Emily Blumenthal - Podcast Details

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Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsHow Kerri Quigley Built a Fashion Empire—One Kid at a Time 🧵✨| Emily Blumenthal & Kerri QuigleyWhat 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 across Manhattan—and now, nationwide franchises. From early manufacturing mishaps to teaching five-year-olds how to make their own skirts, her story is all about resilience, reinvention, and empowering young creatives through fashion.💡 Key Takeaways...2025-06-2438 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsInside Clare V.: How a DIY Laptop Case Sparked a Handbag Empire 🧵👜 | Emily Blumenthal & Clare VivierIn 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 in the early 2000s, when stylish laptop carriers were nowhere to be found. Sewing late into the night, she created pieces for herself and friends, eventually pivoting from tech accessories to ve...2025-06-1739 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsHow Monica Botkier Turned a Side Hustle into a Handbag Legend 🔥👜| Emily Blumenthal & Monica BotkierBefore 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 didn’t set out to be a handbag designer. From sneaking into NYFW as a fearless teenager to photographing high-profile editorials, her path was anything but linear. But her...2025-06-1059 min

Handbag 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...2025-06-0342 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom Street Interviews to Red Carpets: How @TheeFashionMix Became Fashion's Digital Insider 🎤👠| Emily Blumenthal & Michaela “Ms. Mix” Cacho-NegreteWhat 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 Addison Rae and carved out her space in fashion media one video at a time. 🎧 Listen now.In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Michaela gets candid about: 📱 Buildi...2025-05-2729 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom Ghost Designer to Brand Builder: How Karen Cardoso Created Bolsa Nova 👜🇮🇹 | Emily Blumenthal & Karen CardosoWhat 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 leather: soft, slouchy, and totally irresistible.In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Karen shares: ✨ What it’s really like launching your own brand after years in corporate 🇮🇹 How discovering...2025-05-2027 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsLuxury with a Past Life: How Evey Amery Built a Global Pre-Loved Handbag Empire ♻️👜 | Emily Blumenthal and Evey AmeryStep 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 hosting on QVC has grown into a beloved resale brand with a global following. 🌍📦💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Transparency Wins: Why showing signs of wear builds more trust than trying to hide them. 🔹 Circular Luxury: How the resale boom is reshaping b...2025-05-1327 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsReimagining Leather: How Gen Phoenix is Transforming Waste into the Future of Luxury 🧪♻️| Emily Blumenthal and Elyse WinerJoin 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. 💥💼💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Beyond the Green Premium: Why performance and price—not just sustainability—are key to changing the industry. 🔹 Next-Gen Materials: How GenPhoenix is reshaping what “luxury” means to younger, eco-conscious consumers. 🔹 Fashion Meets Circularity: Discover their bold mission to create fully recycl...2025-05-0632 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsMaking Luxury Bags in America with GiGi New York’s Tom Glazer and Alexia Nelson 👜✨| Emily Blumenthal & Tom Glazer and Alexia NelsonJoin 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 resilient brand that blends old-world craftsmanship with new-age flexibility. 📈👜💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Pivoting Under Pressure: How GiGi New York turned crisis into major opportunity during the recession. 🔹 Owning Production: Why in-house manufacturing gives them an edge in drop-shippi...2025-04-2939 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsElyce 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 episode is a love letter to friendship, creativity, and fearless entrepreneurship.🎨 Elyce brings us behind the seams—where construction paper mockups, vintage flea market treasures, and unwavering vision laid the foundation for...2025-04-2247 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom Ziplocs to Luxury: The Hudson Bleeker Journey | Emily Blumenthal & Eram SiddiquiWhat 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 Meets Purpose: Eram’s story shows how trial, error, and handmade beginnings can lead to premium retail partnerships.2. Pause to Pivot: Learn how a pandemic-driven business break turned into a breakthrough team expansion and strategic clarity.3. Form + Func...2025-04-1534 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom Saks to Startups: Marketing That Sells with Ernest Moore🎯🛍️ | Emily Blumenthal & Ernest MooreStep 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 designers to think smart, embrace feedback, and build relationships that actually move the needle. If you’re serious about growing your brand, don’t miss this one. 🎧💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Marketing vs. PR: Paid visibility vs...2025-04-0839 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsEvolve or Perish: Retail Insights with Bernadette Giacomazzo 👜✨| Emily Blumenthal & Bernadette GiacomazzoWhat 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. 🔹 Quality Over Quantity: The shift from fast fashion to long-lasting value. 🔹 Retail Anthropology: How store layouts and shopping patterns drive sales.Whether you're a designer or a retailer, this conversation offers game-changing strategies for staying relevant...2025-04-0135 min

