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

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

Emily Blumenthal
Fashion
Handbags
Entrepreneurship
Handbag Design
Social Media Marketing
Fashion Industry
FTL Bags
Martania Handbags
Fashion Design
Manufacturing
Kickstarter
3D Printing
Public Relations
Investment Banking
Color Palette
Fashion Media
Content Creation
Identity Verification
Entrupy
Immigrant Experience

What does it take to create an iconic handbag brand? Each week, Emily Blumenthal—author of Handbag Designer 101 and founder of The Handbag Awards—dives deep into the stories behind the handbags we love. From world-renowned designers and rising stars to industry executives shaping the retail landscape, Handbag Designer 101 brings you the inside scoop on the creativity, craftsmanship, and business s... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes132Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsFashion & Beauty

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

Latest Episodes

What does it take to turn a spark into a bag you can actually hold? We sit down with founder and designer Lauren Reed, who left corporate life, partnered with generational leather artisans in Guatemala, and launched her brand in just 47 days from ide... more

What makes a bag feel powerful the second someone spots it across the floor—and why does that magic disappear when brands scale? We sit down with Matthew Lafargue of Accessory Think Tank to unpack lessons from the Macy’s sales floor to leading $1.8B ... more

Retail isn’t dying—it’s recalibrating. We sit down with William Brobston of the Brobston Group,  to explore the shift from oversized, anonymous stores to smaller, neighborhood spaces where teams know your name and brands feel personal. Drawing from e... more

What turns a love of making into an accessories brand people stop you on the street to ask about? We sit down with Anyah Sealey, founder of A by Anyah, to trace a path shaped by global training, hard critiques, and real market feedback. From early be... more

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Recent Guests

Lauren Reed
Founder of Lauren Reed Co.
Lauren Reed Co.
Episode: From Idea to Sample in 47 Days: Lauren Reed on going from burnout to bags | Emily Blumenthal & Lauren Reed
Matthew Lafargue
Co-founder of Accessory Think Tank
Accessory Think Tank
Episode: Perception Is Profit: Matthew Lafargue on Making Bags Feel Important | Emily Blumenthal & Matthew Lafargue
Anyah Sealy
Founder of A by Anyah, a handbag brand
A by Anyah
Episode: She Learned the Rules. Then Built the Bag Brand, A by Anyah, That Breaks Them: | Emily Blumenthal & Anyah Sealey
Dana Auslander
Founder of Luxus and expert in luxury handbag investment
Luxus
Episode: The Birkin Playbook: Inside Handbags as an Asset Class | Emily Blumenthal & Dana Auslander
Rafael Antonio Enrique de la Vega Sanchez de los Sada
Co-founder and CEO of Salt Athletic
Salt Athletic
Episode: How Salt Athletic Became the Cleat Bag Athletes Want (and Parents Trust) | Emily Blumenthal & Rafael de la Vega
Dr. Jessica Quillin
PhD in 19th century British literature, and expert in fashion strategy.
It's a Working Title, Fashion Strategy Weekly
Episode: Dr. Jessica Quillin & The Power of Cohesive Luxury Brand Storytelling | Emily Blumenthal & Dr. Jessica Quillin
Adriana Castro
Founder of the Adriana Castro handbag brand, focusing on sustainable production and storytelling
Adriana Castro
Episode: 🎙️ Carrying Craft and Clarity: How Adriana Castro Built a Lasting Brand | Emily Blumenthal & Adriana Castro
Joy Gryson
An independent handbag designer and co-founder of her own brand.
House of Joy
Episode: Quitting Marc Jacobs to Create an Iconic Brand: The Story of Joy Gryson | Emily Blumenthal & Joy Gryson
Cathy Schwartz-Shino
Expert in handbag licensing and design, founder of Edit Accordingly
Edit Accordingly
Episode: Inside the Handbag Machine: How Cathy Schwartz-Shino Defines Real Brand Power | Emily Blumenthal & Cathy Schwartz-Shino

Host

Emily Blumenthal
Handbag industry expert and the handbag fairy godmother

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 19 ratings
  • Quality host and guests + feedback

    I have been searching for a handbag podcast to learn about the industry and this is exactly what i was looking for. The podcast is very informational and it is amazing how you can tell the host is highly informed and passionate about fashion, fashion history, and business. I also enjoy the variety and quality of guests and stories. My only feedback would be that at times the host will cut the guest off (not intentionally) to add a comment or to share a related story and I feel that it cuts off t... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ddddfad
    United States2 years ago
  • Very Educational & Inspiring

    I love to tune in to learn and get inspired as a Handbag Designer .

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Eldrewsfjfc12345
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some feedback mentions that interruptions can occasionally detract from the depth of discussions, though the overall reception remains highly positive.
The diverse range of guests and their stories is appreciated, offering valuable learning experiences for aspiring designers.
Listeners praise the host for being knowledgeable and passionate about the fashion industry, providing quality insights and engaging discussions.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

From Idea to Sample in 47 Days: Lauren Reed on going from burnout to bags | Emily Blumenthal & Lauren Reed
Q: What was the moment you decided to go all in on Lauren Reed Co.?
A week after returning home, I left the boutique to focus on the brand; 47 days later I held the first sample and prepared for a rapid go-to-market.
From Idea to Sample in 47 Days: Lauren Reed on going from burnout to bags | Emily Blumenthal & Lauren Reed
Q: How did your early experiences influence the product and brand you launched?
The boutique taught me to fuse narrative with product quality, and exposure to artisan leather co-ops helped shape a durable, story-driven design language.
Sell the Story, Not Just the Bag with WIlliam Brobston | Emily Blumenthal & William Brobston
Q: With your experience, what were you finding with your 15 plus years of working in the industry in terms of talent, of people coming in, and where do you think the strengths were, and where do you think the deficits were?
Hiring in teams is important; it's essential to find leaders aligned with the brand mission and emphasize that leadership is responsible for guiding team goals towards brand success.
She Learned the Rules. Then Built the Bag Brand, A by Anyah, That Breaks Them: | Emily Blumenthal & Anyah Sealey
Q: How did you decide on putting your name on the brand?
Initially called A, Anyah explains the transformation to her name, linking it to the meaning of love and her desire to share beauty through her creations.
She Learned the Rules. Then Built the Bag Brand, A by Anyah, That Breaks Them: | Emily Blumenthal & Anyah Sealey
Q: How did you come to the conclusion of what your it bag anchor piece hero item would look like?
She revealed that she designs with emotion, expressing her personal feelings through her designs and confirming the importance of understanding the market.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast offers an in-depth look at the handbag industry, spotlighting the stories and journeys of established designers, emerging talents, and influential executives within the field. Episodes explore various themes, such as the intersection of creativity and commerce, the significance of craftsmanship, and the evolving landscape of the luxury market. Guests share personal anecdotes, insights into brand building, and the emotional connections that handbags evoke for both creators and consumers alike. Unique elements of the series include a focus on sustainability, cultural diversity, and the innovative approaches taken by designers to meet modern demands in fashion. Listeners are likely to find inspiration and practical advice, whether... more

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1. The Daily

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this podcast launched 2 years ago and published 132 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Lauren Reed
2. Matthew Lafargue
3. Anyah Sealy
4. Dana Auslander
5. Rafael Antonio Enrique de la Vega Sanchez de los Sada
6. Dr. Jessica Quillin
7. Adriana Castro
8. Joy Gryson

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