Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry Icons

What 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
 🧵 Start Young, Stay Fearless: Why kids often make the best designers—and how Kerri built a curriculum to match their confidence.
🔥 When Things Go Wrong: Hear how a studio fire led to a pop-up class at the Bryant Park Hotel—because the lesson must go on.
🏢 From Studio to Franchise: How Kerri turned a side hustle into a scalable business with impact far beyond NYC.

Whether you’re a designer, educator, or entrepreneur, this episode is a masterclass in turning passion into purpose—and why teaching kids to sew is about so much more than fashion.

Our Guest: Kerri Quigley is the founder of The Fashion Class, a New York-based fashion school for kids and teens offering hands-on sewing, design, and entrepreneurship programs. A Parsons grad and lifelong creator, Kerri is on a mission to make fashion fun, fearless, and foundational for the next generation.

Host Emily Blumenthal is a handbag industry expert, author of Handbag Designer 101, and founder of The Handbag Awards. Known as the “Handbag Fairy Godmother,” Emily also teaches entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is dedicated to celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of building iconic handbag brands.

Find Handbag Designer 101 Merch, HBD101 Masterclass, one-on-one sessions, and opportunities to book Emily Blumenthal as a speaker at emilyblumenthal.com. 

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In 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 versatile handbags that married utility with elegance.

💼 You’ll learn:
🧵 How a lack of fashionable laptop bags sparked a creative business
👶 Why Clare paused her business after becoming a mom—and how she reignited it
📍 What passing a familiar LA factory taught her about timing and resilience
👜 How transitioning from laptop cases to handbags unlocked scalability
👥 Why hiring a lean team changed everything for Clare V.'s growth

Clare also reveals how her first store came almost by accident—what started as a shared office with another designer evolved into a customer-facing retail space that launched the brand’s direct-to-consumer presence. From Silver Lake to Nolita, each store opening was a thoughtful step toward building community and expanding her vision.

Through trademark hurdles and industry shifts, Clare’s philosophy—“Don’t get caught up on things that aren’t actually a problem yet”—has guided her through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, personal style, and staying rooted in your "why."

🎧 Listen now to hear how Clare built Clare V. from the ground up—and why she believes creative businesses can scale without losing soul.

Our Guest: Clare Vivier is the founder and designer behind Clare V., a modern accessories brand known for its clean lines, vibrant colors, and French-meets-California aesthetic. A pioneer in combining fashion with function, Clare continues to lead her brand with integrity, independence, and a strong sense of purpose.

Host Emily Blumenthal is a handbag industry expert, author of Handbag Designer 101, and founder of The Handbag Awards. Known as the “Handbag Fairy Godmother,” Emily also teaches entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is dedicated to celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of building iconic handbag brands.

Find Handbag Designer 101 Merch, HBD101 Masterclass, one-on-one sessions, and opportunities to book Emily Blumenthal as a speaker at emilyblumenthal.com. 

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Before 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 deep love for leatherwork, eye for detail, and natural NYC hustle led to the launch of Botkier, one of the first true indie It-Bag brands. The Trigger Bag wasn’t just stylish—it solved problems, and that’s what made it sell out.

This conversation is a crash course in handbag history, complete with celeb knockoffs, licensing deals, and the sharp pivot to Monica’s latest venture, Chosen Woven. She opens up about protecting designs, staying relevant in the social media age, and what it really takes to build (and rebuild) a fashion brand from the ground up.

💡 Key Takeaways
 👜 The Power of a Signature Style: Why the Trigger Bag became a phenomenon—and how designers can create a lasting design legacy.
📈 Creativity vs. Commerce: How Monica balances the artistic process with the realities of manufacturing, scaling, and retail.
🔁 Adapting with the Times: Lessons on reinvention in an industry that’s always evolving, and why agility matters more than ever.

Our Guest: Monica Botkier is a legendary handbag designer, creative director, and founder of Botkier and Chosen Woven. Her groundbreaking work helped define the early 2000s handbag boom, and her designs continue to inspire a new generation of fashion entrepreneurs.

🎧 Listen now and take a trip through handbag history with one of the OGs.

Host Emily Blumenthal is a handbag industry expert, author of Handbag Designer 101, and founder of The Handbag Awards. Known as the “Handbag Fairy Godmother,” Emily also teaches entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is dedicated to celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of building iconic handbag brands.

Find Handbag Designer 101 Merch, HBD101 Masterclass, one-on-one sessions, and opportunities to book Emily Blumenthal as a speaker at emilyblumenthal.com. 

Support the show

Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner  

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Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
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In 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 brand champions, helping independent designers break into new regions, build community, and create consistent cash flow—with fewer strings than big-box retail.

