Handbago Exclusive: Mariana Davelaar, Fesjon.com

Fesjon.com is a Netherlands-based online community catering to the fashionista and is a source for fashion news and the sharing of trends, ideas, and style advice.  Pronounced “fashion”, it features an online boutique featuring one-of-a-kind handbags from lines such as Dressed Up Cat. The site also showcases a comprehensive blog that includes articles on fashion week, designers, as well as a travel section that recounts fashion ventures from across the world.  Read on to find out more about the Fesjon editor, Mariana Davelaar, and her experience in the fashion blog world.

Handbago: Tell us a bit about your academic background.  Did you study fashion design?
Mariana Davelaar: I finished trade school in 1996 and got a degree in fashion design and styling in 2000.  I have learned the more technical aspects of fashion design (pattern making, sewing, stitching, etc.) from my mother who runs a small dress design studio here in Almere.

H: What is the most challenging thing about managing a blog and an online boutique?  The most rewarding?
MD: The most challenging part is writing news and not just following it. The Fesjon writers attend shows like the world wide fashion week events. This way they keep in touch with the scene and the exclusive access gives their articles a unique, personal touch.  The Boutique is more of a technical challenge, like having product images look good when scaled down to thumbnail size. That can really be a headache sometimes!

H: When did you know that you wanted to go into the fashion business?
MD: I always knew I belonged in the fashion business. As a little girl I drew clothes and my mother would make them for me and I made clothes for my dolls at the age of 6. For eight years I worked as a fashion model. A few years ago I designed and created my first clothing line.

H: I love how you sell one-of-a-kind handmade products on your site.  What is your favorite handbag designer at the moment?  Do you have a fashion/style icon?
MD: Thank you. We are very proud that so many of our products are truly exclusive.
There are several handbag designers I adore: Jalda, J.J. Winters, Bottega Veneta, Dames & Divas, MiuMiu, Lavin, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, Dressed up Cat, Judith Leiber.

H. What advice would you have for an aspiring handbag designer looking to break into the business?
MD: Don't save on the fabric as quality is key, and be careful in following trends. A design that stands out is more likely to be embraced by consumers who are into exclusive styles.

H. How has your business changed since the start?  Where do you wish to see it go/grow?
MD: My business has changed from a Dutch fashion design label called Darvaa to Fesjon.com, a global fashion internet business. Fesjon is growing rapidly, and we want to stand out not only in Europe but also in the US.

Thanks Mariana!  Visit the Fesjon website to get caught up on the latest trends (and read their awesome article on Handbago while you’re there!).