My first handbag design happened at the age of nine. It was a fine bag in my opinion! I always felt a particular affection towards handbags; but I did not immediately become a bona-fide designer early one. Instead, I embarked in a different direction as I wanted to explore my other interests as well. I obtained a Ph.D. in Psychology and I practiced for a few years. When my career reached an impasse, I decided it was time to pursue my other great passion: to design beautifully crafted handbags.

My mother is French; thus like most French women, she was (and still is); always dressed elegantly while she fashionably carries a stunning handbag. As a child I used to play with her bags; and this led me to design my first one at the age of nine. In regards to how my line was started, in a way it had to do with my training in Psychology; which taught me that, from a woman's perspective, there is such an emotional connection between the handbag we carry and our sense of "self". So, I decided to merge my two great passions: psychology and handbag designing. That is how MARCELA CALVET was born. I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina; a great cosmopolitan city filled with excitement, passion and beauty. We hand-make our handbags at my atelier there and I have showrooms in Buenos Aires and Newport, Rhode Island. I divide my time between these two beautiful cities.

At present time, we have two distinctive lines: our Luxury Exotic line of bags which are hand-made in skins such as alligator, lizard, ostrich and South American ostrich; and our Argentine Polo Lifestyle line: "Los Robles Polo Time"; for which we select the top 10% of Argentina's best leather. So, imagine how ultra supple it is. Because Argentina has such a long tradition in the sport of Polo; this line was created to reflect that. I am an independent designer, self-financing 100% of my company. Although it is not an easy task; I would not have it any other way. I will never compromise the quality of our products for the sake of accelerated growth and expansion.

We pride ourselves in melding Argentine sensuality with French sophistication. That is our trademark. We make our handbags in limited editions; and many of them are one-of-a-kind. We utilize the finest farmed exotic skins: South American alligator, lizard, ostrich and South American ostrich. We also use full grain Argentine leather and calf skin. The hardware we use is of the finest quality as well: solid brass which we then Gold-gild or Nickel-gild to give it that divine finished look. Our Signature shades are achieved by using traditional vegetable dying methods which is better for the skins and the leathers and most importantly, for the environment.

Our clientele is varied. More than making handbags that cater to a specific age group; our handbags follow a classic style infused with a more contemporary "chic". This fusion appeals to those seeking great designs and functionality. Function is definitely important in terms of design; which is why most of our models include capacious interiors, cell phone pockets and other interior pockets, key chain, removable shoulder straps, etc.

My family has a long tradition in humanitarian causes and philanthropy. In part, that is why I became a Psychologist in the first place, to be of service to others. Now, I view my company as an excellent medium to further my desire to help others while making something beautiful and artistic. MARCELA CALVET partakes in many charitable causes and donates product as well as a percentage of all sales to organizations whose function is to improve the condition of women and children; educational efforts and the arts in all its manifestations.

I have to say that I've been very fortunate so far, I have not had any nightmare stories. Not in terms of the actual design. But I could cite something about my first design ever when I was nine. I had this idea in my mind and no leather to create it. So, I went to my Mom's closet and without her permission, I pulled out one of her fur stoles, a Fox fur one. That is the skin I used for my first handbag; and to create the shoulder strap, I used a very nice chain belt that belonged to my Mom as well. The end result was a true beauty. But, when it came the time to tell my mother about it; I felt a bit scared. Naturally, I expected her to get really upset and to reprimand me; but instead my Mom said: "It is so beautiful Marcela. Are you selling it? I want to buy it!" I sold it to her. She was my first customer.

My greatest achievement is to know, every day, that I am in business for myself; having the full support of my husband Jonathan and my family; and the wonderful encouragement of our many satisfied clients who continue to trust my vision for creating beautiful designs and our high standards for superior quality.