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

Emily Blumenthal
  • 4.9 (27)
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Updated Weekly

Master the handbag trends, fashion retail, and brand building fashion strategies that define the luxury goods industry. Each week on Handbag Designer 101, host Emily Blumenthal—the ultimate resource for fashion entrepreneurs—explores the art of brand storytelling and accessories design. As the author of Handbag Designer 101 and founder of The Independent Handbag Designer Awards (the most prestigious fashion award in the category), Emily goes behind the scenes of your favorite handbag brands. From fashion startup founders to fashion craftsmanship experts, this podcast features exclusive designer interviews and insights into iconic handbag history. Whether you’re an aspiring designer, a collector, or a fashion executive, join us to discover the business savvy and creativity required to succeed in the handbag market. Get the inside scoop on leather goods manufacturing, fashion wholesale, and the journeys of visionary creators. Our episodes serve as a living designer biography, covering everything from bag collection design to scaling a global brand. Tune in every Tuesday to "Handbag Designer 101" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform, or watch full episodes on YouTube, and highlights on TikTok.

  1. 6d ago

    The Luxury Handbag Patience Game on Building Siena Wolf | Emily Blumenthal & Lori Tyberg

    What happens when customers love your handbag—but don’t buy it right away? In this episode, Lori Tyberg, founder of Siena Wolf, shares what it takes to build a luxury handbag brand around timeless design, Italian craftsmanship, custom hardware, and high production costs. From restarting her business after raising her children to embracing Instagram as a discovery engine, Lori opens up about the patience, discipline, and courage required to build a brand on her own terms. Key Takeaways: • Luxury takes patience — Customers may fall in love today and buy months later. • Edit with discipline — Fewer, stronger silhouettes protect both brand identity and cash flow. • Show up consistently — Social media, press, and recognition help customers discover and trust the brand. 🎧 Listen now for an honest look at the realities of building a luxury handbag brand from the ground up. Our Guest: Lori Tyberg is the founder of Siena Wolf, a luxury handbag brand known for elegant silhouettes, Italian leather, and custom hardware. After stepping away from fashion to raise her children, Lori returned with a refined vision and built Siena Wolf into an independent brand recognized for its craftsmanship and distinctive point of view. 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. Support the show Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner   TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  2. Aug 4

    Is the Handbag Dead? Jay Choyce Tibbitts on What’s Next for Luxury | Emily Blumenthal & Jay Choyce Tibbitts

    Are handbags losing relevance—or are they simply evolving? In this episode, fashion creator and strategist Jay Choyce Tibbitts explores how changing lifestyles, rising luxury prices, resale, and Gen Z shopping habits are reshaping the handbag industry. We discuss why fewer people carry bags every day, how brands like Coach are thriving while others struggle, and why resale, boutiques, and curated retail experiences are becoming more important than ever. Jay also explains how AI and generative search are changing product discovery—and what independent designers need to know to stay visible. Key Takeaways: • The handbag isn't disappearing—it's evolving — Changing lifestyles are redefining how and why people carry bags. • Culture drives demand — Brands that connect with today's shoppers will outperform those relying on heritage alone. • Discovery is changing — Resale, boutiques, AI, and curated experiences are becoming the new path to finding great brands. 🎧 Listen now for a fresh look at where the handbag industry is headed—and how designers can stay ahead of the next shift. Our Guest: Jay Choyce Tibbitts is a fashion creator, luxury strategist, and industry commentator known for his sharp insights into handbags, retail, and consumer behavior. Through content, trend analysis, and brand strategy, he helps decode how culture, technology, and luxury are shaping the future of fashion. 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. Support the show Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner   TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  3. Jul 28

    Trade Shows, Future of Wholesale & How Handbags Changed Retail | Emily Blumenthal & Dorothy Belshaw