💼 You’ll learn:
 👜 Why boutiques offer better margins, faster payments, and stronger loyalty
 🛒 How NY Now’s “The It Bag” section helps handbag designers showcase their hero products
 📦 How to prep for a trade show like a pro—from booth setup to buyer pitches
 🔁 The hybrid wholesale model: in-person connection + online ordering via Bulletin
 📣 Why knowing your brand story and supply chain readiness is key to wholesale success

Whether you're a first-time exhibitor or scaling up your sales channels, this episode offers the clarity and tactical advice you need to navigate today’s wholesale landscape.

🎧 Listen now and discover how to grow your brand through smarter retail relationships, and apply to be part of “The IT Bag x NY NOW.”

Our Guest: Matthew Mathiasson is the Show Director of NY Now, America’s longest-running gift and lifestyle trade show. With decades of experience in the wholesale space, he champions independent designers and works to create meaningful connections between brands and retail buyers both in-person and online.

Host Emily Blumenthal is a handbag industry expert, author of Handbag Designer 101, and founder of The Handbag Awards. Known as the “Handbag Fairy Godmother,” Emily also teaches entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is dedicated to celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of building iconic handbag brands.

Find Handbag Designer 101 Merch, HBD101 Masterclass, one-on-one sessions, and opportunities to book Emily Blumenthal as a speaker at emilyblumenthal.com. 

Buy Emily’s Books: “Handbag Designer 101” & “Savvy Suzanna’s Amazing Adventures in Handbags”

Support the show

Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner  

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Our Sponsors:
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What 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:
📱 Building a digital-first fashion media brand from the sidewalk up
🎥 How she covers mega-events like the Oscars with 30+ pieces of content in one night
👜 The biggest handbag trends right now—and what designers need to know
💡 Her hot take on whether celebrity or influencer endorsements matter more today
🗓️ Why an editorial calendar isn’t optional if you want to stay relevant

From TikTok virality to serious industry cred, Michaela offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how content, community, and consistency build influence in fashion today.

Our Guest: Michaela “Ms Mix” Caccia Negrete is the creator of The Fashion Mix, a digital fashion platform known for its fast-paced, insider-style content on TikTok, Instagram, and beyond. With a background in journalism and a self-made reporting style, Ms. Mix brings sharp insight, real-time trend analysis, and high-energy commentary to fashion lovers worldwide.

Host Emily Blumenthal is a handbag industry expert, author of Handbag Designer 101, and founder of The Handbag Awards. Known as the “Handbag Fairy Godmother,” Emily also teaches entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is dedicated to celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of building iconic handbag brands.

Find Handbag Designer 101 Merch, HBD101 Masterclass, one-on-one sessions, and opportunities to book Emily Blumenthal as a speaker at emilyblumenthal.com. 

Buy Emily’s Books: “Handbag Designer 101” & “Savvy Suzanna’s Amazing Adventures in Handbags”

Support the show

Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner  

TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner   

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Vinted: https://www.vinted.com


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What 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 Italian wash leather changed her business overnight
🧵 Why she refuses to over-develop and only creates what her customer actually wants
👩‍💼 How her “ideal customer” wasn’t who she expected—and what that taught her about branding

From QVC to Nordstrom to specialty boutiques, Bolsa Nova’s slow-and-smart growth story is a lesson in staying agile, owning your instincts, and designing with purpose.

🎧 Listen now.

Our Guest: Karen Cardoso is the founder and designer behind Bolsa Nova Bags. With a background in designing for major brands like Nicole Miller and Franco Sarto, she brings decades of industry experience to her own line of buttery-soft Italian leather handbags that blend casual luxury with timeless appeal.

Host Emily Blumenthal is a handbag industry expert, author of Handbag Designer 101, and founder of The Handbag Awards. Known as the “Handbag Fairy Godmother,” Emily also teaches entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is dedicated to celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of building iconic handbag brands.

Find Handbag Designer 101 Merch, HBD101 Masterclass, one-on-one sessions, and opportunities to book Emily Blumenthal as a speaker at emilyblumenthal.com. 

Buy Emily’s Books: “Handbag Designer 101” & “Savvy Suzanna’s Amazing Adventures in Handbags”

Support the show

Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner  

TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner   

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
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Step 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 buyer behavior—and challenging new designers.
🔹 From Side Hustle to Brand: How handwritten notes and genuine passion created a loyal customer base.

Whether you’re a designer trying to understand the resale impact or a buyer curious about sustainable luxury, this episode offers real talk and smart insights from one of the industry’s most trusted voices. 🎧

🎧 Listen now! #HandbagDesigner101 #SustainableLuxury #PreLovedBags #CircularFashion #LuxuryResale #IndependentBusiness

Our Guest: Evey Amery, founder of Evey’s Pre-Loved, blends a background in broadcasting with a deep love of fashion, building a resale business rooted in authenticity, community, and the enduring charm of a well-traveled bag.

