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

Emily Blumenthal
  • 4.8 (18)
  • 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. 1D AGO

    Raffia, Color, And The New Bag Rules with: Ilia-Sybil Sdralli | Emily Blumenthal & Ilia-Sybil Sdralli

    What happens when fashion stops following one trend cycle and splinters into thousands of micro-movements? We sit down with fashion editor Ilia Sib Zvalli to unpack why the old model of seasonal “must-haves” is breaking down—and what that means for designers, shoppers, and brands trying to stay relevant. Ilia explains how social media fractured trend forecasting, why niche aesthetics now shape consumer behavior faster than traditional fashion calendars, and how today’s smartest brands win by understanding context, not just virality. From Substack’s rise as a freer editorial platform to the psychology behind oxblood tones, statement silhouettes, and region-specific style, this conversation offers a sharper lens on what actually drives fashion now. Key Takeaways:  • Trends didn’t disappear — They fragmented into microcultures with faster, localized influence.  • Context drives style — Climate, culture, and lifestyle shape what truly sells.  • Independent voices matter — Sharper analysis often comes from platforms outside ad-driven media. 🎧 Listen now for a smarter conversation on trend forecasting, fashion media, and what really shapes style today. Our Guest: Ilia-Sybil Sdralli is a fashion editor and industry commentator known for his sharp perspective on luxury, consumer behavior, and evolving trend culture. With experience navigating both traditional fashion media and independent editorial spaces, Ilia brings a nuanced understanding of how trends, storytelling, and commerce intersect in today’s fragmented style landscape. 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

    26 min

  2. APR 28

    Trust, Tech, and Truth: How Vidyuth Srinivasan Built Entrupy | Emily Blumenthal & Vidyuth Srinivasan

    What happens when curiosity, risk-taking, and a refusal to follow the expected path collide? We sit down with Vidyuth Srinivasan, CEO of Entrupy, to explore his journey from India to New York, from journalism to entrepreneurship, and from outsider to innovator. Vidyuth shares how embracing his identity, thinking independently, and challenging conventional systems helped shape Entrupy—a company built to solve one of fashion’s biggest problems: trust. From navigating cultural identity to developing authentication technology that fights counterfeiting, this conversation reveals how randomness, data, and conviction can transform industries. Key Takeaways:  • Authenticity starts with trust — Technology can scale transparency where doubt exists.  • Risk fuels innovation — Nontraditional paths often create the biggest breakthroughs.  • Identity is an asset — Staying true to yourself can become a competitive advantage. 🎧 Listen now for an insightful conversation on entrepreneurship, authentication, and building trust in a counterfeit world. Our Guest:  Vidyuth Srinivasan is the CEO and co-founder of Entrupy, a technology company using AI-powered authentication to combat counterfeiting in luxury goods. With a background spanning journalism, entrepreneurship, and technology, Vidyuth has built a platform focused on transparency, trust, and protecting both businesses and consumers in high-stakes marketplaces. 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.  https://www.instagram.com/entrupy/ https://www.entrupy.com/  Support the show Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner   TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner

    46 min

  3. APR 21

    Luxury Without Compromise: Nancy Gale on Building a Brand That Stands for Something | Emily Blumenthal & Nancy Gale

    What if luxury wasn’t about pressure—but about freedom to be fully yourself? We sit down with Nancy Gale, founder of JAMAH Handbags, to explore how a clear point of view shapes every decision, from materials to manufacturing. Nancy shares what it takes to build an ultra-luxury brand in the U.S., why she refuses to cut corners to hit price points, and how strong relationships—from factories to suppliers—can define both your strength and your risk. It’s a conversation about standing firm in your values while navigating growth, partnership changes, and the constant pressure to scale. Key Takeaways:  • Don’t dilute the vision — True luxury requires holding the line on quality.  • Relationships are leverage — The right partners can elevate or expose your brand.  • Define success your way — Scaling doesn’t mean sacrificing identity. 🎧 Listen now for a grounded take on building a luxury brand with conviction. Our Guest:  Nancy Gale is the founder of JAMAH Handbags, an American-made luxury brand rooted in individuality, craftsmanship, and purpose. Known for her commitment to premium materials like Italian lambskin and her philosophy of “Be who you are,” Nancy combines design, business, and advocacy through her brand and her nonprofit, Ambition. 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.  Subscribe, share this with a designer friend, and leave a review so more people can find Handbag Designer 101. Support the show Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner   TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner

    36 min

  4. APR 14

    When Handmade Stops Scaling: Andrea Pascual on Pivoting a Handbag Brand | Emily Blumenthal & Andrea Pascual

    What happens when the way you start building your brand is the very thing holding you back? We sit down with Andrea Pascual to unpack the shift from early hustle to sustainable growth—when handmaking every piece, chasing quality, and saying yes to everything starts costing more than it gives. From her path through FIT and New York’s garment district to the realities of bespoke pricing and burnout, Andrea shares how designers navigate the tension between artistry and building a real business—and why pivoting is often the hardest, but most necessary, move. Key Takeaways:  • What works early won’t scale — Growth requires letting go of old processes.  • Handmade has limits — Time, margins, and energy must be protected.  • Production is strategy — Factories, tech packs, and backups are critical to survival. 🎧 Listen now for an honest look at what it takes to evolve from maker to brand. Our Guest:  Andrea Pascual is a handbag designer with experience spanning handcrafted leather goods and scaled production. With roots in Canada and training at FIT in New York, she brings a practical perspective on sourcing, sampling, and navigating the complex transition from artisan to entrepreneur in the handbag 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.  Subscribe, share this with a designer friend, and leave a review so more people can find Handbag Designer 101. Support the show Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner   TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner

