The Purse Page’s Mariana Leung visited the design studio of handbag and Jewelry designer Kara Ross for a Fashion Week sneak peek. The designer hosted a lovely breakfast as a little sanctuary away from the Bryant park tents in her showroom. Coming up for Fall and Holiday of 2010, the designer presented some luxurious clutches in python, metallic treated skins and stingray. Many of the bags had her signature jeweled closures.

One of my favorite groups, were the bags with the whip handles. Eat your heart out horse-bit Gucci, the handles on these bags are intricately braided soft leather like the classic horseback riding tool. These bags are also Ms. Ross’s favorite this season too.

A visit to the actual design studio was refreshing. As expected, there were containers and containers of trims, stones, hardware and skins for inspiration and color. However, I also expected a large office where timid assistants come running in to do her bidding. Instead, Kara’s humble desk is in a corner of a large room with her team at similar desks around her, with a central work table in the center.

Also in the works for Kara Ross, is an upcoming collaboration with good friend Tory Burch. The designers are soon to debut a collection of jewelry inspired by a one-of-a-kind piece made for Tory featuring a variation on a classic evil eye motif.

posted: February 22nd, 2010
category: Fashion News, Interviews, Other designer Handbags
comments: 1 Comment

Bulga founder Natalia Konovalova is a former model turned handbag designer in New York City. Her collection embodies simplicity, function and a little bit of edgy styling to make them the perfect go-to bags for all occasions. As a hard-working woman in the fashion industry, Natalia wanted to create a bag that was lightweight (hurray!) and reasonably priced without sacrificing luxury. Magazines like Vogue, Elle and People certainly took notice, as well as celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Jessica Simpson. Mariana Leung of the Purse Page caught Ms. Konovalova right before the holidays to ask her a few questions:

Mariana L: Which bag from your holiday collection is your personal favorite this season?

Natalia Konovalova: I love 9383 style – very roomy, and easy to care around – I like our travel size 9418 style and much much more, our entire line based on things that you need when you live love or travel.

ML: Do you think your past work experience as a model has shaped your approach to designing differently from someone with a more traditional path to handbag design?

NK: In some ways it did, I worked for Alberta Ferretti , Narciso Rodriquez this names synonymous with quality , style, luxury , there for I set the same standards for BULGA,

ML: Who are your personal style icons in fashion?

NK: Berkin, Bianca Jaeger, Charlize Theron, Chloe Sevigny – I have huge admiration for girls that that has class yet can push boundaries of personal style.

ML: Your company is a relatively young one, but achieved a large amount of recognition and success quickly. What factors do you think helped contribute to that? What are the things you did “right” ?

NK: We had no weekends and worked around the clock, stay focused.

ML: What are you wearing for New Year’s Eve and what are your 2010 style resolutions?

NK: it’s too far away to think about – I’m leaving today.

ML: Thank you Natalia!

posted: January 11th, 2010
category: Interviews, Other designer Handbags
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The Purse Page’s Mariana Leung visited the design studio and showroom of Kooba and designer Abbe Held to take a peek at this season’s hottest handbags:
The design room walls were draped in colors upon textures of leather swatches. Lauren, a member of the design team was applying antiqued studs by hand to a leather piece at her desk. Photos were not allowed as the concepts being worked on in this room were in the very early stages for next Spring 2010, and many of the staff had not even been allowed in the design room yet! While some of the staff apologized for the messy state of the room, it actually had a gloriously creative, busy quality. (It was also much neater than my design studio ever is).
I was led into the showroom upstairs. The collections of bags were artfully arranged in a well-lit room to show off their textures at their best angle. Abbe Held, the design director of Kooba entered the showroom looking refreshed, if a bit camera-shy.

The fall collection showed studded styles in rich, deep hues of forest green and eggplant. Abbe’s favorite of this collection was the Alex bag in eggplant. For holiday, brighter colors of red, etc.

