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Grey Sunshine, ''Spike Me'' Clutch, Metallic Peuter Goat Skin, $360
Grey Sunshine, "Spike Me" Clutch, Metallic Peuter Goat Skin, $360
 
 
Grey Sunshine, ''Earth'' Barrel Box Bag, Body: Distressed Brown Cowhide, Sides: Acid Burned Goat Skin, $500
Grey Sunshine, "Earth" Barrel Box Bag, Body: Distressed Brown Cowhide, Sides: Acid Burned Goat Skin, $500
 
 
Grey Sunshine, ''Turquoise'' Envelope Clutch, Brown Washed Cowhide, $450
Grey Sunshine, "Turquoise" Envelope Clutch, Brown Washed Cowhide, $450
 
 

Grey Sunshine: FINALIST BEST STUDENT MADE HANDBAG

Background:

What is your name? Dana Van Daele
Where are you from? New York
Where do you live now? Denver, Colorado
How old are you? 27
Do you have a design background? Yes.
Do you still have a day job? Yes.
What year were your bags born? 2007
Bag brand name: Grey Sunshine
What is their retail price range? $360 - $600
Where can a shopper buy your bags? danabrooke12@aol.com
For more information, contact: danabrooke12@aol.com
Comments: [post a comment]

Story:

I'm originally from Denver, Colorado. I lived in Los Angeles, California where I started off designing clothes, until I came across a small handbag, and diaper bag company who took a chance and hired me with no experience. Needless to say this is where I found my passion. After working as an assistant designer designing handbags, and diaper bags, I decided to make the move to New York, New York to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology and officially learn the in's and out's of designing accessories. I am in my second semester, and loving every minute of it! As for my own line, "Grey Sunshine", I'm just starting out, and in my spare time is when I design for myself.

For my materials I mostly use all kinds of leather including cowhide, deer, lamb, or pig. For lining I usually use either a straight cotton, corduroy, or velveteen. The reason I use only leather is because leather is what inspires me. I can walk into any leather store, and design a bag right there and then by just looking at all the skin's, and hide's. I guess my target audience would be anyone who likes to be unique, takes chances with there wardrobe, appreciates fashion, and has a passion for it like I do. What makes my bags so different is that I beat to my own drum, and don't necessarily follow the trends. I design what I want, and hope people love it.

I found my passion for handbags while designing handbags and diaper bags for a small company out in Los Angeles, California. This is where I realized how much I'd like to have my own line, so I picked up and moved to NYC to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology where I could be trained officially on how to design a great handbag, and start my own line. "Grey Sunshine" the name came from the help of my family. It is based on my favorite color (grey), and how much I love the sunshine!

Something interesting about my line is that I put my heart and soul into every handbag I make. I live and breathe for what I do, and cannot wait to see what the future holds for "Grey Sunshine"!

Because I am so new at this, I have yet to encounter a design nightmare. But I'm sure there will be more than one in my future.Learning anything new can always be a challenge, and I was definitely nervous about going back to school for a second degree, and learning something new. But so far, I have accomplished so many things I never thought I would, and I'm proud of myself for taking a chance on my dream, which is to have my own handbag line.


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