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PODCAST

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

Emily Blumenthal

What does it take to create an iconic handbag brand? Each week, Emily Blumenthal—author of Handbag Designer 101 and founder of The Handbag Awards—dives deep into the stories behind the handbags we love. From world-renowned designers and rising stars to industry executives shaping the retail landscape, Handbag Designer 101 brings you the inside scoop on the creativity, craftsmanship, and business savvy it takes to succeed in the handbag world.Whether you’re a designer, collector, entrepreneur,

arts fashion & beauty

All Episodes

27:02

From Ghost Designer to Brand Builder: How Karen...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/05/20

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 ...

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27:22

Luxury with a Past Life: How Evey Amory Built a...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/05/13

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

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32:01

Reimagining Leather: How Gen Phoenix is Transforming...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/05/06

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

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39:35

Making Luxury Bags in America with GiGi New York’s...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/04/29

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

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47:51

Elyce Arons from Crafting Kate Spade to Launching...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/04/22

✨ 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

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34:40

From Ziploc to Nordstrom: Eram Siddiqui’s Travel...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/04/15

Step into the world of entrepreneurial innovation with Eram Siddiqui, founder and CEO of Hudson+Bleecker. What began with plastic grocery bags and Ziploc pouches transformed into a thriving accessories brand, now featured at Nordstrom, Revolve, and QVC. From learning to sew with her mother to navigating manufacturing in China, Eram shares her journey of creating multifunctional, high-quality travel accessories for modern women. Her story weaves through Brooklyn markets, trade show challenges...

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39:01

From Saks to Startups: Marketing That Sells with...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/04/08

Step 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.

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35:35

Evolve or Perish: Retail Insights with Bernadette...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/04/01

What 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

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25:41

Mastering Venture Capital with Rachel Johnson 💼✨|...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/03/25

Step 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 pote...

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29:11

Branding, Storytelling & Handbag Success with Idalia...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/03/18

Step 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

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29:10

40+ Years of Handbag Mastery with Frank LaMendola 👜✨|...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/03/11

Step 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: 🔹

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29:46

Navigating Global Fashion: Oleg Chebotarev’s...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/03/04

Join 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 cha...

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36:16

From Hollywood to Entrepreneurship: Reinventing Your...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/02/25

Dana 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 journe...

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29:48

Navigating Creative Burnout and Embracing New...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/02/18

Ginna 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 Points Recognizing Burnout: Learn how burnout has moved from a personal struggl...

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23:50

Jessica Minor and the Rise of Handbag Dupe Culture |...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/02/11

Jessica 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 Points Shifting Perceptions: Learn how dupes have moved from stigma to ...

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46:45

From Waitress to Handbag Innovator with Bogg Bag...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/02/04

Kim 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 Points Resilience in Action: Kim’s journey highlights how persistence can turn initial skep...

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22:33

Revolutionizing Sustainable Fashion: How Fish Skin...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/01/28

Discover 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 le...

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30:10

Redefining Sustainable Fashion: Nancy Rhodes’ Journey...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/01/21

Nancy 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 c...

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31:49

What You Don’t Know About Marketing with Petia...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/01/14

Petia 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...

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30:18

The Crochet Hobby Turned Handbag Brand with Treniece...

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag... ·

2025/01/07

Discover 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 ...

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111 results

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