SHE STYLES NYC : Laura Vela Interview

We first met handbag designer Laura Vela at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week where Laura was chosen to showcase her line. Immediately we were intrigued and set up an interview with the young designer. We were so inspired after sitting down and talking with Laura. We were able to get inside her head and find out who she really is and where all of her great designs come from. We met her on a beautiful sunny day in NYC at the Soho Grand Hotel where we sat, talked, and got to know Laura Vela.

Laura Vela is from Barcelona, Spain. She then moved to Germany at the precious age of 11. Since then she has lived all around the world in places such as Greece, London, Barcelona, and the USA. Traveling at such a young age to so many amazing places and meeting all of the diverse people along the way has made her who she is today. Laura is currently studying Fashion Marketing at Parsons School of Design. She also has an MBA from ESADE Business School in Barcelona. Laura has worked on the set of “Gossip Girl” and with many other celebrities as a stylist at American Rebel, located in the heart of Los Angeles. When she is not traveling Laura spends her time singing, playing the piano, and practicing ballet. Here is what else we found out in our interview...enjoy!

Q&A:

Q: When did you start making handbags?
A: I started making them about 10 months ago. All my handbags are made in Argentina where I spend every summer.

Q: How did you get started?
A: I started selling my bags when I lived in Florida. I would ride my bike around with my bags. I was introduced to Sarah Jessica Parker by Chris North, who I used to style, she bought six out of the eight bags I had with me! I had no idea who she was at the time and after that I no longer needed to ride my bike selling bags!

Q: Was this always your dream?
A: No, I actually started because I was bored one day. So, I went to a leather store in Argentina and just started making a bag. Afterwards people kept stopping me on the street and giving me complements asking where I got my bag this encouraged me to start my own line.

Q: Who is your target customer?

A: Women who are not label obsessed. I want my customers to buy for the design, quality, and love of the product not because of a label or because a certain celebrity is wearing it. These handbags are meant to last forever. They are an investment piece.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?
A: I get my inspiration mostly from nature and South America, I am very attracted to the culture and way of life. I feel so comfortable there. I take actual pieces of nature such as tree bark and leaves into my workshop with me for inspiration for my designs. The sea, sky, sun, sounds, emotions, and architecture are all things that inspire me. Oh, and I can't forget fairy tales! Fairy tales are a big part of my inspiration. Life is hard enough as it is surround yourself in good things and have your feet on the ground.

Q: Where is your favorite place to be?
A: Back in Buenos Aires.

Q: How would you describe your personal style?
A: Everyone has a style it's the way we move and express ourselves. It's not just about clothes and accessories. But I mainly dress depending on my mood. Coco Chanel said it best “Fashion fades, only style remains the same." It's about who you are as a person, how you treat your friends, sister, parents. How you react to different situations.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: I want to expand into clothing and shoes as well, all product categories. I want to create Laura Vela style everything. I want you to walk into my store and experience Laura Vela with all of your 5 senses. I want to develop a lifestyle for women. The Laura Vela lifestyle.

Q: How do you advertise your merchandise?
A: Right now mainly through interviews and blogs. I have a Facebook fan page, a Twitter account, my website, and word of month. Also, I will be launching my line on Shopbop.com March 15th.