beckman share how Guatemalan handwoven textiles become modern handbags that compete at Free People and Holt Renfrew. From labor hours to in-country design, they show how simplifying silhouettes increases artisan wages and perceived value, wh
How Salt Athletic Became the Cleat Bag Athletes Want (and Parents Trust) | Emily Blumenthal & Rafael de la Vega
A single on-field embarrassment became the spark for Salt Athletic—Rafael de la Vega’s patented cleat bag designed for the athlete who uses it and the parent who buys it. In this episode, Rafael shares how early missteps with PR, broad targeting, and hype burned cash, and how a hard pivot—economics first, accelerator support, and factory access in Mexico and India—turned the company around. A near
What It Really Takes to Launch a Handbag Brand 💼👜| Emily Blumenthal & Nancy Forman
Think launching a handbag brand is as easy as designing a pretty product? Think again. In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, we’re joined by industry expert Nancy Forman, whose decades of experience—from Bloomingdale’s to Accessory Think Tank—have made her a trusted voice in fashion strategy, manufacturing, and merchandising.Nancy doesn’t sugarcoat it. Today’s market demands much more than a gr
Scaling Smarter with Nicole Levy from Baikal Handbag Manufacturing | Emily Blumenthal & Nicole Levy
Ever wonder why some emerging handbag brands thrive while others stall before launch? In this episode, Nicole Levy of Baikal Handbag Manufacturing breaks down the real operations behind successful accessories brands—from timelines and tariffs to minimums, materials, and distribution strategy.Nicole explains why your first collection should be three or four tightly connected styles (not 15), how a
Dr. Jessica Quillin & The Power of Cohesive Luxury Brand Storytelling | Emily Blumenthal & Dr. Jessica Quillin
What if the real engine of modern luxury isn’t loud marketing—but meaning delivered consistently across every touchpoint? In this episode, Dr. Jessica Quillin, fashion strategist and PhD in 19th-century poetry, breaks down how elevated storytelling creates brands that feel unified on the site, in the feed, and in the store. She shares her journey from studying the philosophy of beauty to advising
🎙️ Carrying Craft and Clarity: How Adriana Castro Built a Lasting Brand | Emily Blumenthal & Adriana Castro
What if the secret to growth isn’t chasing the next trend—but carrying a dream with enough grit to outlast them? In this episode, Adriana Castro shares how she turned Colombian craftsmanship and business discipline into a timeless accessories brand. Leaving a safe corporate path for design school, she transformed professors into mentors and built her first collection—and its production—from the gr
🎙️ From Soho to Sustainability: How Steven Alan Built—and Rebuilt—a Lasting Brand | Emily Blumenthal & Steven Alan
What if the difference between a forgettable line and an enduring brand came down to a handful of details and a few brave decisions? In this episode, Steven Alan unpacks how a small Soho storefront became a global showroom, why discovery will always trump trade-show buying, and how clean distribution keeps both the magic and the margin intact. From recognizing Claire V’s voice in five self-sewn ba
Quitting Marc Jacobs to Create an Iconic Brand: The Story of Joy Gryson | Emily Blumenthal & Joy Gryson
What happens when you walk away from Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein—and bet on your own name instead? In this episode, Joy Gryson shares the bold pivot from corporate fashion to building a modern handbag brand that exploded in Korea and won a loyal global following.She reveals how consulting bridged the leap, why she and her husband chose small Italian workshops over legacy factories, and how a park
Clare V and The Art of Intentional Growth: Part 2 | Emily Blumenthal & Clare Vivier
Ever wonder what it takes to turn a small retail dream into a lasting fashion empire? Clare V, founder of her namesake brand, proves that steady growth, not viral fame, builds a real legacy. Starting with a 500-square-foot shop in Silver Lake, Clare turned local roots into a thriving retail network by prioritizing people over transactions. From matching a friend’s salary to open her first boutique
Inside NY Now: Why Wholesale Still Matters for Independent Designers 👜🛍️| Emily Blumenthal & Matthew Mathiasen
In an era dominated by DTC, what role do trade shows still play in building a fashion brand?In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, we sit down with Matthew Mathiasen, Show Director of NY Now, to unpack why wholesale isn’t just relevant—it’s essential for emerging accessory brands looking for long-term growth, especially now with The “It Bag x NY NOW” new program.With over 100 years of history, N
Inside the Handbag Machine: How Cathy Schwartz-Shino Defines Real Brand Power | Emily Blumenthal & Cathy Schwartz-Shino
Ever wonder why some handbags turn heads while others disappear into the crowd? Cathy Schwartz-Shino—veteran of major handbag licenses and founder of Edit Accordingly—pulls back the curtain on what truly makes a brand unforgettable: a strong identity, the right partnerships, and attention to detail. Today’s shopper doesn’t wait for department stores to declare what’s in; they chase meaning and ind
