I've fallen in love with a new collection of designer handbags known as Julie Lindsay! The bags are so fun and are the epitome of rocker chic. With the fringe, rugged leather and studs you can see the rock and roll and Southwestern inspiration. I am all about the Kat Man Du Clutch!
As per the website, Julie Lindsay Handbags are handcrafted with attention being paid to every last detail and designed to break in and get even better with age.
We can certainly see the detail put into each gorgeous bag and we were lucky enough to ask the designer herself a few questions about her collection.
Tell us about what made you decide to build your own handbag business. When and how did Julie Lindsay come to be?
My grandmother taught me the art of pattern making and design at a young age. I have always loved trying to turn a simple piece of fabric into a functional, wearable piece. My passion was handbags, so one day I just decided to go for it. I set up shop in my garage (the only room large enough for my cutting table and 2 industrial sewing machines) and started to see what I could come up with. I made a bag out of leopard print twill fabric called the cat tote and it was chosen by In Style as "What's Hot Now" then ran the next month under "Trend Alert", these two pieces of press were major for me and really helped jump start my business.
I absolutely love the Rocker Chic look. What else inspires your work?
Thanks! I take that as a huge compliment! I like fancy stuff, and I like worn in rough stuff, so the fun for me is to balance it. I have always appreciated vintage styles, simple colors, normal things that stood the test of time. I have a lot of respect for what works. This is the direction I like to go with my bags.
What sets you apart from other handbag designers?
Who knows? I imagine we all probably share similar dreams. For Julie Lindsay, it's not about affordable luxury or the trends, but more about translating a feeling into something hip and functional; something that's going to work and continue to get even better with time. I like to design bags that you could pull out of your closet years from now and say, "Wow, this bag still rocks!"
The detail in your bags is exquisite. Are they all handmade and manufactured locally?
As a matter of fact they are, which is something that I personally take a great deal of pride in. We have had opportunities to go else where with production, but I have chosen to keep it here in Michigan. The samples are all hand done by me, while production is cut to order and handcrafted by a team of really great leather craftsmen.
Is there anything else about yourself or Julie Lindsay that you would like our readers to know?
We are getting ready to launch a line of belts and cuffs in 2010 that I am really excited about! We will also be moving toward more environmentally safe leathers, where trees are used in the tanning process, not toxins.
We LOVE Julie Lindsay, and you should too! Remember to treat yourself this holiday season!
