After attending the Fashion Design Program at Ryerson University (TMU), I quickly realized that opportunities in the city were few and far between. I found myself in jobs that were out of alignment with my passion and constantly commuting across the city. I felt stuck.

One day, as I was leaving the office, I noticed how many bags I was carrying – not only at this moment but constantly. 

My bag lady struggles got me seriously thinking about handbag design.

Somehow, it was near impossible to strike a balance between functionality and affordability without compromising design.  

But it wasn’t until I was offered a promotion, struck by pangs of resistance, that I realized if I wanted a career I felt passionate about, I’d have to let go. 

I was going for it. I applied to an intensive Handbag Design Program in Florence to learn from those who lived and breathed the craft. Ironically, I’d attend a school I dreamed of going to when I was only 16.  

I was sure I wanted to produce the bags in Italy – the knowledge, attention to detail and craftsmanship were unparalleled.

After the program, finding someone to manufacture for me, Kiara Ventrella a nobody in the land of Luxury Designers, was quite the task. 

After an unsuccessful trip to Italy, back home and slow to admit defeat, I made a sarcastic remark in the Toronto Apple Store, in response to a query of what I do for a living. “Trying to design hangbags without a manufacturer.” 

Little did I know, this was a chance encounter – this guy actually knew a manufacturer in Italy, Genius! 

Suddenly, I was travelling between their NY and Florence studios. Spending hours creating and refining designs, picking and testing the materials, hardware and fine-tuning details.  

Post lockdown, I did a bit of travelling and found the places I was most at peace were around beaches. Everyone always looked so happy and playful just be on vacation. Why shouldn't we be able to wear something that does the same?

I wanted to bring that feeling of being on holiday to everyday life.

I set out to create bags that are fun, playful, and practical with high quality from the materials to the craftsmanship. A good bag can make or break an outfit but– the best part?

A bag will always fit!

I hope you love them as much as I do.

Xo, Kiara