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6 Independent Handbag Designers You Should Know
Vania and David Electric Blue Mini Suitcase
While I love a designer handbag just as much as the next woman, I have an even greater appreciation for the work of independent designers. There’s nothing better than knowing that you’ve got a hot bag on your hands that you won’t see on the arms of every other style maven around the city. Today, I bring to you my carefully curated list of six independent handbag designers I think you should know. With high-quality materials and designs just as unique as each person rocking them, these brands are guaranteed to turn a few heads:
Vania and David handbags and wallets are handmade with 100% genuine leather and first quality fabric and accessories. Some of the leather we utilize is natural leather from Paraguay. Paraguayan natural leather is “pounded” out by hand. Paraguay is one of the last places on Earth that produces natural leather in this manner. Vania & David’s products are extremely well designed, well made, and meticulously hand crafted. The color of leather may vary in uniformity, but that only adds to its character. Over time, and with gentle use and care, the natural leather handbags and wallets will darken, soften and become even more beautiful. They can last a lifetime.
Elly Clay Billie Jean Clutch
Elly Clay designs luxury statement bags that are edgy but elegant, as they combine their passion for urban street style and uptown chic to create pieces that are both functional and beautiful. They take traditionally structured shapes, from the finest leathers around the world, then use their custom-made hardware and designs to give them a rocker chic aesthetic.
JJ Winters Blake Envelope Clutch
The JJ Winters brand was born in the spring of 2004. Over the past 8 years JJ Winters has transcended the handbag market, and become a well known brand in the fashion accessories world.
JJ Winters’ boho-chic, yet fashion forward bags have become a staple of style icons everywhere. The brand has developed a loyal following among celebrities, stylists, editors and trend seekers. Today JJ Winters sells in premier contemporary and luxury locations both domestically and internationally.
B. Marie Amazon Luxe Bag (Available for Pre-Order)
B. Marie is considered a triple threat in the New York Fashion Industry. When most industry professionals have one specialization; the Fashion Institute of Technology grad has a strong background in not only design, but graphics, and production also. As a Designer for well known labels as ESPRIT, and Laundry by Shelli Segal, Briana took risks bringing European edgy styles to mainstream America. Designing exclusives for major department stores such as Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, and Nordstrom. As Technical Designer for Victoria’s Secret PINK, she was at the forefront of expanding the line, and contributing to the fastest growth of a label in fashion history. These career accomplishments are key to the success of breaking out to form her own design label B.Marie . A luxury handbag brand that fuses fashion forward chic with an eternal youthful edge.
Yana Handbags: Sexy At All Times
YANA is a handbag company that embraces high art aesthetics, whimsical humor and socially conscious business practices. The brand’s designs merge artistic themes of women in love with practical function and luxury details, such as 18k gold plated custom hardware based on designer Ayana Evans’s favorite childhood earring and metal labels with hand sewn satin bow details. Special concern is given to creating light weight handbags, with comfortable straps, and easily accessible pockets. YANA is fashion X art.
Melanie Marie Showstopper
The Melanie Marie Collection is inspired by many aspects of life. The line was designed with the fashionable, contemporary yet classy woman in mind. A Melanie Marie piece will bring out the inner beauty and fashionista in a woman. MM has high fashion products that will unleash a woman’s full potential and make them feel like they are exclusive by having a one of a kind original piece of fashion. Melanie Marie strives to become a successful company while pleasing our loyal customers.
As a New York City storyteller, filmmaker, digital content creator, and PR strategist, Renae Bluitt created "In Her Shoes" to empower and enlighten women committed to realizing their dreams.