My personal favorite out of this group were the Jagger pieces. Well placed zippers allowed the bags to open up into different silhouettes in unexpected ways, and adding practical additional volume to boot.
The Kooba creation story tells of Abbe’s relationship with her mother, who founded the company with her. She warmly describes her mother as muse, partner and “best friend”. What most people don’t know is that her eight year old daughter is also starting to put in her creative opinion and is Mom’s biggest fan.
What is ahead for spring 2010? The Kooba team is working with neutrals, ruffle details and fabric treatments for when the weather thaws out.
Thanks for inviting the Purse Page to visit Abbe!

posted: November 16th, 2009
category: Interviews, Other designer Handbags
comments: 1 Comment

Kara Ross founded her luxury accessories company in 2003.  As a certified GIA gemologist, she has used her in depth knowledge of precious materials to create the luxe handbags and jewelry that have become a favorite of celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Ellen Pompeo and Reese Witherspoon.

When you pick up a Kara Ross handbag, you can expect to find everything from rare exotic skins to polished gems as a feature.  Ms. Ross took some time out of her busy schedule this week to answer the Purse Page’s five questions…

Mariana Leung:  Which handbag from your collection is your personal favorite this season?

Kara Ross:  I love our new Nero clutch in black velvet with gold hardware. It dresses up my outfit whether I’m going to a downtown dinner to a fancy gala. The Nero is the perfect bag for a fashionable woman on the go who needs to look modern & chic yet still have room for necessities!

ML:  I have read that you have a love vintage fashion? Is there a particular era or designer whose work you would call a favorite?

KR:  I love vintage clothing. I think the word “vintage” is thrown around casually; to me good vintage is from quite a few years back! A few designers I love are Bonnie Cashin, vintage Pucci, Schiaparelli, Courreges, Halston, Zandra Rhodes, Mary McFadden and Geoffrey Beene.

ML:  Your collection has always been about luxury and superior quality. You have a reputation for choosing the best exotic skins, gems and artisans to make your product. With the current economy, have you had to work or design differently to adjust for the changing market?

KR:  Originally I had planned on making bags in Italy. I flew to Florence for a day and a half to interview different manufactures for hardware and bags. However in 2006 the value of the dollar went down as the price of oil (shipping) went up. It became unfeasible to produce abroad so we began to seek out local New York manufacturers who winded up being as good, if not better than the Italians.  Producing the bags in New York versus overseas gives us complete quality control. Since they are made here we are able to be involved in the whole process. We see every skin, every piece of hardware. Also, since there is no time lapse it gives us the flexibility to keep our designs current. We also launched the boutique line in 2006. Offering the same aesthetic as our fine jewelry line but, the boutique line has captured both press and praise for its affordable yet high fashion style.

ML:  You cited a trip to Africa as the inspiration of one your first jewelry designs. Do you get a lot of creative influence from your travels? What culture or locale has been a recent muse?

KR:  This year I was on a boat trip to Corsica. I was widely inspired by the abundant vegetation of the island and the surrounding Mediterranean, Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Sea. While scuba diving I came across the most beautiful starfish. Immediately I knew I wanted to design one for the Spring Summer 2009 Collection.

ML:  As a certified gemologist used to demanding the best of the best from your vendors, were romantic suitors ever intimidated when it came time to buy you a gift?

KR:  It was always assumed I would make my own engagement ring because
I started out making tons of diamond engagement rings for clients. When my husband asked me to marry him he knew that I would find the best diamonds! We then went together to pick out the stone (a cushion shaped diamond) and then I made the setting. Its a few strands of very thin platinum wire twisted together. I love it and wouldn’t trade it for the world! Thankfully he loves it too!

ML:  Thank you Kara!

posted: August 6th, 2009
category: Interviews, Other designer Handbags
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Italian born Leonello Borghi is a master designer of elegant, refined, and functional handbags.  Before putting his own name to a signature collection, his resume included working with Prada, Ralph Lauren and the Wathne group.   His luxurious bags are a favorite of celebrities like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.  (One chinchilla style ended up as one of the most controversial styles covered on the Purse Page.  Fans both loved and hated the combination).  The designer’s use of luxurious and rare materials may not be on the shopping lists of some activists, but the handbags strike a stunning note all the same.   

