Purse Page Exclusive: 5 Questions for Kooba Designer, Abbe Held
Filed Under: Interviews, Other designer Handbags
By: Mariana L.
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Mariana Leung has been interviewing some designers of handbag collections for a series called “5 Questions for…”.
The first designer who she was able to work with was
Abbe Held, the designer and co-founder of
Kooba, which Purse Page has numerous posts on.
Mariana L: What exciting things will we see this Fall?
Abbe H: This fall - you can find our very popular Elisha and Devin bow bags in rich jewel tone patent leathers which I love and we are introducing a new soft pleated version of our Natasha bag in beautiful metallic leathers and great basic deep tones. This fall is all about mixing fun colors and luxurious leathers with great easy shapes that you can wear day into night.
Mariana L: I read that your early inspirations for handbags came from collecting vintage pieces and hardware. What is the favorite piece in your collection?
Abbe H: Vintage shopping is a passion of mine that I inherited from my mom Bonnie, who co-founded the company with me nine years ago. She’s taught me how to scour every corner to find that special piece. My favorite piece is an amethyst satin pouch that I found while shopping at a flea market in St Tropez.
Mariana L: Kooba fans are unique and strong women. Which celebrities do you count as muses?
Abbe H: This is a hard question because there are so many women whose style I admire and appreciate. Kate Moss, Charlize Theron, Sienna Miller, Gwyneth Paltrow and Blake Lively just to name a few……
Hayden Panettiere with the Kooba Elisha Shoulder Tote
Mariana L: Your success came pretty quickly for a young collection. Any hiccups did you experience along the way as a result of that?
Abbe H: I don’t think I can remember a day when we haven’t had any hiccups. But that’s all part of the challenge and excitement of owning and growing your own business. Luckily, I have a brilliant team of very dedicated women working with me and we have been able to face each problem and get through them together hopefully learning something new along the way.
Mariana L: How many packs of gum can fit into a “Hope” clutch?
Abbe H: I guess it depends on the gum…..I am a big red fan so I guess about 5 which still leaves me room for my blackberry
Mariana L: Thanks Abbe! Can’t wait to shop the new collection!
Purse Page Exclusive: 5 Questions for Kooba Designer, Abbe Held
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