Project Handbag finalist Phil Hatchet gives us the scoop on his unique creation, designing for men, and the art of fashion. Read on…

How would you describe your handbag?

Clean lines, intriguing surfaces, and attention to detail were all key for me during the designing process of my bag. A woman’s bag should always tell a story of sort and I wanted to create a bag that said something strong about it’s owner.

Where did you draw inspiration?

I am an admirer of the classical and somewhat a nostalgic aesthetic. In old film noir movies, the men’s shiny black patent leather shoes have always drawn my attention. The way light plays off the surface and the small punched holes along the scalloped edges speak volumes to me and I knew I wanted to translate that feeling into a bag. I placed small gathers in the center front of my design to give the piece a modern feel while drawing from the classic stylings of fine Italian leather shoes for the rest of the piece. The bag is both empowering and distinctly feminine.

So have you always wanted to be a handbag designer?

Though I enjoyed this small challenge immensely, I am not typically a bag designer. In fact, I rarely design pieces for women. Menswear is a notoriously overlooked and underdeveloped facet of the fashion world and I love creating edgy and fresh looks for our male population. Controversial at times, my designs consistently push the envelope and I would have it no other way.

Describe your love for fashion?

Fashion is art. And as art, the purpose of fashion is to communicate. Whether an idea, a feeling, a statement or whatnot, if the clothes speak strongly, they are successful. Sometimes political, other times more intimate thoughts, I want my clothes to speak beyond “looking good”.

Vote for Phil Hatchet’s creation at maurices.com.

A brief interview with Project Handbag Finalist David Tezanos.

FI: What was your inspiration when creating this handbag?
DZ: The sunshine state..
FI: Have you always wanted to be a handbag designer?
DZ: I have always wanted to be a handbag designer. i just love the fashion statement handbag’s make. I’ve been working hard and this year I will make my statement……

FI: How is fashion a part of your daily life?
DZ: Fashion is life and life is my runway…

FI: Describe your style?
DZ: Unique, eccentric, loud, colorful, bold, sophisticated and classy.

Vote for this handbag at maurices.

FI: What was your inspiration when creating this handbag?

CB: My muses for this design were my students who are little fashionistas in the making and some fierce spectator pumps I had recently seen in a fashion magazine. The pumps reminded me of some my grandmas had worn back in their days as flappers when the 20’s were Roarin’, thus the Retro. Bringing that style a modern twist by adding the faux stones gave it the Metro. I think the faux stones could be in opaque onyx or chalk white. I had actually drawn a couple of design ideas, but time after time people picked this one as being “HOT!”

FI: Have you always wanted to be a handbag designer?
CB: I have always wanted to be a fashion designer and certainly handbags are part of that. I have designed and made clothes for myself, friends and family as well as jewelry and handbags. My mom had also wanted to be a fashion designer and she taught me many things about art and sewing and style. I am currently learning as much as I can about shibori (stitch shaped resist dye) so I can make my own custom fabrics. As a middle school art teacher, I have put my fashion design skills to use making costumes for school plays and musicals as well as doing backdrops and special effects. Two other art teachers in my school corporation, Liz and Libby, also have that fashion urge and we have collaborated on designs for textiles and fashions.

FI: How is fashion a part of your daily life?

CB: Isn’t fashion a part of everyone’s daily life? My dear hubby Mark is very tolerant of the overflowing
closet and the projects that sometimes take over the living room. He is working on building me a steamer for steaming my dyed silk yardage. My niece Mallory is my fave shopping companion as she is brutally honest about what looks fab and what looks flab. I love to cook too and I think food needs to look good as well as taste good. You need to surround yourself with beauty to have a beautiful life. As Coco Chanel said “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

FI: Describe your style?
CB: My style is very eclectic. I don’t worship one particular style. My style is what makes me feel good
that day. I like to mix pieces from different stores and designers with my own designs to put together my own look. I consider myself a BBW and I am so thrilled to see stores like Maurices offering plus
size clothing that not only fits, but looks good and makes me feel good. Now if we can get some of the hot designers to recognize the BBWs and their wonderful curves…

Vote for this bag at maurices.

