Breakfast and Banter with the Fortunato Twins

Last week we were given a treat when Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato stopped by McMullen for breakfast and a little banter. We sat down with the amazing duo over mimosas and muffins to hear all about how they started their amazing jewelry and handbag line, and to take a sneak peek at the gorgeous new Fall 2013 collection. 

After gaining a following at Duke University stringing beads and selling them to fashionable girls who would line up outside the twins dorm room, the Fortunato girls realized they had something going.  After an education in finance for Kathryn and a brief stint in fashion PR for Lizzie, the girls decided to start the line.

When asked about their technique, Lizzie responds that the materials come first and they drive what the piece will ultimately become.

Treating each piece like a treasure hunt, Lizzie and Kathryn search all over the east coast for amazing finds that they can incorporate into their jewelry. One of the most important aspects of the business is that they keep as much production as possible within the U.S, only sending things overseas for intricate handwoven beading or embroidery techniques.

Lizzie and Kathryn say that the relationships they build with their vendors, learning their processes, and getting their industry advice is the most rewarding part of the business.

Over the past year the girls have decided to incorporate semi-precious stones into their pieces, as well as a line of gorgeous, sumptuous leather goods.

As they gain more and more of a following,  Lizzie and Kathryn have realized that their pieces span all age groups and types of women. When asked who their core customer is, they almost scoff at the thought. They don't have a particular muse, but design for women who are 

"trailblazers, adventurers, collectors, artists, innovators, intellectuals, engaged, dreamers....women who dress to tell a story."

And the girls tell their own story through their pieces. They approach designing and their customer with intelligence, humor and thought and recognize that fashion is not just about what you are wearing,  but about how it makes you feel, what it makes you think of, and how it accelerates your senses.

It was truly inspiring to meet these bright, talented young women. We love their collections and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the near future.

Stop by McMullen to take a look at the new Lizzie Fortunato Spring 2013 collection
Or click the link below to shop online

http://shopmcmullen.com/designer/lizzie-fortunato/

xo

McMullen

Getting to Know Our Designers :: Clare Vivier

While working for a French television station, Clare Vivier, the woman behind the eponymous handbag line, recognized a gap in stylish laptop cases. She decided to create her own, thus creating the starting point for her handbag collection. Since her launch in 2008, Clare has collaborated with names like Theory, Wren, and Refinery 29. With a focus on a minimalist aesthetic, bold colors, and luxurious materials, Clare Vivier has quickly become a staple in the wardrobes of celebrities, designers, and women all over the world. Clare strives to marry "French glamour with minimalist Los Angeles cool", to create bags that are both beautiful and functional. Although she is inspired by French fashion, all of her bags are handmade in Los Angeles, with a focus on ethical manufacturing (just another reason to love her!). Check out a Q&A with Clare below and be sure to meet her in person at our Clare Vivier trunk show on October 11th at McMullen!

Q. What was your inspiration for the Fall collection?

A. My design process for each season always begins with sourcing materials and creating an inspiration board. Taking photos from magazines, books, and combining them with swatches of beautiful pieces of leather allows me to see the bigger picture of a collection. I often find a sample of leather and then spend some time experimenting with it, seeing the shape and forms it can take and how I envision it being best put to use. I was definitely inspired by Paris for fall and the chic women I encounter when I travel there with my husband and spend time with his family in the town where he grew up.  We have a gorgeous limited edition clutch coming out for the holidays and the leather just completely steals the show. I am excited for it to come out later this year I know everyone will love it!

Q. What are you most excited about in fashion right now?

A. I am having a moment with leather and faux leather pants. They make your legs look amazing and they are the right amount of edge without pushing it too far. I alternate between two pairs of seven waxed jeans in black and a gorgeous burgundy color.

Q.What is your top style tip for women (of any age)?

A. You can always cut off leather boots to make them ankle boots. I have done this countless time with tall boots and the leather never frays and you instantly have a pair of super chic booties.


Q. What's in Clare's bag? What must have items are always in your favorite Clare Vivier bag?

A. I currently am carrying my grey suede simple tote that I had monogrammed with my initials. Inside you will find four more CV clutches and accessories! Two flat clutches, one is for my makeup and the other I swap out for when I need to go from work to an event or out to dinner. I also have my iPhone pouch, which is a gorgeous metallic color and makes anything I wear it with it look instantly better. I also have my CV zip wallet, which is navy with a red stripe, perfect for fall.  I am a bit obsessive about lipstick. Right now I have seven different kinds with me. Makeup forever, Guerlain, two reds from Revlon, two Nars, and this amazing lip-gloss that we carry at the CV store form Clarks Botanicals. I also have Josie Maran cream blush and a Nars eye pencil called Kitty. I also carry my eyelash curler and DiorShow mascara with me at all times. Also, I always have my MacBook Air, two pairs of sunglasses, and many crumpled taxi receipts!

Get to Know Our Designers :: Reece Hudson

New York based handbag designers, Reece Solomon and Max Stein, have the fashion world buzzing about their edgy and luxurious handbag collection under the moniker of Reece Hudson. Their timeless designs and sumptuous materials make their bags some of the most sought after in the world. Founded in 2009, Reece Hudson has already taken the fashion world by storm by offering classic shapes and materials with subtle, street chic details. Check out a Q&A with Reece and watch a video short for their 2012 fall/winter collection.
 

Q: What was your inspiration for Reece Hudson?
A: We saw a gap in the market for a high end, designer handbag brand that wasn't attached to an established RTW house, and conversely wasn't a mass-produced contemporary brand that lacked a strong design perspective.

Q: How do you stay motivated and inspired everyday?
A: I always want to create something better than my last collection. It's a perpetual sense of dissatisfaction that I think many designers experience.

Q: What are you most excited about in fashion right now?
A: The return of Hedi Slimane to the design world

Q: What is your top style tip for women (of any age)?
A: Don't chase trends, but try to develop a style that works for you and your body type and go from there

Q: What's your favorite fall indulgence?
A: New boots

'Thirst' by Jenna Elizabeth Starring Chanel Iman from BULLETT MEDIA on Vimeo.

A NEW FAVORITE :: the 3.1 Phillip Lim bags

We are mildly obsessed with the newly arrived bags from 3.1 Phillip Lim.  We featured them in our new arrivals on Wednesday, but thought you might like to hear a little back story and see what the Press is saying about these delicious go everywhere bags!
~
From a feature on WMagazine.com:

Like most of us, designer Phillip Lim could use more hours in his day—seven more, to be exact. Contending with a mere 24, he still managed to create the ‘31 Hour’, a chic transitional tote that can be carried from early-morning exercise class to after-work dinner and drinks. “I didn’t want to put another bag on the market that looked great, but didn’t really work with the lives we all lead,” says Lim. 

Cut from a supple calfskin, the bag’s genius is in its versatility: one minute it’s a roomy shopper with space to lug a laptop; the other, a folded envelope clutch, compact enough to maneuver a cocktail party. If only everything were so easy, we wouldn’t need 31 hours.
Read More on WMagzine.com.

Stop by McMullen to see these gorgeous bags! 
We have the 31-hour bag (in beige) along with the Pashli Satchel (in blue) and Pashli Messenger (in beige) ~ photos below!

Pashli Satchel

31-hour Bag 

Pashli Messenger

New 3.1 Phillip Lim, Etten Eller & L'Agence have arrived!

Stop by McMullen to shop these beautiful spring 2012 arrivals!

Or call 510.658.6906 to order or for more information.

New Lauren Merkin Arrivals

Take a peek at our newest arrivals from Lauren Merkin. Beautiful clutches and handbags in rich colors, prints and textures!

Stop by McMullen to get up close and personal with our Lauren Merkin clutches and handbags or call 510-658-6906 to order.

September Designer Focus: Martine Sitbon

Born in Casablanca and partially raised Paris, Martine Sitbon graduated from fashion design school from the Studio Bercot, Paris, in 1974. Soon after graduating, she established blossoming career as a fashion consultant to freelance designer, which then brought her to present her first signature ready-to-wear collection in Paris in 1984.

What inspires Martine Sitbon in her designs is 70's rock music which translates in her edgy details integrated with classic designs and aesthetics.

We're beyond excited for the arrival of MS by Martine Sitbon fall handbags!

 

Stop by McMullen for an up close look and feel of the rich colors, amazing structure and super soft leather handbags by MS by Martine Sitbon.