Christina Oertel Becomes the First Winner of Project Handbag
On Wednesday, May 7th editors, buyers and bloggers gathered at the rooftop deck of Hotel Gansevoort for the announcement of the winner of Project Handbag, a collaborative talent search conducted by fashionindie media and maurices, a fast-retailer with over 650 stores across the country. The runway was set, models were dressed and at 7:10 the music blared and the lights shone brightly for what was to be maurices first New York City fashion show.
Over 40 looks hit the runway, ranging from wear at work items to lounge wear, and editors were pleasantly surprised by a collection of low-priced fashion pieces which fit a New York ethos of style, sophistication and wearability. Rebecca and I were backstage directing traffic, while Busie played figurehead with the editors of Cosmopolitan, Cosmo Girl, and Oprah magazine. Models were changing at breakneck speeds, lining up and hitting the runway once more. The music was a mix of eighties girl bands and solo artists; Madonna, Joan Jett, the GoGo’s, and Blondie energized the walk with DJ Cassidy mixes thrown in.
After the last piece hit the runway, we were ready for an official announcement. With her handbag created and ready for it’s debut, Christina Oertel of Plover, WI. Her Layered Leather Handbag design won over 30% of all votes in this competition from the 17,000 online style loving voters who headed to fashionindie.com and maurices.com to choose the best handbag.
THE DESIGN
THE FINISHED BAG
Christina Oertel couldn’t have been a better winner. The 27 year old mother of two had always wanted to be a handbag designer, but it wasn’t until this contest came around that she had the opportunity to share her talent with the world. When her handbag, a tri-leather carry all, came on to the runway it was met with loud applause. We had a chance to sit with the young winner and grill her on her inspiration, becoming a fashion designer and her personal style.
FI: What was your inspiration when creating this handbag?
CO: I was inspired by many things: the classic high-end bags I’ve always admired; the great layering trends; and most importantly, with spring on its way, I wanted to keep it fresh by adding a bold, colorful print on the inside. As a young mom, I wanted to keep things practical so I played with the size and added pockets.
FI: Have you always wanted to be a handbag designer?
CO: The thought of being a handbag designer, or any type of fashion designer, would pretty much surpass my wildest dreams. So yes… that would be a definite ‘yes’.
FI: How is fashion a part of your daily life?
CO: Although I am a graphic designer by trade, I fit in my fashion fixes throughout the day. In the morning, its choosing an outfit that fits my mood; throughout the day, I’m surfing fashion websites while eating my lunch and on breaks; and after I put the kids to sleep, I’m all over the lastest magazines. On a lucky day, I’ll even catch a Fashion Television podcast on my mp3 player.
FI: Describe your style?
CO: My style changes from day-to-day … as well as season-to-season: I love trying new things! In the summer, my style leans toward clean, classic, easy-going and girly-bohemian. Living in Wisconsin, my style has to be a little more practical in the winter months. This winter, I focused on great winter coats and knee-high boots. My biggest celebrity inspirations would be Jessica Alba, Jessica Simpson, Kate Hudson and Rachel Bilson.
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