From Boutique Dreams to QVC Star: Dawn Del Russo’s Reinvention Story | Emily Blumenthal & Dawn Del Russo
For Dawn Del Russo, building a career in fashion has been a journey of resilience, adaptation, and staying true to herself. With just $10,000 in savings—partly from communion money she’d carefully saved—she launched Bella Dawn boutique without formal training, diving into trade shows and pricing with sheer determination and countless hours of research. A surprise feature on Fox Good Day New York b
Building Handbag Joy: How Peter Gryson Turned Vision Into a Global Label | Emily Blumenthal & Peter Gryson
Ever wonder how a personal story becomes a global brand? Peter Gryson, co-founder of Joy Gryson, shares his journey from corporate fashion to building a handbag label that stands out in a crowded market. From retail floors to a VP role at Calvin Klein, his path reveals how determination, adaptability, and vision can turn obstacles into opportunity."I wanted to be successful, and that became my
From Macy’s to QVC: Karen Giberson’s Accessories’ Journey | Emily Blumenthal & Karen Giberson
Ever wonder why it’s so hard to break into the accessories world? Karen Giberson, President of the Accessories Council, pulls back the curtain on an industry made up of specialized silos that rarely connect. From Macy’s competitive executive training program to navigating the stigma of QVC, her path shaped a mission to create meaningful connections across accessory categories."I’d rather put m
Julie Deane CBE: The Post-It on the Factory Wall to the Sale of The Cambridge Satchel Company Part 2 | Emily Blumenthal & Julie Deane
As we continue the journey of what it takes to build a luxury handbag brand from scratch the harsh realities of the industry, we pick up where we left off with Julie Deane, and her difficult choice to sell her company. This is precisely the thrilling journey Julie Deane, founder of the Cambridge Statue Company, unravels with us. We take a deep dive into the complex world of the handbag business, l
Julie Deane’s Tale from Kitchen Table to British Handbag Empire: The Creation of The Cambridge Satchel Company Part 1 | Emily Blumenthal & Julie Deane
“Have you ever wondered what it takes to create and scale a handbag brand? Quickly? Well, prepare to find out in this fascinating chat with our guest Julie Deane, the brains behind the Cambridge Satchel Company. Julie shares her journey from a humble start, fueled by her mother's support, to making a mark in the world of handbags, focusing on the satchel's practical appeal. Join us to expl
From Courtroom to Catwalk: Jimena Suarez’s Vegan Handbag Revolution | Emily Blumenthal & Jimena Suarez
What happens when an environmental lawyer trades the courtroom for the world of fashion? For Jimena Suarez, founder of From Sentient, it means creating vegan handbags that blend Mexican craftsmanship, innovative materials, and ethical values—without sacrificing style. Sixteen years after going vegan, she saw a gap in the market for beautiful, high-quality accessories that align with her values.Her
How Sujin Osatarayakul Builds Bags Like Buildings | Emily Blumenthal & Kazumi Takahashi & Sujin Osatarayakul
For Sujin, handbags aren’t sewn—they’re constructed. Trained as an architect, she approaches her brand, Elemood, with the same principles she’d apply to a building: structural integrity, simplicity, and form as function. With no fashion or sewing background, she pioneered designs like the Mono bag—crafted from a single piece of material—and the Expert, made from one repeated pattern, creating scul
How Odoba Turned Heritage Into a Handbag Brand | Emily Blumenthal & Odoba Nnani
For Odoba Nnani, building her brand became a masterclass in trusting instincts and weaving cultural heritage into every creation. Born in Nigeria and moving to the U.S. at eight through the visa lottery, she balanced family expectations with a growing creative drive. When the pandemic hit, she traded law school dreams for crafting accessories that blend beauty, function, and heritage.Her design ph
Motherhood Meets Handbags: The Story of Misenver | Emily Blumenthal & Shinyoung Park
What happens when you mix a mischievous spirit, versatile design, and a new baby? For Shinyoung Park, it led to the creation of Misenver —a handbag brand born at the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurial ambition.In this inspiring episode, Shinyoung shares her path from fashion school in Korea to working in LA’s clothing industry, and how pregnancy became the push to finally launch her ow
Healing Through Handbags: Chelli Look’s Journey of Creativity and Loss | Emily Blumenthal & Chelli Look
Chelli Look’s story is as inspiring as it is emotional. A self-taught designer since high school, she began making handbags after her sister challenged her to “figure it out yourself.” What started as a creative outlet became a livelihood—and later, a lifeline through unimaginable personal loss.In this moving episode, Chelli opens up about losing her best friend and business partner in a tragic ac