    29 min

  5. APR 7

    The Hermès Game, Decoded: Chloe Chen on Getting the Bag You Actually Want | Emily Blumenthal & Chloe Chen

    Why is buying a Hermès bag so complicated—and is there a smarter way in? We sit down with Chloe Chen, known as Chloe Hermes Fairy, to break down the real mechanics behind scoring a Birkin, Kelly, or Mini Kelly—from purchase history and boutique politics to the reality of being offered a bag without knowing the specs. Chloe also pulls back the curtain on the resale and sourcing market, explaining how brokers secure exact bags, why prices fluctuate, and how paying for expertise can save time, money, and frustration. Key Takeaways:  • Access is strategic — Boutique offers depend on history, timing, and relationships.  • Resale can be smarter — Sourcing directly often beats inflated platform pricing.  • Authenticate everything — High stakes demand trusted verification and process. 🎧 Listen now for a clear, insider playbook on navigating the Hermès market without the guesswork. Our Guest:  Chloe Chen, known as Chloe Hermes Fairy, is a luxury handbag sourcing expert specializing in Hermès. She helps clients secure specific Birkin, Kelly, and Mini Kelly bags through a global network, guiding them through pricing, authentication, and strategy in both boutique and resale markets. 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.  Subscribe, share this with a designer friend, and leave a review so more people can find Handbag Designer 101. Support the show Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner   TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner

    31 min

  6. MAR 31

    The Leather Trail: Tanner Leatherstein’s Global Journey to Fame | Emily Blumenthal & Tanner Leatherstein

    Meet Volkan Yilmaz, also known as “Tanner Leatherstein,” a leather artisan and entrepreneur whose journey spans continents. From his beginnings in his father’s tannery in Turkey to becoming a TikTok sensation in the U.S., Tanner’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and passion. After moving to Turkmenistan and Armenia with his family to run tanneries, Tanner eventually found himself in Chicago, working as a cab driver after winning a green card lottery. Despite language barriers and culture shock, he pursued an MBA and combined his traditional leather expertise with modern business skills. Tanner’s brand, Pagai, and his viral TikTok videos, where he deconstructs luxury handbags, have educated and entertained millions, shedding light on leather quality, craftsmanship, and industry practices. Key takeaways include the importance of understanding leather quality, transparency in craftsmanship, and sustainability in production. Tanner’s story is a testament to the power of tradition, innovation, and perseverance. Key Takeaways: Leather Quality: Educating designers and consumers about tanning, leather grades, and sourcing enhances handbag durability and value.Craftsmanship Transparency: Showcasing the production process builds trust and appreciation for the artistry.Sustainability: Embrace eco-friendly tanning, upcycled materials, and ethical sourcing to align with sustainable fashion trends.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,” she has collaborated with leading brands such as Swarovski, Kenneth Cole, Henri Bendel, Kate Spade, and Macy’s. Emily also teaches entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Technology and is dedicated to celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of building iconic handbag brands. Follow Tanner Leatherstein: https://www.instagram.com/tanner.leatherstein/  https://www.tiktok.com/@tanner.leatherstein Support the show Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner   TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner

    45 min

  7. MAR 24

    Real or Replica? Dani Smith on What Actually Makes a Bag Authentic | Emily Blumenthal & Dani Smith

    What makes a luxury bag feel “real”—and why can even an authentic one sit unsold? We sit down with Dani Smith, senior authentication specialist at What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA), to unpack the fine details that drive trust in the vintage handbag market. From a Chanel bag mistaken as fake to the limits of resale photos, Danny explains why in-person evaluation still matters and how structure, scent, and subtle wear can make or break a purchase. He also shares how authenticators are trained, what actually sells, and how trends and influencer demand impact resale value. Key Takeaways:  • Details define authenticity — Small cues separate real from questionable.  • In-person still wins — Photos miss critical signs of quality and wear.  • Trends don’t guarantee value — Demand can shift faster than expected. 🎧 Listen now for an insider look at authentication, resale strategy, and smarter vintage buying. Our Guest:  Dani Smith is a senior authentication specialist at What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA), a leading luxury vintage retailer. With deep expertise in brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, he helps verify authenticity, guide collectors, and navigate the fast-evolving resale market with a trained eye for detail. 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.  Subscribe, share this with a designer friend, and leave a review so more people can find Handbag Designer 101. Support the show Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner   TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner

    35 min

  8. MAR 17

    Designing Bags That Actually Sell: Holly Lauren Beedle on the Real Math Behind Handbags | Emily Blumenthal & Holly Lauren Beedle

    Why do some beautiful bags fail the moment they hit the market? We sit down with handbag designer and consultant Holly Lauren Beedle—an industry “ghost designer” whose work appears under brands you definitely know—to unpack the realities behind successful bag design. Holly explains why pricing must come first, how ethnography shapes function, and why merchandising and material choices determine whether a bag survives real life or quietly disappears from shelves. Key Takeaways:  • Price first, design second — Retail strategy should guide materials and development.  • Design for real life — Ethnography reveals what customers truly need from a bag.  • Merchandising matters — Presentation and usability can determine sell-through. 🎧 Listen now for a behind-the-scenes look at how handbags are really designed, priced, and brought to market. Our Guest:  Holly Lauren Beedle is a handbag designer and product development consultant who works behind the scenes with established brands to create commercially successful accessories. Known for blending ethnographic research with practical merchandising strategy, she helps companies design bags that perform in both the marketplace and everyday life. 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.  Subscribe, share this with a designer friend, and leave a review so more people can find Handbag Designer 101. Support the show Youtube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner   TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner

    33 min
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4.8
out of 5
18 Ratings

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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