    Handbags have evolved from everyday essentials into expressions of personal identity—and that shift is transforming the way retailers buy, merchandise, and discover brands. In this episode, Dorothy Belshaw, CEO and co-owner of NY NOW, shares how the wholesale landscape has changed, why trade shows remain essential in a digital world, and how independent designers can stand out with buyers. From the impact of the 2008 recession to post-pandemic consumer behavior, Dorothy explains why human connection, curated experiences, and genuine product innovation continue to drive retail success. Key Takeaways: • Wholesale is evolving, not disappearing — Trade shows and in-person relationships still drive discovery and lasting retail partnerships. • Handbags have become lifestyle purchases — Today's consumers buy bags as personal expressions, creating new opportunities in the gift and specialty retail markets. • Curation wins attention — Focused concepts and fresh merchandising help independent brands stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. 🎧 Listen now for an insider's look at where retail is headed—and how handbag designers can build stronger wholesale businesses. Our Guest: Dorothy Belshaw is the CEO and co-owner of NY NOW, one of the leading wholesale trade shows for gift, lifestyle, and accessories brands. With decades of experience connecting buyers and makers, she has helped shape the evolution of modern retail while championing emerging designers and innovative merchandising concepts. 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. Support the show Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner   TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  4. Jul 21

    The Business of Wearable Handbag Art | Emily Blumenthal & Elif Akaydin

    What happens when a handbag is designed as a work of art instead of just an accessory? In this episode, Elif Akaydin, founder of Patent of Heart, shares how her journey from Istanbul to New York shaped a brand rooted in craftsmanship, storytelling, and purpose. She explains how hand embroidery, chain stitch techniques, and upcycled leather create bags that feel personal, while balancing one-of-a-kind artistry with the realities of production, pricing, and growth. Alifa also shares why pop-ups and boutiques have been key to building her business, and how producing in Istanbul supports women artisans while giving back to women's education. Key Takeaways: Art creates connection — Handcrafted details transform handbags into meaningful, collectible pieces.Creativity needs structure — Production, pricing, and scalable design are just as important as inspiration.Purpose builds loyalty — Ethical manufacturing and giving back can strengthen a brand when they're woven into the business.🎧 Listen now for an inspiring conversation about craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and building a handbag brand with heart. Our Guest:  Elif Akaydin is the founder and creative director of Patent of Heart, a handbag brand that blends fine craftsmanship, artistic expression, and social impact. Producing in Istanbul with skilled artisans, she creates handcrafted bags that celebrate individuality while supporting women through ethical manufacturing and educational initiatives. 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. Support the show Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner   TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  5. Jul 14

    Made in China vs. Made in Italy: What Luxury Brands Don’t Tell You | Emily Blumenthal & Karrica

    Does "Made in Italy" always mean better quality? In this episode, designer and product development expert Karrica pulls back the curtain on luxury handbag manufacturing, revealing what really determines quality beyond the label. Drawing on years of experience developing handbags and footwear, she explains how global supply chains work, why finishing laws can be misleading, and what designers should look for in materials, construction, and factory partnerships. Karrica also shares her journey of launching her own brand while balancing a full-time career, along with practical lessons on pricing, marketing, and finding the right customer in today's crowded marketplace. Key Takeaways: Quality goes beyond the label — Materials, craftsmanship, and construction matter more than country of origin.Know your customer — Strong pricing and marketing begin with understanding who you're designing for.Build with transparency — Great brands earn trust through honest manufacturing and thoughtful product development.🎧 Listen now for an insider's look at luxury manufacturing, global sourcing, and what it really takes to build a handbag brand that lasts. Our Guest: Karrica is a handbag designer and product development expert with extensive experience in luxury accessories manufacturing. Having worked across global supply chains while building her own brand, she helps demystify the design, development, and production of premium handbags—bridging the gap among craftsmanship, business strategy, and modern luxury. 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. Support the show Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner   TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  6. Jul 7

    From Recycled Plastic to a Global Bag Brand: How Got Bag Found Product-Market Fit | Emily Blumenthal & Kathrin Melchior

    Can a backpack made from ocean-bound plastic become a global accessories brand? In this episode, Kathrin Melchior of Got Bag shares how thoughtful product development, customer insights, and sustainable innovation transformed a crowdfunding idea into one of the most recognizable bag brands on the street. From designing inside a fast-moving global retailer to helping scale a purpose-driven startup, Katrine explains why great products come from constant testing—not just great taste. She also reveals how one surprising customer insight led Got Bag from backpacks into handbags, and why understanding who actually buys your product is often the biggest breakthrough. Key Takeaways: Design with data — Customer feedback beats assumptions every time.Stay open to surprises — Your real customer may not be who you expected.Purpose needs a great product — Sustainability succeeds when design and function come first.🎧 Listen now to learn how sustainable innovation, smart product strategy, and customer insights can build a brand that people proudly carry every day. Our Guest: Kathrin Melchior is the Lead of Product and designer at Got Bag, the sustainable accessories brand known for transforming ocean-bound plastic into durable, everyday bags. With experience spanning global fashion retail and purpose-driven product development, she combines design thinking, consumer insights, and sustainability to create products that are both functional and commercially successful. 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.  Support the show Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner   TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  7. Jun 30

