Shows
Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsStory Over Specs: Wale Sanni on Founder-Led Luxury and Hero Bags | Emily Blumenthal & Wale SanniWhat 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 good and a brand that lives rent-free in your head.We pull apart The Row as a live case study in anti-scale strategy, then map how Gen Z gravit...
2025-12-2339 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsPurpose in Every Stitch: Mercado Global’s Ethical Accessories | Emily Blumenthal & Fabiola Bercasa Beckman and Ruth Álvarez-DeGoliaHeritage 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, while embedding impact into the product—not a hangtag. This is a blueprint for ethical, beautiful accessories that customers want and that provide real income for the women who make them.✨ 3 Takeaways• Ethical fashion must compete on design and price — Impact on...
2025-12-1633 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsHow Salt Athletic Became the Cleat Bag Athletes Want (and Parents Trust) | Emily Blumenthal & Rafael de la VegaA 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-dead runway led to a bold performance-ad strategy that paid for itself, and a key insight reshaped everything: the user is the player, but the buyer is the parent.Rafael b...
2025-12-0932 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsWhat It Really Takes to Launch a Handbag Brand 💼👜| Emily Blumenthal & Nancy FormanThink 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 great idea—it requires a plan, a factory, and a deep understanding of your customer before you even produce your first bag. From hidden development costs to managing trade show expectations, her insights are a...
2025-12-0237 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsScaling Smarter with Nicole Levy from Baikal Handbag Manufacturing | Emily Blumenthal & Nicole LevyEver 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 repeatable signature builds brand recognition faster than trends, and why military olive is this season’s sleeper hit. She walks through the production ladder that actually works—sample domestically, run 10-piece U.S. test batches, then move core colors to ~15...
2025-11-2541 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsDr. Jessica Quillin & The Power of Cohesive Luxury Brand Storytelling | Emily Blumenthal & Dr. Jessica QuillinWhat 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 global fashion houses, revealing how emotions become experiences—and how experiences become communities that buy, return, and advocate.Jessica takes us through the post-pandemic clutter of beautiful but disjointed brand moments: e-commerce that doesn’...
2025-11-1838 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry Icons🎙️ Carrying Craft and Clarity: How Adriana Castro Built a Lasting Brand | Emily Blumenthal & Adriana CastroWhat 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 ground up in Barranquilla. Adriana breaks down her hybrid strategy of pairing indigenous natural fibers with noble, long-lasting materials, and how stewardship programs like “certificates of adoption” can give accessories deeper meaning and legacy.The conver...
2025-11-1141 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry Icons🎙️ From Soho to Sustainability: How Steven Alan Built—and Rebuilt—a Lasting Brand | Emily Blumenthal & Steven AlanWhat 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 bags to cultivating independent designers who’d later define the modern accessories space, Steven shares how instinct, restraint, and precision build brands that last.He also gets candid about scaling too...
2025-11-0442 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsQuitting Marc Jacobs to Create an Iconic Brand: The Story of Joy Gryson | Emily Blumenthal & Joy GrysonWhat 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 meetup with Steven Alan unlocked their sales pipeline. From the “It Bag” craze to mastering retail math and international strategy, Joy offers the real roadmap for scaling withou...
2025-10-2849 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsClare V and The Art of Intentional Growth: Part 2 | Emily Blumenthal & Clare VivierEver 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 to hosting in-store events and community-driven experiences, she redefined what modern brick-and-mortar can be—authentic, intentional, and profitable.Her strategic discipline is what sets her apart. Clare walks us through how...
2025-10-2137 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsInside NY Now: Why Wholesale Still Matters for Independent Designers 👜🛍️| Emily Blumenthal & Matthew MathiasenIn 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, NY Now has evolved from a traditional gift show to a curated marketplace where boutiques and innovative designers connect. Matthew explains how specialty retailers are becoming b...
2025-10-1442 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsInside the Handbag Machine: How Cathy Schwartz-Shino Defines Real Brand Power | Emily Blumenthal & Cathy Schwartz-ShinoEver 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 individuality. Whether it’s vintage, upcycled, or a fresh new silhouette, Cathy explains how licensing, royalties, and cohesive design DNA separate authentic brands from imitators. Her message is clear: success isn’t about copying luxury—it’s about ownin...