Purse Page’s Mariana Leung was able to ask the designer a few questions about his winter plans…

Mariana L: What do you think is the hottest Holiday gift item from your collection this season?
Leonello Borghi :  The Jay Bag that I designed for the “Strictly 4 Barneys NY” series in black Tibetan Fur. It’s big, chic and bold. Perfect for the fearless person on your list.

ML: What is on your personal fantasy wish list this year?
LB: My biggest wish came true when Obama won the election. Anything after that is cherry on top!

ML: What gift would you recommend for someone to buy who has $25 or under to spend?
LB: You can never go wrong with chocolate chip cookies from Petrossian. The best in town!

 ML:  Do you have a charity or special cause you work with for the holidays? 
LB: I do have a charity that is dear to my heart and that is St Jude Children Hospital.

ML:  What celebrity would you love to get pick for your Secret Santa? What would you, (or will you) get for them as a gift? 
LB:  Tilda Swinton just so I can give her one of my bags. The Jay bag would be perfect for her! ML Thanks Leonello!  Have a fabulous holiday!

posted: December 16th, 2008
category: Interviews, Other designer Handbags
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Tinsley Mortimer is one of Manhattan’s most celebrated and hard-working socialites. The New York City ‘It’ girl was sought by Japanese handbag label, Samantha Thavasa to bring her sophisticated style to the collection. In designing the celebrity-loved line, Tinsley set out to create bags that would reflect her style and she would truly wear. She grew up in Richmond, VA before moving to New York City to study at Columbia University. She is a descendant of both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, making her the ultimate ‘All-American’ girl. A former ranked tennis player, she soon went to work for Vogue magazine after graduating college and then onto other fashion industry opportunities.Gossip Girl fans got to watch the style maker this season, playing herself at Hampton’s fete. The Purse Page caught the designer between engagements for a quick interview:

Mariana Leung, Pursepage.com: What pieces from your collection are you most excited about this season?
Tinsley Mortimer: I love the Travis bag!! It is a small clutch that is covered in animal print with gold trim. When I was designing it, I thought of the little gold minaudiere my mom used to carry in the 80′s. The Travis bag has a little 80′s looking chain too so you can wear it over your shoulder, which I think looks really chic. I also love the Lily clutch. It is really soft and can hold everything. I did it in gold, gun metal, and a fun bright orange.

ML: Many people consider you a modern style icon. Who in your life inspires you as a fashion role model or acts as a muse for your collection?
T.M.: A lot of people inspire me; from young actresses like Sienna Miller, to friends like Lauren Santo Domingo, and Eleanor Ylivisaker, to Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, to my mom. I pick up on details that I like from lots of people. Mostly, I concentrate on designing pieces that I myself would like to have in my own closet. I design bags that I would love to carry and make sense for me and my lifestyle. If I stick to that, then I am always happy with the outcome.

   
M.L.: In addition to designing a high-profile handbag line and multi-tasking through other business ventures, you are recognized for supporting several charities. Which one of your causes do you feel closest to?
T.M.: There are so many amazing charities in New York. I love and work closely with New Yorkers for Children and Operation Smile. I recently created a lip gloss called Tinsley Pink with Dior and a portion of the proceeds were donated to Operation Smile.

M.L.: The Purse Page has a lot of Gossip Girl fans. Did you find that your cameo this season as art imitating life? Do you have any ‘behind-the-scenes’ anecdotes about the cast?
T.M.: It was such an honor to have been asked to play myself on GG!! I was beyond flattered!! Everyone was so kind and amazing!! I had hair and makeup in the trailer with Blake Lively who was just adorable and so fun. Her little precious dog was in there too (I think her name is Penny). I had the best time and was just thrilled that they thought of me!!

M.L.: What are your plans and what will you dress up as for Halloween?
T.M.: Halloween is my favorite Holiday!! I love to dress up!! This year I am going as Dorothy from the Wizard of OZ. I have a really cute, short blue and white gingham dress. I am going to braid my hair with 2 big bows, and of course I’ll wear one of my favorite pairs of Mary Janes!!

