How did I manage to get into the handmade and bespoke bag business?

Bag ONE

Bag ONE was the original prototype.  I wasn’t even sure I could make a “real” bag.

Lots of things to learn, lots of things to figure out.  But it was a start.

Starting to figure this out.  Maybe.

Bag TWO

Bag TWO was the next great leap in the process.  Never mind a ‘pattern’, I was just going to start making stuff the way I thought it would work.

It’s not a bad bag to this day.

The one that got away.

Bag THREE

Bag THREE  – oh yeah, my ideas about design and style started to kick in hard.

Sadly, the recipient of this prototype turned out to be bats**t crazy and I don’t have visitation rights.

Of course I can alter a pattern. 

Bag FOUR

Bag FOUR  – I thought I knew what I was doing.

This was about the time the idea to use reclaimed and deadstock materials really started to foment in my head.

The original Micki.

Bag FIVE

Bag FIVE  – can’t screw this one up.

Bestie needs a new bag.  Quick thinking on my feet to come up with a shape and customize the inside.

Parisienne party vibes, for sure.

Bag SIX

Bag SIX  – another birthday, another bag.

If you know Brooke, you totally understand.

Maximalism in one perfect tote.

Bag SEVEN

Bag SEVEN  – the trip to DTLA that changed my outlook.

I really hadn’t given that much thought to hardware and trim…  yet.

Two trailer park girls go round the outside, round the outside.  — Eminem

Bag EIGHT

Bag EIGHT  – now it’s turning into art.

Things are starting to percolate and it’s becoming a lot less predictable around the studio.

If you’re a girl with an opinion, people just hate you.  – Billie Eilish

Bag NINE

Bag NINE  – truly one of a kind.

I stared at this piece of fabric remnant for weeks, trying to figure out what it was saying.