The story of Belen Echandia begins in 2000 when I went to live in Spain to work for a Spanish law firm. Whilst there I discovered a whole new creative world, full of rich colors, beautiful leathers and fabulously stylish handbags. Lured back to London with the offer of a well-paid job, I returned in 2001 to finish training. But my Spanish love affair with handbags was soon rekindled by a gap in the luxury market. We’ve all heard the story - girl looks for handbag, does not find one she likes and thus, a new label is born. This was different. It wasn’t a lack of handbags I noticed but a lack of client-focus, personal service, individuality and choice. And as fewer leather items are now made in Europe, I knew that there would be a demand for beautiful, soft leather bags hand made using traditional European methods.

Even though I was halfway through my training and had no design experience the first Belen Echandia collection was ready at the end of 2003. I learned by creating and with the help of other designers and my Spanish factory. The owners of one of London’s most stylish boutiques immediately fell in love with it. In September 2004 I finally left the law behind to concentrate on Belen Echandia.

All our bags can be made to order in a variety of different colors. We use beautifully soft Italian leathers made in many, many different colors. We line our bags in our trademark pink lining, which from spring 2007 will be fuchsia silk. B.E bags are for women who like their bags to be soft, well-made and exclusive. We make in such limited editions that you are unlikely to see anyone else with your bag. We specialize in genuinely personal customer service and every customer gets to speak to the designer to help her decide what to choose. I am inspired by my customers and their desires. They select their favorite color of soft leather and the design that appeals and I am always available to offer advice and suggestions to make sure they get the perfect bag. It’s a very popular way of working.

My biggest challenge was and is entering a new industry with little experience and even fewer contacts. When I moved to London I knew 2 people here and the handbag world is not the easiest place to break into with a small budget and no contacts. But initiative, persistence and hard work are priceless. I have Dolly Jones, editor of Vogue Online, and Lindy and Katie Lopes, owners of Austique to thank for giving Belen Echandia its first break in the media and retail worlds respectively.  Since then, I receive emails every week from customers all over the world who are delighted with their purchases. Their delight makes every second worth it.