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.

Vote for Christina Oertel at maurices.com

What inspired you to design this handbag?

I love fashion. I enjoy being creative with my style. I have been in the clothing project in 4-H since I was 8 years old, and part of that clothing project is being judged in a “fashion revue” which involves me modeling the garment I sewed, with all accessories I believe enhance my garment. I have constructed everything from an eyelet sun top and capri pants when I was 9, to a short tweed jacket with a black skirt when I was 13, to a mid-calf length red wool coat when I was 15, and I am proud that I have won in several divisions on a state level.

Accessories are a very important part of bringing the whole look together, and the proper handbag is of utmost importance! It must compliment the garment you are wearing, as well as be functional and comfortable! I learned about this contest while I was shopping with my mom one evening. She knew I liked to sketch clothing and encouraged me to try to design a handbag to enter. I thought about what I like in a handbag…one with comfortable handles, with colors that compliment many outfits so I don’t have to do a handbag switch every time I walk out of the house, one that is not so top-heavy that it falls over when I set it down, one that is comfortable enough to carry to the mall but large enough to hold my things! Every girl wants that perfect handbag!

Have you always wanted to be a handbag designer?

I have wanted to be in fashion design, including handbags and hats, for as long as I can remember. As soon as I began making my own clothing for competition, and after having toured the clothing and textile department at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and after attending a style show at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, I knew I wanted to go down that career path. I find it fascinating and challenging!

Sara’s submission. Vote for it now!!!

How is fashion a part of your everyday life?

Fashion is a part of my everyday life because no matter where I go, I want to show my personal style. You can tell a lot about a person just by what they are wearing. Like it or not, we are judged by our look and the clothing we wear. Our fashion and clothing choices are all parts of our complete body image package. When we look good, we feel good and show more confidence! When I start my day looking my best, wearing the right shoes and carrying the perfect handbag, my whole day goes better!

Describe your style.

I feel like I have a very unique style. I absolutely love to wear my skinny jeans and high heels, or my turtleneck with the jumper over it with my legwarmers and heels. But, I also love the elegant look. One of my idols is Audrey Hepburn, I love her look. I like to take old styles, and make them more modern and up-to-date, so as to bring them back, but at the same time, make the look my own. I live in a small town, and love to go to larger cities to shop.

When Fashion Indie teamed up with maurices to produce Project Handbag, we we’re prepared for a full helping of handbags to judge and select from. “Full helping” was definitely an understatement. We were downright stuffed. Hundreds of handbags we’re submitted from all across the US. Designers from all walks of life and of all ages submitted handbags that ranged from amazingly inventive to down right illegal (woman who submitted a picture of a fall 2006 Ferragamo bag, yeah, we’re talking about you).

In the end, once we whittled down the entries, we we’re left with ten promising handbags, from ten unique designers. Robin Lee Simmons (pict left) clutch caught our attention for its use of vintage fabric, intelligent design (why every clutch doesn’t have a handle is beyond me) and diamond accenting. We got a chance to chat with the designer about her creation and love of fashion.

Fashion Indie: What was your inspiration when creating this handbag?

Robin Lee: I have always been inspired by vintage fashion. Vintage clothing and accessories are timeless, elegant and a work of art. I love the simplicity and elegance of this bag. The classic appeal is essential to every fashionista!

The Winning Bag – Vote for it at maurices.com

FI: Have you always wanted to be a handbag designer?

RL: Working as a photographer & makeup artist I have been around fashion and beauty for years. It wasn’t until I was pregnant with my son and became unsatisfied with a diaper bag purchase that I decided “I know how to sew, I will make my own!” I designed a diaper bag and then the ball started rolling…I needed chic little handbags that would fit right inside the bag to make my life easier, but still allowing me the fashion freedom!

FI: How is fashion a part of your daily life?

RL: Like all girlie-girls, I am addicted to clothes, shoes, jewelry and BAGS!! I change my handbag depending on my outfit…just like my shoes!

FI: Describe your style?

RL: My style is Vintage-inspired with a touch of SASS!

We catch up with Project Handbag finalist Kate Weimer about her design and desire to become a handbag designer.

What was your inspiration when creating this handbag?

My inspiration when I created the purse was the fabric itself. It was from my grandma’s fabric stash and I think herringbone is a cool weave. When I showed the completed bag to my parents, they told me my grandma (who died last year) had used the rest of the fabric to make a skirt.
Have you always wanted to be a handbag designer?

Ever since high school, when I created my own gym bag out of a towel, I have wanted to be a hangbag designer. I have sold purses to friends as well as at craft shows. Hopefully this contest will help me get noticed!
How is fashion a part of your daily life?

Fashion is fun. I love to watch shows like Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model because they show the stylish, interesting things you can do with a piece of cloth. I used to work at JoAnn Fabrics, and fabric inspires me every time I see a unique print or weave or texture.
Describe Your Personal Style

My personal style is a mix of old and new. I love to layer pieces in interesting ways, and my signature is accessories–jewelry, belts, pins, etc. I like shopping at Goodwill because it’s like a treasure hunt, and I like mixing the pieces I find there with the rest of my wardrobe. I don’t think fashion has to be expensive. And I definitely like to mix it up. My style is always changing!
Why do you shop at maurices?

maurices has great clothes. They cater to the category I fall into–I’m not a Juniors size anymore because I have hips and boobs, but I’m not a Missy size either. I’m just starting my career and maurices provides quality and fashion at a good price.

ABOUT THE HANDBAG

Creating purses out of vintage or recycled materials is important to me, because it emphasizes the fact that being green is easy, fun, and fashionable. I love to design bags with unique details. This purse is made of herringbone wool from my grandmother’s fabric stash. A beautiful vintage twisted metal ring centers the four decorative straps. Store-bought lace trims the top, and the lining is a pirate fabric. A metal snap closure secures all your items in place. There is one interior cellphone pocket.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

I have been creating purses since high school. I have created several custom designs, and no two bags I create are alike. I especially love taking a girl’s favorite pair of jeans, reworking them, and making them into a brand new bag for her. I entered this contest because maurices has a great view of fashion and style, and this versatile purse meshes well with that.

LOVE THIS BAG – VOTE FOR IT HERE

ABOUT THE HANDBAG

I am submitting a tote design with tubular handles. The main body material is satin nylon with matching patent vinyl trim. The hardware is shiny silver with round rings for the straps and dome stud hardware detail. The bottom panel is patent with 4 metal feet.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

I am a handbag designer and a creative person and I thought it would be fun to do this after I put my boys to bed.

LOVE THIS BAG – VOTE FOR IT HERE

ABOUT THE HANDBAG

It is a clutch closure, with handles, so that it is easier to carry and is ideal for everyday purposes. The bottom is flat enough that it can sit upright on any surface. I envision the material to be leather-like for a classy look that can be carried to any occasion. The accent strips could be of a contrasting color in the same material, creating a two-tone look, which makes the accessory more versatile. The second image that I added is my vision of how I would make the inside of the purse, with a satin lining, a small pocket for items such as lipstick, and a smaller pocket for something like a cellphone. I also added a zipper pouch pocket on the other side because that is something I always look for in a purse before I purchase it.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

I am involved in clothing in 4-H where I make my own garments, and fashion design is something I am very interested in for the future. I saw the sign for this opportunity at a local maurices store, and was very anxious to take this chance to create a design of my own.

LOVE THIS BAG – VOTE FOR IT HERE

ABOUT THE HANDBAG

The design I am submitting is my Florida Beach Bag. The design is for the young and trendy. I incorporated the use of a braided leather palm tree for a handle giving the bag a beachy feel. I also used a stainless steel star fish bag accessory to complete the beachy feel.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

I’m an aspiring Cuban designer born in West Palm Beach, FL. I grew up in Mami, FL. I believe the difference in the two cities gave me my style. I’m kinda like a city slicker. I took to the fast life of the city and the cultural diversity Miami gave me. I entered the contest to possibly give me another chance to be discovered. I hope you like my design…

LOVE THIS BAG – VOTE FOR IT HERE

ABOUT THE HANDBAG

This is a classically styled patent leather clutch purse inspired by traditional Italian leather shoes. The bag has a modern twist with small gathers in the center.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

I am currently a fashion student at California College of the Arts in San Francisco, California. Though my forte is usually in menswear, I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of designing a purse that had practical elements and an elegant feel. I paint traditional tattoo pieces when I’m not at school or work.