M.L.: Thank you Tinsley! Enjoy the holiday!

posted: October 29th, 2008
category: Interviews, Other designer Handbags
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New Yorker Monica Botkier first made her name in the industry as a photographer for magazines like Surface and Mademoiselle.  Soon, her busy and creative lifestyle inspired her to create accessories to suit her needs.  Her collection soon gained cult status, gathering fans among shoppers and celebrities alike.  Heidi Klum, Angelina Jolie and Joy Bryant have been spotted with a Botkier bag in tow.   The Botkier collection identifies itself as “An independent brand that marries luxury with utility”. The company is celebrated their five-year anniversary by launching an extensive shoe collection.  The designer took some time out of her busy schedule to participate in Purse Page’s “5 Questions” series:  

Mariana Leung, PursePage.com:  What pieces from the Fall Collection are your personal favorites?

Monica Botkier: The Morgan fringe Hobo, The Heather boots and for evening, the Gemma clutch.

ML:      With your background as a photographer, do you feel that you approach handbag design differently than designers with a conventional product design background?  Do you consider how the purse will photograph?

MB:      My approach is free from that of conventional designers. I think about the overall story of a woman’s life and her moments when she is wearing a Botkier bag or shoe. I enjoy photographing our campaigns but no, I design the accessories in 3D; reality!

ML:      Tons of cash-strapped fans rejoiced when your collaboration with Target was announced.  What were the main challenges of translating your trend-setting style and quality into a mass-market price point?

MB:      PVC was the major challenge. Simply put, it doesn’t have the beautiful hand that leather does and is such an integral part of our handbags. We take quality so seriously and it was hard to relinquish that “control”.

ML:      I have read that a major inspiration for your first collection was a desire to create the perfect handbag for yourself.  Are there any other celebrities whose lifestyle or look act as your muse?  

MB:      Not directly. I do love Joy Bryant- she happens to be a friend and at one point we designed a group for Fall 2007 called the “Bryant” which was really bohemian cool.

ML:      Many people find your bags sexy and edgy, in fact some men found the ‘Bianca’ Satchel particularly “voluptuous”  : )   Do you purposely try to inject some sex appeal into your collection?

MB:      I guess it’s somewhere in my mind all the time!

ML:      Thanks Monica!

Visit Botkier at Botkier.com

posted: September 30th, 2008
category: Interviews, Other designer Handbags
comments: 1 Comment

Hayden Panettiere with the Dylan Large Speedy

Andrew Cotton, VP & Creative Director for Linea Pelle

Linea Pelle originated as a high-end belt company which expanded into handbags and other accessories.  They are known for their luxurious Italian leathers, brass hardware and novelty details.  Open up a magazine and you will find that they are a perennial favorite among stylists and A-list celebrities.  Some celebrities, like Lauren Conrad, are such fans that they jump in to collaborate on a collection with them themselves. Andrew Cotton is the Vice President and Creative Director for Linea Pelle.  Under his direction, he has made the label into a lifestyle brand known for cutting edge design.

I was lucky enough to be able to ask him a few questions for Purse Page about what makes this collection tick:

Mariana Leung, PursePage.com:  Which pieces from the handbag collection in Fall 08 are your personal favorites?

Andrew Cotton, Linea Pelle:  So hard to say! The Fall Dylans of course are on fire! There are great new shapes for Fall, especially the Tote with its roomy pockets inside and out. Also because the  Dylans are washed after construction, they have an amazing hand feel and are lightweight. The Dylan Croco’s are great too because these are made of washed Italian lambskin with our own hand embossed crocodile pattern which makes these like butter! And the colors are awesome! My next favorite is Samantha! Although there are only 2 styles here in washed Italian lambskin-it’s so rock n roll and chic! They have wrapped leather pyramid studs which give these a great downtown vibe and edge!

 
Lauren Conrad with the LC Clutch

ML:  Linea Pelle accessories seem to be a big favorite among the Hollywood set.  Did you have any special celebrity muses in mind when you created this season’s collection?

AC: Actually not so much in the way of muses before designing, but after we design product sometimes I think “This bag would look great on so and so!” The same with out belts-after we receive gorgeous samples & the girls try everything on, everyone always has an opinion like “ Lindsay Lohan would love this!”  Or “Oprah-this is so her!”,  or this is “so runway!”-so we have fun with it for sure!

ML:  Most of the general public doesn’t know how much work goes into creating the perfect purse.  How many people on your team does it take to bring a great handbag from concept to finish?