Pre-Loved Podcast with Emily StochlEMILY BLUMENTHAL: handbag industry and design expert - on vintage handbags and history, dupes and trademarks, and getting her designs on Sex and the City.On today’s show, we’re chatting with handbag industry and design expert, Emily Blumenthal, who is the founder of The Handbag Awards and National Handbag Designer Day, and professor of entrepreneurship at FIT, and host the Handbag Designer 101 podcast. This episode is all about – you guessed it! – vintage handbags, including the story of how Emily got her original handbag designs on Sex and the City, and so much other great vintage handbag lore. I think you’re really gonna love it – so let’s dive right in! DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: [2:29] Growing up with a dad who w...2025-03-3140 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsMastering Venture Capital with Rachel Johnson 💼✨| Emily Blumenthal & Rachel JohnsonStep 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 needs VC backing—know your path. 🔹 Go All In: Why full commitment and massive growth potential are essential for VC success. 🔹 Scaling Smart: Avoid common pitfalls like rapid, unstructured hiring post-funding.From board dynamics...2025-03-2525 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsBranding, Storytelling & Handbag Success with Idalia Salsamendi 👜✨ | Emily Blumenthal & Idalia SalsamendiStep 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 reality.🔹 Sustainability’s Role: Why conscious fashion is the future.This episode is packed with game-changing advice for aspiring designers looking to build, grow & sustain a fashion brand. Don’t miss it! 🎧🎧 Tune in now! #HandbagDesigner101 #IdaliaSalsamendi #FashionStrategy #BrandBuilding #SustainableFashionOur Guest: Idalia Salsamend...2025-03-1829 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry Icons40+ Years of Handbag Mastery with Frank LaMendola 👜✨| Emily Blumenthal & Frank LaMendolaStep 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 a designer, entrepreneur, or handbag lover—this episode is a must-listen! 🎧💡 Key Takeaways:🔹 Sustainability’s Impact: How eco-conscious choices shape handbag design.🔹 Balancing Trends & Timelessness: The art of introducing new designs while honoring classics.🔹 Resourcefulness in Fashion: Na...2025-03-1129 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsNavigating Global Fashion: Oleg Chebotarev’s Creative Journey from Russia to China | Oleg Chebotarev & Emily BlumenthalJoin us as we sit down with Oleg Chebotarev, the visionary Creative Director of Jump From Paper, who shares his unconventional journey through the fashion world. From post-communist Russia to the bustling creative hubs of China, Oleg’s path is a masterclass in adaptability, resilience, and the intersection of culture and design.Oleg’s career began with dual passions—international relations and fashion—leading to a bold move to China during the 2008 financial crisis. He opens up about the challenges of navigating language and cultural barriers, drawing surprising parallels between Russia and China, and the lessons...2025-03-0429 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom Hollywood to Entrepreneurship: Reinventing Your Brand with Dana Bowling | Emily Blumenthal & Dana BowlingDana Bowling, a former Hollywood casting director turned entrepreneur, shares how she walked away from a high-profile career to build a business on her own terms. In this episode, Dana reveals the behind-the-scenes realities of Hollywood, the pressures of personal branding, and how she successfully pivoted into coaching creatives and entrepreneurs—helping them find their voice and build authentic businesses. Whether you're an emerging handbag designer or a creative professional, Dana’s journey offers valuable lessons in reinvention, resilience, and owning your narrative.Takeaway PointsBranding Beyond Hollywood: Learn how personal branding applies across industries, from cast...2025-02-2536 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsNavigating Creative Burnout and Embracing New Beginnings with Ginna Christensen | Emily Blumenthal & Ginna ChristensenGinna Christensen, a creative recovery expert, shares her journey in helping individuals reclaim their creative spark amid the pervasive threat of burnout. Burnout doesn’t just slow us down—it erodes our ability to create, innovate, and lead. In this episode, Ginna discusses the early signs of burnout, the social shifts driving its rise, and the challenges of sustaining creativity in an always-on culture.Takeaway PointsRecognizing Burnout: Learn how burnout has moved from a personal struggle to a widespread crisis, reshaping creative industries.The Role of Community: Discover how...2025-02-1829 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsJessica Minor and the Rise of Handbag Dupe Culture | Emily Blumenthal & Jessica MinorJessica Minor, a rising fashion influencer, shares her journey from thrifting enthusiast to a viral TikTok sensation. Her passion for affordable fashion alternatives has made her a leading voice in the handbag dupe community. In this episode, Jessica discusses the evolving perception of dupes, the social media trends driving their popularity, and the challenges faced by luxury brands in an age of 'super fakes.'Takeaway PointsShifting Perceptions: Learn how dupes have moved from stigma to social acceptance, reshaping the luxury market.The Role of Social...2025-02-1123 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom Waitress to Handbag Innovator with Bogg Bag Founder, Kim Vaccarella | Emily Blumenthal & Kim VaccarellaKim Vaccarella’s journey from hospitality to the creative force behind the Bogg Bag is a story of resilience and innovation. Kim shares how she transformed skepticism into success, navigating the unpredictable fashion industry with determination and creativity. Drawing inspiration from Crocs, she crafted a unique product that defied expectations, proving the power of vision and perseverance.Takeaway PointsResilience in Action: Kim’s journey highlights how persistence can turn initial skepticism into groundbreaking success.Family-Driven Entrepreneurship: Learn the emotional and financial dynamics of running a family business whil...2025-02-0446 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsRevolutionizing Sustainable Fashion: How Fish Skin Leather is Redefining Ethical Luxury with Stanley Major: | Emily Blumenthal & Stanley MajorDiscover how Stanley Major, founder of Sea Leather Wear, is revolutionizing sustainable fashion by transforming discarded fish skins into luxurious leather alternatives. In this episode of the Handbag Designer 101 Podcast, Stanley shares his journey of upcycling carp, Nile perch, salmon, and sea bass skins into eco-friendly materials that are captivating designers and eco-conscious consumers alike. With insights from handbag design expert Emily Blumenthal, this episode highlights fish skin leather’s potential as a stylish, sustainable substitute for exotic leathers like crocodile and alligator. Learn how this innovative material, with its unique te...2025-01-2822 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsRedefining Sustainable Fashion: Nancy Rhodes’ Journey to Innovation and Impact | Emily Blumenthal & Nancy RhodesNancy Rhodes shares her journey from aspiring designer to leader in sustainable fashion. With experience at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, Nancy gained insights into consumer behavior before designing footwear for brands like BCBG and Kenneth Cole. Through Alternew, she’s revolutionizing fashion care by digitizing alterations and repairs, making sustainability accessible. Her approach highlights how technology can enhance satisfaction, reduce waste, and promote eco-friendly practices. Nancy’s commitment offers insights for emerging designers and established brands integrating sustainability.This episode offers a fresh perspective on sustainable fashion, inspiring you to rethink possibilities for handbags and beyond.Key...2025-01-2130 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsWhat You Don’t Know About Marketing with Petia Abdur-Razzaaq of the Stylista Group | Emily Blumenthal & Petia Abdur-RazzaaqPetia Abdur-Razzaaq, a marketing expert who transitioned from pharmacy to branding, blends scientific precision with creative storytelling to offer strategies for building standout brands. Emphasizing authenticity, consistency, and engagement, she shares actionable advice on crafting memorable first impressions, thoughtful networking, and leveraging modern tools. Petia empowers small businesses to define their value, refine messaging, and connect with ideal customers. Drawing on examples like Zappos, she shows how challenges can foster loyalty and growth. Her insights highlight the importance of focusing on a niche, using platforms like Pinterest and email marketing, and consistently engaging with customers.Key...2025-01-1431 min

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsThe Crochet Hobby Turned Handbag Brand with Treniece Green of Covered by T | Emily Blumenthal & Treniece GreenDiscover the world of handbag innovation with Treniece Green, the visionary behind Covered by T, who started her journey with a crochet hook and t-shirt yarn during college. This episode uncovers how Treniece transformed a stress-relieving hobby into an eco-friendly fashion statement, crafting handbags from sustainable materials that are sturdy and stylish. Through her story, we learn the art of merging creativity with functionality, creating unique pieces that reflect personal passion and a commitment to sustainability.Pricing handcrafted goods is an art, and Treniece shares the complexities of navigating this intricate landscape. Listen as we discuss the...2025-01-0730 min