From Walmart Fabric to a Multi-Million Dollar Brand: Jessy Dover’s Bold Blueprint | Emily Blumenthal & Jessy Dover
When Jessy Dover sewed her own hot pink prom dress from Walmart fabric, she had no idea it would spark the vision for Dagne Dover—now one of the most functional (and stylish) handbag brands on the market.In this episode, Jessy shares her journey from Parsons to co-founding a powerhouse trio with Melissa Mash and Deepa Gandhi. From winning a Coach design competition with zero handbag experience to
What Really Makes an It Bag in 2026? Beth Goldstein Breaks It Down 🎒📊| Emily Blumenthal & Beth Goldstein
Think you know what defines an “It Bag”? Think again. In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Beth Goldstein, Executive Director of Footwear & Accessories at Circana, joins Emily Blumenthal to unpack how social media has transformed the handbag market—and why a $299 Trader Joe’s tote can now claim the title.From viral hits to lasting brands, Beth explains how today’s fragmented market is shif
From One Bag to a Global Brand: Rebecca Minkoff on Building Fashion That Lasts 👜🌍| Emily Blumenthal & Rebecca Minkoff
What does it take to turn one handbag into a worldwide fashion brand? In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Emily Blumenthal sits down with the iconic Rebecca Minkoff to unpack the journey from her first design to building an empire that changed the handbag industry forever.It all started with the Morning After Bag—a now-legendary design born from a chance encounter with actress Jenna Elfman an
What It Really Takes to Launch a Handbag Brand in 2024 💼👜| Emily Blumenthal & Nancy Forman
Think launching a handbag brand is as easy as designing a pretty product? Think again. In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, we’re joined by industry expert Nancy Forman, whose decades of experience—from Bloomingdale’s to Accessory Think Tank—have made her a trusted voice in fashion strategy, manufacturing, and merchandising.Nancy doesn’t sugarcoat it. Today’s market demands much more than a gr
How Kerri Quigley Built a Fashion Empire—One Kid at a Time 🧵✨| Emily Blumenthal & Kerri Quigley
What happens when an entrepreneurial spirit meets a passion for teaching? For Kerri Quigley, it led to The Fashion Class—a sewing and design school that’s igniting creativity and confidence in the next generation of makers.In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Kerri shares her incredible journey from launching an underwear line at 17 to building a thriving educational business with studios acro
Inside Clare V.: How a DIY Laptop Case Sparked a Handbag Empire 🧵👜 | Emily Blumenthal & Clare Vivier
In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, we dive into the story of Clare Vivier, the founder behind the effortlessly cool handbag brand Clare V.—a name synonymous with California style and functional fashion. What began as a side hustle crafting chic laptop cases has grown into a nationwide brand with 14 retail locations and a cult following.Clare shares how her business was born out of necessity
How Monica Botkier Turned a Side Hustle into a Handbag Legend 🔥👜| Emily Blumenthal & Monica Botkier
Before every influencer had a brand and every bag had a waitlist, there was the Botkier Trigger Bag—an iconic design that redefined what it meant to blend fashion and function. In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Monica Botkier joins us to share the real story behind one of the most game-changing handbag brands of the early 2000s—and how she’s evolving her vision for a new generation.Monica d
Inside NY Now: Why Wholesale Still Matters for Independent Designers 👜🛍️| Emily Blumenthal & Matthew Mathiasen
In an era dominated by DTC, what role do trade shows still play in building a fashion brand?In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, we sit down with Matthew Mathiasen, Show Director of NY Now, to unpack why wholesale isn’t just relevant—it’s essential for emerging accessory brands looking for long-term growth, especially now with The “It Bag x NY NOW” new program.With over 100 years of history, N
From Street Interviews to Red Carpets: How @TheeFashionMix Became Fashion's Digital Insider 🎤👠| Emily Blumenthal & Michaela “Ms. Mix” Cacho-Negrete
What does it really take to go from fashion fan to front-row reporter in today’s content-saturated world?Michaela Mix Caccia Negrete—better known as Ms. Mix of The Fashion Mix—proves that bold moves and relentless hustle still open doors. After being rejected from nearly 70 NYFW shows, she didn’t turn around—she turned up. With a mic in hand and street-style savvy, she interviewed celebs like Addi
From Ghost Designer to Brand Builder: How Karen Cardoso Created Bolsa Nova 👜🇮🇹 | Emily Blumenthal & Karen Cardoso
What happens when you walk away from decades of designing for other people—and finally bet on yourself?Karen Cardoso spent 30 years behind the scenes designing handbags for household names like Jessica Simpson and Franco Sarto. But when tariffs upended her production plans, she didn’t fold—she pivoted. That moment sparked the creation of Bolsa Nova and introduced her to the magic of Italian wash l
