Designer Profile: Rian Berry, Rian Bags(Sep 18, 2011)
Our first Handbago Exclusive!! I was so excited to catch up with Rian Berry, designer and founder of Rian Bags, and ask him questions about himself and his awesome handbag line. We just love his personality and sense of humor!Handbago: Your 'Impromptu Canvas Art' line was inspired by one of your original paintings. Tell us a little bit about your background. Did you study art at a university?Rian: I started painting really early on. My parents recognized my interest in art and arranged for me to study under French artist Marjorie Kennedy. I started studying with her at age 7. I did take a few art classes later in College, but I've learned the most from studying with other artists. H: Did you want to pursue painting before finding your niche in the handbag world?R: It came first (painting) and it's just something I've always done, it's not like I get over it or it comes and goes. It's just a constant for me. So, yes I was pursuing it before I started in fashion but I still continue to paint. H: Do you still paint on the side?R: You could say that, It's still a focal part of my creative process even with fashion. I still find ways to incorporate elements of my paintings into some of my fashion designs, like liner prints or printed tote bags, etc. Painting is still very much a part of how I create fashion designs. It is another visual layer or additive to incorporate into the design. It's also becoming a bit of a signature element for me in my design work.H: I'm glad that you acknowledge that men can carry stylish bags as well as women! Do you yourself carry one?R: Yes. Several.H: One of your own perhaps?R: Admittedly yes. Look at it from my perspective, you can design and produce exactly what you want to wear, it's ideal really.H: Last April you were a part of Mario's Head to Toe Event, where they showcased new "favorites". Why do you think they chose you?R: I feel it's because they are making an effort to gradually incorporate more contemporary designers into their mix. I think they know the market well and they are seeing the need to appeal to a more contemporary customer base. They felt my work fit into that philosophy. It is progressive and forward while still retaining some classic design elements. It's versatile for them, but definitely pushing on the contemporary side. Mario is a visionary and he has a great team, they know their customer.H: Did you get a lot of response after the show?R: Yes, the response was good, we added some art to our in-store display and it was well received. I think people like to see the elements of the creative process. Having the paintings, bags, and designer/artist on hand tells a good story. H: Do you have any upcoming events that we can mark on our calendars?R: Not at the moment. Summer is tough because everyone is on Holiday. We have a lot brewing for this fall - stay tuned.H: How has your company changed since its start in 2004?R: Like every growing company, we are changing and expanding everyday. So much has changed since we started. We have added a men's line and started a second brand (Poverty Flats by rian). We have gone from selling in one local boutique to having national accounts and showrooms in New York, Seattle, Tokyo, and Osaka. H: What is the next step with your company? Where/how do you want to see it grow?R: We are really working on growing our accessories business with both our labels right now. Soon we hope to be introducing other items as well. There have been calls for shoes and apparel. We'll see. H: What advice would you give an aspiring handbag designer?R: Really define yourself first, look for that constant element in your inspiration or designs. You need this to have an identity. It's what makes it "yours". If your bag is better than the next designers, but does not have that special something, it won't fly. H: Can we have a sneak peek at your upcoming women's handbag line? Can we expect a similar clean and sophisticated style, like the men's line?R: I think it's sophisticated yet accessible. It is not as clean as the men's styles. We have incorporated more embellishments and layers into the women's line. H: I understand that your handbag line is a collaboration between you and your wife. Tell us a bit about the work dynamic between you two.R: It works out really well, I have a background in Art and Design, and she has a background in Marketing so it is a good balance. It's not for everyone, but it works for us.H: Have you been inspired by any one designer in the past?R: Well it's hard to say "one" designer, there are several. Currently, I continue to be impressed with what Christopher Bailey is doing for Burberry. He has turned that house around. H: In an interview a few years ago, you mentioned that you admired the Gucci line. How have your tastes changed since then?R: If I can recall, I believe I was really into the clean lines and European styling of Gucci accessories at the time, now I prefer things a bit dirtier and a little more busy. I think the classic clean lines will always be great, don't get me wrong. But for me personally I feel like I have alot to say right now, the clean lines can be a bit limiting sometimes. H: Which handbag designer is your current inspiration?R: Jacobs. He makes it look so easy. H: Who was your style icon growing up?R: [I was an] 80's child - so probably George Michael and Steven Morrissey. H: When you were first starting out, was there a certain designer in the field that you looked up to?R; [laughing] That guy from Chanel, what's his name...Thanks Rian for answering our questions! Check out his bags on Handbago here!
