1) How did you get into designing?
My mother and father were both in fashion. My mom owned a boutique and my father, a senior VP at Sasson jeans, during their heyday in the 80″s…. Being around the industry captivated my imagination. It was a very natural progression for me to finally launch my own company in 2007.
2) I love the functionality of the interchangeable hardware. How did you develop the idea?
One night I was dressing to go out and I did not like how the hardware on my bag looked with the jewelry I had chosen. I was standing in front of the mirror and said to my husband, ” I wonder why there is not a bag on the market where you can select the color or texture of hardware you prefer and maybe even be able to switch it out, when you get bored?”
He suggested that I do it. When I raised concerns about the investment required, he assured me by saying, “What better investment could I make than in my wife.”
I will never forget that! I immediately started.
3) Your bags have been seen in magazines and on the arms of celebs. What was that first moment that really blew your mind and you thought your line was going to make it?
When I saw photos of Kate Bosworth walking around with my Entrechat Bag in Australia.
She has such a cool style about her. She never seems to be afraid of taking a risk or wearing something that is original. I knew that I was onto something if someone with her sense of fashion had chosen my brand.
4) Tell us about your first bag featured on Gossip Girl? How did that happen and how did being featured on such a style-driven show affect your line?
Eric Daman is an amazing stylist. He knows how to mix styles in an unpredictable way that is always interesting. A couple of years ago, I had invited him to a fundraising event that I was involved with. We hit it off! Shortly afterwards he began to use our bags on the show. He has been a great supporter in growing my brand. I am truly grateful that there are people like Eric out there, fostering new talent.
5) Who else have we seen your bags on and who would you love to see carrying one?
Most of my favorites have already carried a Michelle Vale including Sarah Jessica Parker, Cameron Diaz, Kate Beckinsale, Blake Lively, and Kate Bosworth.
I Would love for Jennifer Aniston to have one of our bags. The Michelle Vale client is a woman who is confident in jeans and a T-shirt, but loves to put on a cocktail dress every once and awhile. She is effortlessly chic…and always has on one statement piece that is not loud, but is special enough to create a memorable impression.
