Post #5: From Sketch to Concept; Pleated Gaucho

I am a proud poppa. I have been birthing beautiful babies in the form of handbags and I am starting to feel like a Designer. An unknown, unpaid, struggling Designer, but Designer nonetheless. I received my 2nd sample which has been named the "Pleated Gaucho" and I couldn't be more ecstatic. While there are things I would change immediately, because I am never really truly pleased, I can't help but be over joyed by the progress and direction my creative work is taking.



Initial sketches and specs which I probably shouldn't be posting, but I mean if people are going to copy, they are going to copy. The red mock-up on top is usually made out of very inexpensive fabric like pleather, which allows you to make changes and corrections without using real fabric.





I have been showing a few close friends my work, and have been soliciting feedback from those whose opinion I feel would matter. And I remembered one comment in particular, "I can see a collection coming together" and I felt like I was heading in the right direction. The factory that I am currently partnering with has been doing a wonderful job on execution, but has also been incredibly flexible and eager to work on my projects. So if there are any aspiring handbag designers that would like a referral, please let me know.




Notice the signature structured rod that supports the top of the bag which compliments the soft pleated folds of the bag.


So the "Pleated Gaucho" is a good example of balance and proportion that are crucial to my aesthetic and ultimately, my brand. I would describe my style as progressive, modern, architectural, androgynous, chic and elegantly edgy. I am a big bag whore, I hate soft squishy bags, don't like hobos, think all clutches are too small and dainty, don't want sequins on my bags, thinks that an exotic bag should be more than a square with straps [thank you very much Nancy Gonzalez]. I also think that your handbag should be a badge of honor, like a good watch, it's a symbol of success and a mark of prosperity. So with that kind of mindset, I set out to create a chic collection of bags that I would be proud to wear.




Final leather sample of Pleated Gaucho which is made from the same skin as the Knotted sandal, which were designed to compliment each other.



Once you have had an opportunity to see more of my work, there is an underlying theme of hard and soft. While my handbags remain feminine, you should still feel some masculine undertones whether it's the proportions, hardware, silhouette or color. This is all very intentional since I would never design an item that I wouldn't wear. And for those of you who know me, I don't like things that are cute, pretty, or sweet. There is a dark mannish edge to the way that I dress and design, whether it's my signature black lip or a structured jacket, there is a harmonious battle of male + female that is going on. I feel more comfortable in a controversial outfit versus one that is mediocre or average, I am inherently a SHOWPIECE.

So let me know what you think of this bag, would you wear it? What colors would you like to see it in?

LESSON: Sketches mean nothing if you can't follow through and breathe life into them.