2025-10-0739 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom Boutique Dreams to QVC Star: Dawn Del Russo’s Reinvention Story | Emily Blumenthal & Dawn Del RussoFor 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 brought her first big sales surge, along with a crash course in scaling without infrastructure.When broadcast opportunities began competing with her retail business, Dawn made the tough decision to close her beloved boutiq...
2025-09-3035 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsBuilding Handbag Joy: How Peter Gryson Turned Vision Into a Global Label | Emily Blumenthal & Peter GrysonEver 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 objective." That drive fueled Peter’s rise—and later, the creation of Joy Gryson with his wife, Joy. Together, they built a brand rooted in design passion, sharp market awareness, and an a...
2025-09-2354 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom Macy’s to QVC: Karen Giberson’s Accessories’ Journey | Emily Blumenthal & Karen GibersonEver 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 my product in the trash than sell it to you." That early rejection in television retail revealed the uphill battle Karen faced—but also pushed her toward building the Council, where for over two deca...
2025-09-1637 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsJulie Deane CBE: The Post-It on the Factory Wall to the Sale of The Cambridge Satchel Company Part 2 | Emily Blumenthal & Julie DeaneAs 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, learning about the trials of selling, the betrayal of manufacturers, and the courage it took for Julie to take control and become her own manufacturer. This story of...
2025-09-0926 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsJulie 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 explore her intriguing life, living between Cambridge and the West Coast of Wales, where her garden's quince tree has become a community hub.The conversation takes a twist as Julie of...
2025-09-021h 04Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom Courtroom to Catwalk: Jimena Suarez’s Vegan Handbag Revolution | Emily Blumenthal & Jimena SuarezWhat 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 path took her from advocating for gender equality and animal rights to studying social entrepreneurship at Berkeley, where From Sentient took root. Today, her brand redefines sustainable luxury through thoughtful design and artisan collaboration.Key Ta...
2025-08-2632 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsHow Sujin Osatarayakul Builds Bags Like Buildings | Emily Blumenthal & Kazumi Takahashi & Sujin OsatarayakulFor 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 sculptural pieces unlike anything in the market.After a decade of success, Sujin nearly walked away from her business—until an Italian brand strategist and Japanese designer Kasumi reignited her vision. Now, their partnership bl...
2025-08-1925 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsHow Odoba Turned Heritage Into a Handbag Brand | Emily Blumenthal & Odoba NnaniFor 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 philosophy? A great bag works anywhere—sweatpants to store runs, dressed up for church, or taken to a club. Versatility, paired with leather linings, magnetic closures, and thoughtful craftsmanship, transforms each piece into functional ar...
2025-08-1233 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsMotherhood Meets Handbags: The Story of Misenver | Emily Blumenthal & Shinyoung ParkWhat 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 own brand. With Misenver priced in the $200–$300 range, she’s found the perfect sweet spot between fast fashion and luxury, creating simple, versatile silhouettes paired with playful touches like her signature bunny sun...
2025-08-0530 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsHealing Through Handbags: Chelli Look’s Journey of Creativity and Loss | Emily Blumenthal & Chelli LookChelli 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 accident, and how creating bags became her meditative way to process grief. Her journey, captured in the documentary Dawn Dusk, shows the power of creativity as both healing and self-discovery.💡 Key...
2025-07-2930 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom Walmart Fabric to a Multi-Million Dollar Brand: Jessy Dover’s Bold Blueprint | Emily Blumenthal & Jessy DoverWhen 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 building a company culture where feedback actually works, Jesse proves that scrappy beats perfect—and color is anything but soft.💡 Key TakeawaysSolve real problems first—t...
2025-07-2248 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsWhat Really Makes an It Bag in 2026? Beth Goldstein Breaks It Down 🎒📊| Emily Blumenthal & Beth GoldsteinThink 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 shifting power away from legacy labels and toward innovative independents. With names like Coach, Veronica Beard, and Clare V evolving fast, the space is more competitive—and more unpredictable—than ever.💡 Key Takeaways
2025-07-1535 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom One Bag to a Global Brand: Rebecca Minkoff on Building Fashion That Lasts 👜🌍| Emily Blumenthal & Rebecca MinkoffWhat 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 and fueled by early internet buzz. From there, Rebecca’s brand exploded, capturing the spirit of modern femininity and defining what it meant to build fashion with both form and function.
2025-07-0839 min