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W KOREA

Credit: W Korea

Credit: W Korea

Featuring designer Eddie Borgo and the Fall Winter 2015 handbag collection including an image of the Colt Crossbody in chrome/jet.

Q1. I was sure that you must be much occupied with your Jewelry Collection, but now you are about to launch your own Bag Collection, too. Is there a reason why you’ve turned to bags? Was there a specific reason behind launching a bag collection?

 I felt that we have accomplished so much with the jewelry and hardware we have created up to this point in time – from our pioneering aesthetic, to our craftsmanship and engineering processes that rival that of fine jewelry houses. We are a disruptive design firm that is most excited by a challenge, and handbags certainly posed a challenge for us. When I started to research the handbags that were available in the marketplace, I was unimpressed by the lack of consideration of the design, detail and engineering. It was obvious to me that there was a unique opportunity for us to create something altogether new.

Q2. How would you differentiate your bag to other brands’ bag? Is there a point which your bag shares the same detail as your jewelries?

Our debut handbag collection is the result of two years of development and experimentation. We thoughtfully considered the engineering and construction of the bags in the same way as we do for our jewelry pieces – from the innovative aluminum hardware, which is extremely light in weight to the durable powdered finishes and custom colors of the leather. Each bag incorporates discreet Eddie Borgo signature elements, from the custom metal slats, triangulated arc handles and feet, exposed interior framework and accordion gussets. Inside, there are pockets for everything that the modern woman needs immediate access to – absolutely every detail was considered.

Q3. If you should define your bag with 3 words?

Elegant

Discreet

Iconic

Q4. I heard that your first 2015 Fall/Winter Bag Collection was inspired from 1950-60s automobiles? Is there a specific reason why you’ve chosen automobiles?

We looked to the innovations of the Industrial Revolution, as well as the design and construction of automobiles from the 1950s and 1960s. I approached the project from the perspective of a jeweler, focusing on form and shape of the metalsmithing, while my Design Director for the project, Sapna Shah, approached the project from the perspective of the artisanal leather craftsmen we are working with to create the pieces. It became a collaboration of minds and a marriage of materials. I remember realizing what it was I wanted us to accomplish when studying the interior of a 1958 Dual-Ghia – such perfect craftsmanship and construction – I was most impressed with the achievement of seamlessly fusing metal and leather.

Q5. What do you most concentrate on when you make and design a bag?



Every detail was considered – from the compartmentalized interiors, to the custom colors and unique powder-coated finishes of the leather, to the handmade hardware. No hardware element is decorative – each piece serves a purpose and is functional, intended to compliment the architecture and construction of the handbag.

I was especially interested in the idea of a modern working woman – and the ability to provide her with all of the nuances that she requires in a handbag: quality, function, ease, durability and access.

Q6. I would like to know which image and which experience gave you the most influence and inspiration to your design works?



I was most inspired by the below painting by Roy Lichtenstein titled In the Car, 1963. I wanted to capture the time when industry, machine, technology and production were best in tandem.

Q7. Is there a difference when developing a design from that of jewelry to that of a bag?



I wanted our team to consider each piece as inimitable sculpture while thoughtfully working through the idea of ease and functionality. The result is truly special – exceptional, inimitable craftsmanship.

Q8. How would you like your bag to be positioned in the market?



The bags will be available at Colette in Paris, Boon the Shop in Seoul, Jeffrey in New York, Maxfield in Los Angeles, The Webster in Miami, Corso Como 10 in Milan, Ikram in Chicago, Marais in Melbourne, and Beymen in Istanbul.

Q9. Could you briefly tell us about your bags for the next season? How you are thinking to develop it and what are the design themes?



Our Cruise 2015 Handbag Collection embraces the fluidity of rounded shapes and includes subtle references to the sculpted furniture of minimal architects Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe and Richard Neutra. The color palette is more neutral and we are introducing six softer shapes that still embrace the same engineering and craftsmanship of our debut collection.

Q10. Are you planning to extend your collection and brand portfolio by launching other collections? For example, ready to wear and/or shoes? It would be very interesting to see your own cool shoes collection.



I see my brand evolving into a lifestyle legacy accessory house for a new generation; including jewelry, handbags, tabletop accessories and objet, and, eventually, furniture.