Fashion Meenakari Jewelry Wholesale(Sep 18, 2011)
Enameling is the art of colorings or decorating a metal surface by attaching or fusing pieces of different mineral substances, over it. Enameling is considered the most alluring and technical of all metal decorations. In the past enameling was only done on gold, but presently it is done other metals like silver, copper etc The art of decorating metal with enameling or Meenakari was alien to India and was introduced by the Mughals. Raja Man Singh of Amber brought Meenakari to Rajasthan at the turn of the 16th century. Man Singh brought skillful minakars from the Mughal palace at Lahore and established them in Jaipur, which became the center of Meenakari. The technique of Meenakari requires a high degree of skill and application. The piece of metal on which meenakari is to be done is fixed on a lac stick. Delicate designs of flowers, birds, fish etc are etched or engraved on it. This leads to the creation of walls or grooves, to hold color. Enamel dust of required color is then poured into the grooves and each color is fired individually. The heat of the furnace melts the color and the coloured liquid gets spread equally into the groove. This process is repeated with each colour. As each color is individually fired, colors, which are most heat resistant, are applied first, as they are re-fired with each additional color. As a rule, white is the first color applied, and red the last. After the last color has been fired, the object is cooled and burnished or polished with agate. The depth of the grooves filled with different colors determines the play of light. Both Silver and Gold can be used as a base for meenakari. A limited number of colors, like gold, blue, green and yellow, stick to silver, whereas all available colors can be applied to gold, making it the preferred medium of enamellers. The meenakar often works with a team of craftsmen. As meenakari is generally done on the reverse side of kundan jewellery, the meenakar has to work with the goldsmith, the engraver or ghaaria, the designer or chitteria and jadiya who applies the gems on the kundan or gold. The finished produced is a marvel of the expertise of these different craftsmen and their techniques. Jaipur is the main center of meenakari. Traditional Mughal colours like red, green and white, dominate the art of enameling from Jaipur. The rich, ruby red color used here is highly sought after. Nathdwara, Bikaner and Udaipur are also famous for their silver meenakari. Pratapgarh is known for glass enamelling. Delhi and Banars are also important centers for meenakari.
Earth Day: Carry More than Hippie Handbags(Sep 18, 2011)
Earth Day is here! Not only do we expect all of the hippies to come out and prance around the fire all chanting to the rain gods…oh no wait, that's just what happens in the movies! Earth Day has actually evolved into quite the celebratory experience these days. And since my college career at UC Davis, I have come to appreciate Earth Day altogether. Let me give you the rundown of the UC Davis Earth Day experience: men in loin cloths, hoards of people walking the streets barefoot, dreadlocks galore, hemp used as apparel, bags, shoes and hair accessories, a huge party at the CO-OP House, dancing around a bonfire and the recreational use of drinks…amongst other things.Phew! Now that you kind of get an idea of what you may expect at any given Earth Day festival, let's talk about a more modern and non-hemp way of celebrating mother nature and earth's provisions!Here are a few favorite eco-friendly bags that are so unlike the stereotyped Earth Day Handbag. So, seize the day, celebrate the earth, talk about recycling and global warming (I prefer to call it global climate change, but whatever) and don't forget to look much better than the average hippie!Studded and ChicStella McCartney is eco-friendly, but hardly looks it! Bravo to this hot and studded Falabella Studded Eco Suede Bag. A dark grey suede with rocking silver hardware, studded detailing throughout the body and not to mention the chain shoulder strap and chain trimming. You'll be ready to go from Earth Day festivities by day and rock shows by night.70's WovenThe SAK is notoriously known for their soft leathers, clean lines and minimal hardware and detailing. But taking a look at their eco-friendly line, SakRoots, The SAK is now earth-friendly and looking oh-so hippie-esque. This Harmony Dip Dye Drawstring is perfect for throwing over your shoulder with a pair of flared jeans and a crocheted top.Canvas CasualCollina Strada keeps sustainability in mind by hand-making each design in New York with eco-conscious materials. This Sierra Diamond Handbag is no exception to the environmentalist ideals of Hilary Taymour, designer for Collina Strada. A cool and casual bag to toss on and hit the road, this bag will do more than suffice for Earth Day.School DaysThe backpack can do more than just go to school with you, especially since we're seeing more and more designers coming up with such lovely backpacks to carry for everyday use! This Matt & Nat Meryl Backpack is sweet and utilitarian all at once with it's orange (but it looks more of a coral) color and contrasting faux leather straps. Ready for school or a day in the city, just grab and go.Weekend RetreatA great weekend bag made from hand-woven cotton with a cool geometric (almost a Mexican blanket-like) pattern. But not to worry, JADEtribe uses organic dyes. This Nicole Weekender Bag is perfect for your travels and much needed get-aways. Whether you're planning on taking camping trip for Earth Day or you're in need of a great weekender bag for the summer, this design is a great stylish option.