Host Emily Blumenthal is a handbag industry expert, author of Handbag Designer 101, and founder of The Handbag Awards. Known as the “Handbag Fairy Godmother,” Emily also teaches entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is dedicated to celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of building iconic handbag brands.

Find Handbag Designer 101 Merch, HBD101 Masterclass, one-on-one sessions, and opportunities to book Emily Blumenthal as a speaker at emilyblumenthal.com. 

Buy Emily’s Books: “Handbag Designer 101” & “Savvy Suzanna’s Amazing Adventures in Handbags”

Support the show

Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner  

TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner   

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
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Join 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 recyclable leather with endless product life.

Whether you're a designer seeking sustainable solutions or a brand looking to stay ahead of consumer values, this episode is your essential guide to the future of fashion innovation. 🎧

🎧 Listen now! #HandbagDesigner101 #SustainableFashion #RecycledLeather #LuxuryReimagined #FashionInnovation #CircularDesign

Our Guest: Elyse Winer is the Head of Brand at GenPhoenix, the revolutionary material tech company transforming leather waste into a scalable, sustainable alternative embraced by some of fashion’s biggest names.

Host Emily Blumenthal is a handbag industry expert, author of Handbag Designer 101, and founder of The Handbag Awards. Known as the “Handbag Fairy Godmother,” Emily also teaches entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is dedicated to celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of building iconic handbag brands.

Find Handbag Designer 101 Merch, HBD101 Masterclass, one-on-one sessions, and opportunities to book Emily Blumenthal as a speaker at emilyblumenthal.com. 

Buy Emily’s Books: “Handbag Designer 101” & “Savvy Suzanna’s Amazing Adventures in Handbags”

Support the show

Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner  

TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner   

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Vinted: https://www.vinted.com


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Join 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-shipping, inventory control, and rapid design testing.
🔹 Zero-Waste Innovation: How repurposing leather scraps fuels sustainability—and profitability.

Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or fashion enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical lessons on building a future-proof brand that stays true to its roots. 🎧

🎧 Listen now! #HandbagDesigner101 #AmericanMade #SustainableFashion #LuxuryHandbags #BrandBuilding

Our Guests: Tom Glazer and Alexia Nelson are the dynamic forces behind Graphic Image and GiGi New York, leading the charge to preserve American craftsmanship while evolving with today's fast-paced retail world.

Host Emily Blumenthal is a handbag industry expert, author of Handbag Designer 101, and founder of The Handbag Awards. Known as the “Handbag Fairy Godmother,” Emily also teaches entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is dedicated to celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of building iconic handbag brands.

Find Handbag Designer 101 Merch, HBD101 Masterclass, one-on-one sessions, and opportunities to book Emily Blumenthal as a speaker at emilyblumenthal.com. 

Buy Emily’s Books: “Handbag Designer 101” & “Savvy Suzanna’s Amazing Adventures in Handbags”

Support the show

Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner  

TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner   

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Vinted: https://www.vinted.com


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✨ 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 a brand that redefined handbag design. From building Kate Spade from scratch to honoring Kate’s legacy with Frances Valentine, this is a powerful journey of reinvention and staying true to what matters most. 💖🧵

💡 Key Takeaways
 🔹 Start with Heart: How $35k and a bold idea became a household name.
🔹 Vintage Vibes, Modern Magic: Turning old-school inspiration into timeless design.
🔹 Legacy & Love: Creating the next chapter with purpose, passion, and friendship.

🎧 Tune in for an inside look at how two best friends changed the way the world carries style—one bag at a time.

#HandbagDesigner101 #KateSpade #FrancesValentine #FemaleFounders #FashionIcons #BehindTheBag #EntrepreneurLife #StyleWithSubstance

👤 Our Guest: Elyce Arons is the CEO and co-founder of Frances Valentine and one of the original creative forces behind Kate Spade. Her journey is proof that great design, meaningful partnerships, and staying true to your vision never go out of style.

Host Emily Blumenthal is a handbag industry expert, author of Handbag Designer 101, and founder of The Handbag Awards. Known as the “Handbag Fairy Godmother,” Emily also teaches entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is dedicated to celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of building iconic handbag brands.

Find Handbag Designer 101 Merch, HBD101 Masterclass, one-on-one sessions, and opportunities to book Emily Blumenthal as a speaker at emilyblumenthal.com. 

Buy Emily’s Books: “Handbag Designer 101” & “Savvy Suzanna’s Amazing Adventures in Handbags”

Support the show

Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner  

TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner   

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Vinted: https://www.vinted.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy