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

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

Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry Icons is a arts podcast hosted by Emily Blumenthal, with 156 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Emily Blumenthal hosts Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry Icons, a arts show with 156 episodes published.

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

  The Luxury Handbag Patience Game on Building Siena Wolf | Emily Blumenthal & Lori Tyberg

  Aug 11, 202625 minS1

  What happens when customers love your handbag—but don’t buy it right away? In this episode, Lori Tyberg, founder of Siena Wolf, shares what it takes to build a luxury handbag brand around timeless design, Italian craftsmanship, custom hardware, and high production costs. From restarting her business after raising her children to embracing Instagram as a discovery engine, Lori opens up about the patience, discipline, and courage required to build a brand on her own terms. Key Takeaways: • Luxury takes patience — Customers may fall in love today and buy months later. • Edit with discipline — Fewer, stronger silhouettes protect both brand identity and cash flow. • Show up consistently — Social media, press, and recognition help customers discover and trust the brand. Listen now for an honest look at the realities of building a luxury handbag brand from the ground up. Our Guest: Lori Tyberg is the founder of Siena Wolf, a luxury handbag brand known for elegant silhouettes, Italian leather, and custom hardware. After stepping away from fashion to raise her children, Lori returned with a refined vision and built Siena Wolf into an independent brand recognized for its craftsmanship and distinctive point of view. 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

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

  Is the Handbag Dead? Jay Choyce Tibbitts on What’s Next for Luxury | Emily Blumenthal & Jay Choyce Tibbitts

  Aug 4, 202634 minS1

  Are handbags losing relevance—or are they simply evolving? In this episode, fashion creator and strategist Jay Choyce Tibbitts explores how changing lifestyles, rising luxury prices, resale, and Gen Z shopping habits are reshaping the handbag industry. We discuss why fewer people carry bags every day, how brands like Coach are thriving while others struggle, and why resale, boutiques, and curated retail experiences are becoming more important than ever. Jay also explains how AI and generative search are changing product discovery—and what independent designers need to know to stay visible. Key Takeaways: • The handbag isn't disappearing—it's evolving — Changing lifestyles are redefining how and why people carry bags. • Culture drives demand — Brands that connect with today's shoppers will outperform those relying on heritage alone. • Discovery is changing — Resale, boutiques, AI, and curated experiences are becoming the new path to finding great brands. Listen now for a fresh look at where the handbag industry is headed—and how designers can stay ahead of the next shift. Our Guest: Jay Choyce Tibbitts is a fashion creator, luxury strategist, and industry commentator known for his sharp insights into handbags, retail, and consumer behavior. Through content, trend analysis, and brand strategy, he helps decode how culture, technology, and luxury are shaping the future of fashion. 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

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

  Trade Shows, Future of Wholesale & How Handbags Changed Retail | Emily Blumenthal & Dorothy Belshaw

  Jul 28, 202640 minS1

  Handbags have evolved from everyday essentials into expressions of personal identity—and that shift is transforming the way retailers buy, merchandise, and discover brands. In this episode, Dorothy Belshaw, CEO and co-owner of NY NOW, shares how the wholesale landscape has changed, why trade shows remain essential in a digital world, and how independent designers can stand out with buyers. From the impact of the 2008 recession to post-pandemic consumer behavior, Dorothy explains why human connection, curated experiences, and genuine product innovation continue to drive retail success. Key Takeaways: • Wholesale is evolving, not disappearing — Trade shows and in-person relationships still drive discovery and lasting retail partnerships. • Handbags have become lifestyle purchases — Today's consumers buy bags as personal expressions, creating new opportunities in the gift and specialty retail markets. • Curation wins attention — Focused concepts and fresh merchandising help independent brands stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Listen now for an insider's look at where retail is headed—and how handbag designers can build stronger wholesale businesses. Our Guest: Dorothy Belshaw is the CEO and co-owner of NY NOW, one of the leading wholesale trade shows for gift, lifestyle, and accessories brands. With decades of experience connecting buyers and makers, she has helped shape the evolution of modern retail while championing emerging designers and innovative merchandising concepts. 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

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

  The Business of Wearable Handbag Art | Emily Blumenthal & Elif Akaydin

  Jul 21, 202628 minS1

  What happens when a handbag is designed as a work of art instead of just an accessory? In this episode, Elif Akaydin, founder of Patent of Heart, shares how her journey from Istanbul to New York shaped a brand rooted in craftsmanship, storytelling, and purpose. She explains how hand embroidery, chain stitch techniques, and upcycled leather create bags that feel personal, while balancing one-of-a-kind artistry with the realities of production, pricing, and growth. Alifa also shares why pop-ups and boutiques have been key to building her business, and how producing in Istanbul supports women artisans while giving back to women's education. Key Takeaways: Art creates connection — Handcrafted details transform handbags into meaningful, collectible pieces. Creativity needs structure — Production, pricing, and scalable design are just as important as inspiration. Purpose builds loyalty — Ethical manufacturing and giving back can strengthen a brand when they're woven into the business. Listen now for an inspiring conversation about craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and building a handbag brand with heart. Our Guest: Elif Akaydin is the founder and creative director of Patent of Heart, a handbag brand that blends fine craftsmanship, artistic expression, and social impact. Producing in Istanbul with skilled artisans, she creates handcrafted bags that celebrate individuality while supporting women through ethical manufacturing and educational initiatives. 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

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

  Made in China vs. Made in Italy: What Luxury Brands Don’t Tell You | Emily Blumenthal & Karicca

  Jul 14, 20261 hourS1

  Does "Made in Italy" always mean better quality? In this episode, designer and product development expert Karicca pulls back the curtain on luxury handbag manufacturing, revealing what really determines quality beyond the label. Drawing on years of experience developing handbags and footwear, she explains how global supply chains work, why finishing laws can be misleading, and what designers should look for in materials, construction, and factory partnerships. Karicca also shares her journey of launching her own brand while balancing a full-time career, along with practical lessons on pricing, marketing, and finding the right customer in today's crowded marketplace. Key Takeaways: Quality goes beyond the label — Materials, craftsmanship, and construction matter more than country of origin. Know your customer — Strong pricing and marketing begin with understanding who you're designing for. Build with transparency — Great brands earn trust through honest manufacturing and thoughtful product development. 🎧 Listen now for an insider's look at luxury manufacturing, global sourcing, and what it really takes to build a handbag brand that lasts. Our Guest: Karicca is a handbag designer and product development expert with extensive experience in luxury accessories manufacturing. Having worked across global supply chains while building her own brand, she helps demystify how premium handbags are designed, developed, and produced—bridging the gap between craftsmanship, business strategy, and modern luxury. 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

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