    Know Your Customer or Lose Your Brand | Emily Blumenthal & Alex Greifeld

    What separates brands that grow from those that stall? In this episode, growth marketing consultant Alex Greifeld shares why defining your ideal customer is the foundation of every successful fashion brand. Drawing on experience at FIT, Jones New York, Tibi, and Tapestry, Alex explains how leading brands balance creative instinct with real market data. From building a clear unique selling proposition to understanding customer acquisition costs, unit economics, and digital marketing, she offers a practical roadmap for founders looking to grow smarter. Alex also shares her approach to content creation, short-form video, and what unconventional brands like Brandy Melville can teach designers about standing out in a crowded market. Key Takeaways: • Know exactly who you're selling to — Clear customer definition drives every successful marketing decision.  • Growth starts with the numbers — CAC, unit economics, and positioning matter as much as great design.  • Content builds trust — Consistent, authentic storytelling is one of today's most powerful growth tools. 🎧 Listen now for actionable marketing strategies every handbag designer and fashion founder should know. Our Guest:  Alex Greifeld is a fashion growth marketing consultant who helps brands scale through customer strategy, digital marketing, and content. With experience spanning FIT, Jones New York, Tibi, and Tapestry, she combines merchandising expertise with performance marketing to help fashion businesses build stronger brands and sustainable growth. 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.  Support the show Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner   TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  8. Jun 23

    Turning Leather Waste into Luxury Handbags | Emily Blumenthal & Cassandra Kane

    What happens when a designer steps inside the Italian luxury manufacturing system and sees how much material never makes it into the final product? In this episode, Cassandra Kane shares how a move to Florence transformed her understanding of craftsmanship, sustainability, and the hidden costs of luxury production. After years designing for major fashion brands, she discovered the staggering amount of leather waste generated during manufacturing and set out to create a different model. The result was Sieme, an upcycled handbag brand that transforms leather offcuts and overstock into modern, luxury-quality accessories. Cassandra also discusses the challenges of building a circular supply chain in Italy, the creation of Zero Lab, and why transparency, education, and thoughtful design are essential to making sustainability more than just a marketing claim. Key Takeaways: • Waste is built into luxury production — Understanding the manufacturing process reveals opportunities for innovation.  • Sustainability requires infrastructure — Great intentions aren't enough without systems that support circularity.  • Storytelling builds trust — Transparency, education, and product longevity help customers connect with purpose-driven brands. 🎧 Listen now for an inside look at Italian craftsmanship, circular fashion, and building a luxury brand with sustainability at its core. Our Guest:  Cassandra Kane is the founder of CMA, an Italian-made handbag brand that transforms luxury leather offcuts and surplus materials into elevated accessories. Based in Florence, she combines her background in fashion design and product development with a deep commitment to circular manufacturing. She is also a co-founder of Zero Lab, an initiative focused on creating practical infrastructure for sustainable and compliant upcycling within Italy's fashion industry. 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.  Support the show Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner   TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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4.9
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About

Master the handbag trends, fashion retail, and brand building fashion strategies that define the luxury goods industry. Each week on Handbag Designer 101, host Emily Blumenthal—the ultimate resource for fashion entrepreneurs—explores the art of brand storytelling and accessories design. As the author of Handbag Designer 101 and founder of The Independent Handbag Designer Awards (the most prestigious fashion award in the category), Emily goes behind the scenes of your favorite handbag brands. From fashion startup founders to fashion craftsmanship experts, this podcast features exclusive designer interviews and insights into iconic handbag history. Whether you’re an aspiring designer, a collector, or a fashion executive, join us to discover the business savvy and creativity required to succeed in the handbag market. Get the inside scoop on leather goods manufacturing, fashion wholesale, and the journeys of visionary creators. Our episodes serve as a living designer biography, covering everything from bag collection design to scaling a global brand. Tune in every Tuesday to "Handbag Designer 101" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform, or watch full episodes on YouTube, and highlights on TikTok.

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