Designer Profile: Katherine Fleming

Katherine Fleming handbags have been on my mind since we first featured her collection a couple weeks ago.  I knew I had to learn more about this innovative designer!  Featured in Vogue, WWD, Nylon, and Harper's Bazaar, this former Design Director of Acessories at Tory Burch decided it was time to start her own collection.  Katherine Fleming handbags are all handmade and use Italian materials.  Her unique designs and gorgeous color palette are truly exquisite!

Handbago was lucky enough to ask Katherine a few questions about her collection.

How and when did the Katherine Fleming collection get started?

I wanted to be an artist or designer since I was five. I would always play dress up and I made clothing for all of my Barbie dolls. When I was about 14 years old I was fell ill with mono. I asked my dad to buy me some fashion magazines, I was thinking, Seventeen and Sassy which were my favorites. Instead, my dad brought back the French Fashion magazine, L’Officiel.  It was the year Mark Jacob's designed the Perry Ellis grunge collection, I think it was 1992, and it opened my eyes to a world that I wanted to be a part of. A couple of years later I saw Isaac Mizrahi’s documentary Unzipped and decided I had to move to New York and go to Parsons School of Design- I have been designing accessories for 11 years now! Working for myself has always been my goal because it is fun and challenging. I am also lucky to have the most incredible business partner and friend Jane Seo. Without her I would have never been able to do any of this. She is the backbone of my company.

What is your signature design style? Who do you design for?

I think the collection is classic with a twist. I really wanted to make something for chic women of any age. The shapes are simple and inspired by the past, but the details are all a little complex with a slightly futuristic edge.

What can you tell us about the latest collection/what's new for next season?

For Spring 2010 I was inspired by my experiences snorkeling and swimming amongst the tropical fish.  I arranged to have leathers made that embodied the vibrant colors and metallic gleam of the different kinds of sea creatures I’ve witnessed and love. For fall 10 I expanded this moving in to fly fishing bag details and an Arctic color pallet.

What is your best selling piece?

The Jane clutch, women love it because it fits everything and transitions easily from day to night.

What sets Katherine Fleming bags apart?

I think the use of the interlocking K logo gives the bags a strong brand identity without being too in your face.  I try to look at designing bags as being a sculpture and hope that the customer feels like they are buying wearable pieces of art.

Oil Slick Collection in Rose Leather

Oil Slick Collection in Emerald Leather

Loewy Collection in Sand Stamped Leather (My personal favorite!)