Luxury with a Past Life: How Evey Amery Built a Global Pre-Loved Handbag Empire ♻️👜 | Emily Blumenthal and Evey Amery
Step into the booming world of pre-loved designer handbags with Evey Amery, founder of EveysPreLoved, the London-based luxury consignment business redefining what “sustainable fashion” really means. 💼✨From Chanel and Hermès to Fendi and beyond, Evey brings transparency, trust, and TV-presenter polish to a market where condition and authenticity are everything. What started as a side hustle while h
Reimagining Leather: How Gen Phoenix is Transforming Waste into the Future of Luxury 🧪♻️| Emily Blumenthal and Elyse Winer
Join Elyse Winer of Gen Phoenix as she reveals the groundbreaking technology turning discarded leather waste into high-performance recycled materials used by Coach, Dr. Martens, and more. 🌍👜Since 2007, Gen Phoenix has diverted over 10,000 tons of leather from landfills using a patented process that creates sustainable leather with 80% less carbon—without sacrificing durability, feel, or style. 💥💼💡
Making Luxury Bags in America with GiGi New York’s Tom Glazer and Alexia Nelson 👜✨| Emily Blumenthal & Tom Glazer and Alexia Nelson
Join Tom Glazer and Alexia Nelson, the leadership behind Graphic Image and GiGi New York, as they reveal how they transformed a specialized bookbinding company into a thriving luxury handbag brand—all while proudly keeping production 100% American. 🇺🇸💼With smart pivots during the 2009 recession and a bold embrace of modern retail strategies like drop-shipping, Tom and Alexia share how they built a
Elyce Arons from Crafting Kate Spade to Launching Frances Valentine | Emily Blumenthal & Elyce Arons
✨ A re-release of one of our favorite episodes! Step into the heart of New York’s fashion legacy with Elyce Arons, co-founder of Kate Spade and Frances Valentine, as she shares the remarkable story behind one of the most iconic handbag brands of all time. 👜💫 From rural Kansas roots to building a global fashion empire alongside her best friend, the late Katie Brosnahan (aka Kate Spade), this episod
From Ziplocs to Luxury: The Hudson Bleeker Journey | Emily Blumenthal & Eram Siddiqui
What started with plastic grocery bags and Ziplocs sparked a travel accessory empire. Eram Siddiqui turned personal frustration into the polished, fashion-forward brand Hudson+Bleecker—now carried by Nordstrom, Revolve, and QVC. Her journey from sewing with her mom to sourcing manufacturers in China is a testament to grit, adaptability, and style-first problem solving.Takeaway Points1. Persistence
From Saks to Startups: Marketing That Sells with Ernest Moore🎯🛍️ | Emily Blumenthal & Ernest Moore
Step into the world of fashion marketing with Ernest Moore, of Moore Marketing & PR, a seasoned pro who’s worked with top PR agencies and retail giants like Macy’s and Saks. In this must-hear episode, Ernest unpacks the biggest marketing mistakes emerging designers make—and how to get real results without wasting time or money. 💸✨With honest advice and real-world stories, Ernest challenges des
Evolve or Perish: Retail Insights with Bernadette Giacomazzo 👜✨| Emily Blumenthal & Bernadette Giacomazzo
What happens when brands fail to adapt? Journalist Bernadette Giacomazzo breaks it down, sharing why evolution is essential for survival in today’s retail landscape. From Blockbuster vs. Netflix to the rise of secondhand shopping and upcycling, this episode dives into the shifts shaping fashion and retail. 🌿📈💡 Key Takeaways:🔹 Adapt to Survive: Why evolving with consumer behavior is non-negotiable.
Mastering Venture Capital with Rachel Johnson 💼✨| Emily Blumenthal & Rachel Johnson
Step behind the scenes of venture capital funding with Rachel Johnson, co-founder of J&O Law Firm and founder of Ami Health. With a decade of experience guiding high-growth companies, Rachel shares her dual insights as an attorney and founder, offering invaluable advice for entrepreneurs navigating the world of funding. 📈💡💡 Key Takeaways:🔹 Is Venture Funding Right for You? Not every business n
Branding, Storytelling & Handbag Success with Idalia Salsamendi 👜✨ | Emily Blumenthal & Idalia Salsamendi
Step into the world of fashion, strategy & storytelling with industry powerhouse Idalia Salsamendi! From PR to fashion leadership, Idalia shares the must-know fundamentals of branding, competition, and consumer demands—especially in sustainability. 🌿✨💡 Key Takeaways:🔹 Brand Identity Matters: Understanding your niche & standing out.🔹 Creativity Meets Business: Turning handbag dreams into re
40+ Years of Handbag Mastery with Frank LaMendola 👜✨| Emily Blumenthal & Frank LaMendola
Step into the world of timeless design & craftsmanship with legendary handbag designer Frank LaMendola! With over four decades in the industry, Frank shares insights on fashion’s cyclical nature and today’s shift toward understated luxury & quality. 🔄✨Frank also reveals plans for his new handbag brand, built on quality craftsmanship that resonates with today’s consumers. Whether you're
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