Think 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
 📈 The Democratization of the It Bag: How social media turned the rules upside down—and what that means for designers.
🛍️ Retail Shake-Up: Amazon and Costco are winning, while department stores scramble to stay relevant.
🔍 Play the Long Game: Why brands like Telfar and Brandon Blackwood took 5–10 years to “make it overnight.”

Whether you’re building a brand or studying the industry, this episode is packed with insight on market trends, pricing pressure, and why fashion innovation must continue despite the odds. 🎧 Listen now.

Our Guest: Beth Goldstein is the Executive Director and Industry Analyst for Accessories and Footwear at Circana. Her data-driven expertise helps brands and retailers understand where the handbag industry is headed—and how to stay one step ahead.

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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