LOVE THIS BAG – VOTE FOR IT HERE

ABOUT THE HANDBAG

As with all my designs, I think of basic silhouette’s with added touches of flare that give each design a feeling of creativity and personality. I kept the prompt “I love being a girl” in mind for this handbag. With a simple shape and extra details, the owner of this bag will feel comfortable and confident.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

I am a second semester sophomore in Fashion Design at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco. Accessories are crucial part of fashion, one that I often overlook. I wanted to design these handbags as a challenge to myself and my design ability. I also feel it it important to get my name and designs out to the public. Thank you for this opportunity.

LOVE THIS BAG – VOTE FOR IT HERE

ABOUT THE HANDBAG

The Retro Metro Bag is a classic with a twist. Spectator style gets glammed up faux jewels. Milky white suede is accented with black and cream patent. The frame and chain are in powder coated black metal.

The Retro Metro Bag is perfect with the little black dress, the classic black suit, or a spectator style sweater and jeans. Girls of all ages will have fun carrying it.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

I am an art teacher at a middle school. I always wanted to be a fashion designer growing up so this is a fun opportunity to play at being one. I also think that by entering, I am setting a good example for my students to pursue their dream. I had several designs drawn and some of my students helped me decide which one to enter.

LOVE THIS BAG – VOTE FOR IT HERE

ABOUT THE HANDBAG

The bag is a combination of the bags I currently used plus a stylistic look. It would have the expandability of an expandable folder; large enough to hold binders, books, etc.; and a little added style, which every woman needs. A zipper and clasp opening adds security to the bag and the metal feet under the bag protect it from spills on the floor, rough surfaces, etc. The shape and style of the bag also allows it to be made at any size.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

I am a graphic design student within the College of Design Architecture, Art, and Planning at the University of Cincinnati. I greatest problem I have as a student is finding bags to carry my supplies, books, and computer. Usually I have to resort to using shopping bags, high school backpacks, etc. I love purses almost as much as I love shoes, and I would love to find a classy purse that looks good, has the functionality that I need, and can be purchased at a reasonable price.

LOVE THIS BAG – VOTE FOR IT HERE

ABOUT THE HANDBAG

Soiree Envelope Clutch :: Vintage Inspired Aqua & Gold Brocade with Ecru Lace & Rhinestone/Faux Pearl Buckle – Rear Handle Loop. Gold Satin Lining & Magnetic Snap Closure. Size :: 11”Wx5”H

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

I have been designing handbags for almost 7 years. In the past I have been fortunate to have a few featured in such magazines as InStyle & Lucky. My inspiration for entering this contest is simple. I have always designed/created handbags that have a lavish look and appeal, however fit into the world of the average fashionista! Maurice’s customer is the customer that I have always catered to throughout my designing days!

LOVE THIS BAG – VOTE FOR IT HERE

ABOUT THE HANDBAG

My bag takes a somewhat classic style and enhances it with the layers of leather and great detailing. I think the silver and wood accents play off of each other really well. Because the outside is sophisticated and structured, I added bright fabric to the inside to make things fun. My bag would slightly larger than the average handbag. Big enough to carry a reg. sized planner and all other essentials.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

I’m a 26 year old, mother of two, working graphic designer. I LOVE LOVE LOVE fashion…. I wish there were NYC-type jobs I could work at in small town Wisconsin– I’ll keep dreaming. I’m a self-admitted girly-girl and organized multi-tasking go-getter.I’ve been sketching fashion ideas and designs since I was a little girl. It has always been a passion.
A friend/co-worker told me about the competition. She said she thought I’d have a good shot. I hope she’s right .
Hope you enjoy my design!

LOVE THIS BAG – VOTE FOR IT HERE