SA handbag designers on New York short-list

Published May 25, 2016

Share

South African handbag designers, Adrian Furstenburg and Marissa van Zyl, have been short-listed for the 10th annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards to be held in New York City next month.

They are among the top 40 finalists selected from more than 1 500 worldwide entrants.

The brainchild of handbag-designer-turned-curator, Emily Blumenthal, the Handbag Awards (www.thehandbagawards.com) provides emerging designers access to business and brand-bolstering prizes.

Some of these up for grabs include a feature in the September issue of InStyle, an on-air sales opportunity with EVINE Live, and partnerships with Guess, Mary Kay®Cosmetics and more.

Van Zyl and Furstenburg are nominated in the Guess All About the Logo category with Van Zyl having created a clutch and Furstenburg taking an all-American red, white and blue bent.

Furstenburg, who made his first bag in 2006, said it was only because a car accident prevented him from completing an intended textile design project that he got into designing bags.

“A love for handbag making grew from there, and in 2009 I launched a small collection. It didn’t take off and I retreated into styling. However, international travel and a business course helped me re-enter the market.

“This time I opted for bespoke handbags. Clients who are spending about R4 000 on a bag want it to be perfect and sometimes it does come down to a pocket for their tablet here or a small compartment there.

“Bags are first and foremost practical, so once people were getting exactly what they wanted, the business took off via social media and word of mouth,” said Furstenburg.

His bags are made in leather, bamboo and a soft steel. He meets clients at his studio in Johannesburg, where he is based, or consults with them on Skype. He has sold bags across the globe.

“The look right now is clean cut. Tassles are on their way out. I still love tan, black and brown because handbags must have longevity – one that is practical, well-made and in a neutral shade will last you a long time.”

* Vote for the designers at http://www.instyle.com/fashion/accessories/international-handbag-designer-awards

Related Topics: