Show me a woman who doesn’t love a handbag and I’ll show you a liar. Likewise, who hasn’t had a string of lousy ex-boyfriends? Nicole D’Andrea, creator of D’Andrea handbags, has merged the two together with her new designer line of luxury, Italian leather handbags, “The Mister Collection.”
“The Mister Collection is really for girls to have fun with while shopping for their handbags,” says D’Andrea. “I wanted them to relate to my collection. What girl doesn’t have an ex-boyfriend? After going through a bad breakup, of course the names came to me easily.”
Some of the names in the collection include: Mr. Arrogant, Mr. Emotionally Unavailable and Mr. Never Again. Who hasn’t been involved with a guy that matches one of those descriptions?
The most popular bag, and also my favorite, in the collection is, “Mr. Precarious.” (I know one of those). Available in 8 stylish colors, he has a chic quilted pattern, a chain/leather strap, and is versatile enough for any woman. The most unique and statement part of him is definitely his asymmetrical flap, something that definitely sets him apart from your average handbags.
The names are absolutely fabulous, but it doesn’t end there. Each bag is timeless, a statement piece that you’ll have in your wardrobe for years to come. D’Andrea remarks that they’re “Classic yet edgy.” A bag from “The Mister Collection” will amplify your personal style for decades down the line.
Pulling inspiration from the 1940’s and all things vintage, D’Andrea started D’Andrea Handbags to create relatable, timeless pieces for women of all ages, across the globe. The leather of each bag is pure Italian, but D’Andrea maintains that each handbag is constructed by hand right here in the USA.
“I sketch an idea, and bring it to the factory myself where I can watch it being made from start to finish,” D’Andrea says of her design process. “I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty. I’ll even rip a finished handbag apart. I design based off of the average woman”
I asked D’Andrea what three things she keeps in mind when designing the perfect handbag. This is what she told me:
1. Seek good quality leather (always give it the touch and smell test!)
2. Your bag should balance your figure and compliment you, not weigh you down.
3. I keep in mind that handbags are staple purchases. I make sure that every piece is not overly trendy and that there is one for every occasion.
D’Andrea was born and raised in Rhode Island. She was educated about art and design in Chicago and Milan. Gaining experience from all sorts of internships, D’Andrea’s resume includes BCBG Max Azria and LD Tuttle. This gave her the knowledge and experience to bring her own fashion ideas to life.
Right now, D’Andrea Handbags is in its third official season. But in 5 years, D’Andrea hopes to further her company beyond handbags.
“I mean every girl loves shoes, and this girl happens to love designing them,” D’Andrea says when asked about the future of D’Andrea Handbags.
If you’re looking for a fun, timeless, statement piece that will go with your wardrobe from season to season, shop “The Mister Collection” at http://dandreahandbags.com
