Getting to know... designers of Be & D Handbags

Photo credit: Purse Blog

Last month I featured the awesome designs of American design duo, Be Invathong and Steve Dumain of Be & D Handbags. Not only are their handbags and accessories line chic, refreshing, and timeless, these two designers are very cool people! I was lucky enough to get the chance to probe the minds of this creative pair about their inspirations, influences, and visions of the future:


How it all began

MizzJ: Can you tell me the story of the Beirut bag mentioned in your company bio and how it became the start of your company?

Steve: We went to Beirut to visit one of Be’s best friends there in 2003. On our way back to New York at the Beirut airport, we bought a lot of Middle Eastern nuts as gifts. All the nuts came in a large burlap large tote bag with Arabic silk screen images (that I didn’t understand, but it looked cool). We carried that bag all over town during that summer and were so inspired by it. We translated that bag into an Italian Denim tote with our own silk screening and the rest, well, is history….

MizzJ: How did you come up with The Garbo? Why bring it back?

Be & S: The Garbo was a barrel shape bag that we wanted to “dress up” and give attitude. It all started with the idea of feminine meets tough, so we translated that by using ultra soft lambskin. Then we wanted to add a rock-n-roll feel, so we studded the bag with flat rivets to make the impression of metal polka dots. We brought the Garbo back this year because it felt organic, as it was our 5th anniversary. Also, we wanted to re-capture the feeling of rock-n-roll chic that is very of-the-moment.

MizzJ: What has been the highlight of your successes thus far, that moment that you knew you had “made it”?

Be & S: Honestly, we don’t think we ever know that moment. Though we see it our stores, on celebrities, or on the streets, we are constantly chasing the design of the ultimate accessories. We just really enjoy making our products.


Inspirations

MizzJ: Why do you name your bags after celebrities?

Be: Because of Steve’s film background, we named our bags after iconic women in Hollywood. We wanted to modernize the feeling of celebrity to every woman when she carries our bags.

MizzJ: Would you ever do a collaboration with a celebrity, and if so who?

Be & S: We’re not sure if we would yet. So we’ll see….

MizzJ: Who is the “Be & D girl” and what is her signature style?

Be & S: The Be & D girl is someone who is fashion forward, has her own mindset, and knows what moves her. She can be a whimsical daughter, a chic mother, or a modern grandmother.

MizzJ: In one interview, Be stated that each handbag creation is a struggle between your two opposing styles. What would each of you say that your styles are, and what influences and skills do you bring to the design table?

Be: My style changes day to day. I believe style is one’s translations of life. I might feel traditional and tailored one day, and unexpected and casual another day. I bring my own understanding of style to the design table when we work together. I try to envision the same attitude and style philosophy that the Be & D girl will have.

Steve: Being that my background in design started with sculpture, I bring some of a new 3-dimensional aspect to our design. Be taught me how to turn my artistic visions of objects into fashion objects. I also was a collector of vintage luggage - so I have always had an obsession for old luggage detailing. I think we're both a little punk - Be is classic and luxurious in many ways and I'm more slouchy and into odd shapes. Together we make something surprising and fresh.

MizzJ: Where do you get your fashion information: blogs? Street style? Magazines? TV?

Be: I just imagine what I like.

Steve: Street style and listening to women in my life and listening to my own creative instinct without being influenced by what others are doing.


Worldly Perspectives

MizzJ: Be, you are originally from Laos, and Steve has travelled in Europe and South America. How do you find these international experiences have influenced your collections?

Be: International experience can be very important as other cultures and countries can be rich in details useful in design and construction, but I don’t think international travel is necessary to be creative. The library is a great destination for perspective too!

Steve: We have a very worldly feel in everything we make. Both of us are very passionate about traveling and experiencing different cultures and ways to view the world. I definitely believe in the modern idea of a tribe - and you'll see them everywhere from the Amazon jungle, to the streets of Brooklyn, to Madison Avenue.


The Future

MizzJ: Where do you want to take the company in the next 5 years?

Be & S: We hope to have our first Be&D shop when the time is right - it would be great to have a place to show different categories we've wanted to make - but [it] would make the most sense in a shop that represented the full vision of the brand.

MizzJ: What do you see as the upcoming trends for 2009?

Be & S: Rock’n Roll chic and heavy metal chic.

MizzJ: As young up and coming designers, what advice do you have for others like yourselves to make it big?

Be & S: Stay focused and keep a clear design message and philosophy.

MizzJ: Finally, what advice do you have for the public in terms of style?

Be: Everyone has style and don’t ever forget that.

Thanks again to Be and Steve for taking the time and consideration to do this interview! It was an honor guys and keep designing!