AC: To build anything great it takes a team! I start with thumbnail sketches to flesh out some ideas and then go to a life-size pattern I whip up and make measurements, decide trims, like hardware and finish,and we have to send color swatches to the Italian tanneries so they can start dying and submit leather skins for color approval. Then I create spec sheets which have all the details captured in one place and these get sent to a sample maker. After a round or two of samples, with corrections, multiple copies get made in a mini production line which is great because you get to work out all the technical kinks and refine the make and details before it gets to the actual production stage. Then we receive many handbags, clutches or small leather goods which are salesman samples, which are exactly what they sound like. Our sales reps and international distributors then make appointments on the road, or in our showroom, their showroom or at a trade show and present the line to boutiques and department stores. And even after that, we still need to have orders compiled and written and sent to factories, which by the way we need to reserve actual production time a year in advance! So it is a tedious process which is highly rewarding every step of the way as you get immediate gratification. The product touches many hands to get created, so it takes a little village for an amazing handbag!

Denise Richards with the Dylan Croco Shoulder Bag

ML:  Your personal background in accessories, textiles and home furnishings is pretty extensive.  What initially drew you to choose this sector of the industry rather than the typical fashion path of women’s clothing?

AC: There have always been so many labels and after a while you see so much of the same in apparel. I guess the same could be true with accessories, BUT there are SO many accessories you can chose from like shoes or handbags, jewelry  or hats and so on. The beauty of it all is that women always want a little something new and if you cannot afford an entire new look, you can definitely afford a handbag or a headband or a pair of shoes and change your entire look.

ML:  Where is the strangest place you have ever seen someone use a Linea Pelle Belt?

AC: That’s funny! We’ve seen some of the wider LP belts or sashes used as impromptu bustiers, even chokers! I think one of the most creative uses though was when we met a detective who loved our belts so much she used one as holster for her gun…on her thigh.  Seriously! Talk about the fashion police!!

ML: Great Andrew, Thanks so much!

Click here to visit Linea Pelle

posted: September 23rd, 2008
category: Celebrity Purses, Interviews, Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

Rebecca Minkoff handbags have been seen on the arms of many a celebrity.  Jessica Simpson, Hilary Duff and Katherine Heigl can be counted as fans.  Born in San Diego, she originally began designing clothing at the age of 18, which led to formal fashion training at FIT.  Her transformation into handbag superstar began when actress Jenna Elfman asked her to design what was to become her famous “Morning After” bag for her movie. During an extremely busy Fashion Week in NY, the designer graciously gave the Purse Page some time for our “5 Questions” interview series…

Mariana Leung, Pursepage.com:  What fabulous things are we going to see from Rebecca Minkoff for Fall and Holiday?

Rebecca Minkoff: Look out for a great heart compact that comes out as a gift with purchase and the fabulous Minkettes line of wallets to debut.

ML:  East Coast vs. West Coast… Do you find that there is a difference in what women buy? … And which side do you really call home these days?

RM: I find that women on the west coast get more dressed up during the day vs. NY women, we have to walk everywhere so it make our outfits a little bit more practical. I call NYC home

ML:  I love that your handbags all have a playful or surprise detail. Whether that’s a pop color, funky trim or photo of a mystery guy with his phone number inside. Your purses definitely have a little edge to them. What (or who?) inspires your sense of humor in creating these pieces?

RM: My friends, their stories and my best friend, stylist Ilaria Urbinati  

ML:  I’ve read that you were originally trained in dance. Do you find that the discipline from that prepared you in any way for the challenges of succeeding in the fashion industry?

RM: YES! It prepared me to work hard, have tough skin and to be persistent.

ML:  Will there ever be a “Walk of Shame” bag to follow up the “Morning After” bag?   What would that look like?

RM: Hah! No, that name is a little too crass even for the RM girl…

ML:  Thanks a lot Rebecca!  I can’t wait to shop!

Shop at Rebecca Minkoff.com

posted: September 15th, 2008
category: Interviews, Rebecca Minkoff Handbags
comments: No Comments

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!

posted: August 16th, 2008
category: Interviews, Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments