I guess you would say that I am more of an entrepreneur than a designer. Though I come from a long line of interior designers and have grown up with a deep sense of "the aesthetic," my aim was to provide a "service" more than "a design" so I relied heavily on classic silhouettes and the grace of their form and function. I made minor improvements of course, like the neoprene straps on the backpack, because I always end up slinging mine on one shoulder and I hate when it slips.)  But, I created this new line of transparent bags in response to the restrictions enforced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other security agencies on international and domestic travel. The 02Hide ("Zero to Hide") Transparent Carry-on bags are the country's first branded collection of transparent travel and accessory bags and available. I have created six different styles, but all of them are transparent and bear the logo which is the name and website address of the company, 02Hide.com.

So, the bags have a purpose beyond function and style. They serve as symbols, not of status, like the the famed Kelly bags, but more of support like the "Livestrong" rubber bracelets. In a world that is emerging as "a world that cares", (which is how I choose to see it, ) I wanted to provide a practical and stylish symbol of support that would help people like me feel less powerless, in a world fraught with terror.

Because raising attitudes, awareness and support for global security was the driving force behind this concept, a portion of the proceeds from each 02Hide purchase will go to the international not-for-profit group, Families of September 11 (founded by family members of 9-11 victims.) The group's mission mirrors my sentiments -- to raise consumers' awareness on the traumatic effects of terrorism and to champion international and domestic policies to prevent and protect against terrorist threats. Made of 100% recyclable PVC, this collection offers travelers smart, convenient and stylish options when passing through airports and security checkpoints. The 02Hide line, which includes a city bag, tote, sling backpack, backpack, messenger bag, and a cosmetic bag and each includes a detachable luggage tag, is completely transparent (except the piping and handles). As an added bonus, The tote comes with a complimentary 1 quart cosmetic bag, perfect for holding those 3 ounce liquids. That's a real WOW factor. You can actually carry this cute cosmetic bag in place of a tacky zip-lock bag. My very first call was to the TSA to make sure that my bags were indeed compliant.

I don't have a nightmare story yet, aside, from not having the bags ready in time for a big deal event. Ellen Degeneres's producer called to have me give-away 250 02Hidebags on her pre-Oscar show. I couldn't do it, because the bags were still on a slow boat from China or sitting in a the port in Los Angeles. They needed an answer immediately and I couldn't say Yes, and then risk "not delivering."  I hope all my problems are like this one.

My greatest achievement to date is that I had the vision for 02Hide in September of 06, (the anniversary day of the London Attacks) and by February, (just 6 months later), I had bags for sale at the MAGIC convention in Las Vegas, one month after that I was involved in events surrounding the Oscars and just 4 months after that, today, I am in 7 major hotel boutiques and I just got an order from the MGM/MIRAGE for 7 hotels. That 's not bad for a first go, don't you think?