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SABRINA
LOVE

Marais, Tote, Dove Gray Italian lambskin leather, $398
Sevilla, shoulderbag, tan patent Italian lambskin leather, $398 Milano, chocolate brown crododile embossed Italian patent lambskin, $320
Marais, Tote, Dove Gray Italian lambskin leather, $398 Sevilla, shoulderbag, tan patent Italian lambskin leather, $398 Milano, chocolate brown crododile embossed Italian patent lambskin, $320

I am a handbag designer who grew up on the East Coast but am now based out of Seattle, WA. I worked for many years as a Fashion Stylist and Costume Designer and have always had a passion for handbags. While spending two years in Europe I developed an appreciation for supple Italian leathers and simple, timeless designs all the while acquiring experience and resources. I launched the line in July/August of 2007 with a line of clutches. I am now working on my 3rd season and have added 3 new non-clutch designs.

Sabrina Love handbags are made with the highest quality of supple Italian Lamb leather, and luxurious imported hardware, but proudly made in the USA. I think the quality of the leather and hardware can make or break a bag, and while keeping my designs simple I strive to maintain a ridiculously high standard both in the materials and production of my bags. My target audience is 25-55, a woman who appreciates luxury items but wants something unique, not logo/label driven. Love is my middle name, and after being traumatized as a child with the name Sabrina Love, I am thrilled to have reclaimed it for my line.

While living in Europe I gathered resources and experiences and upon moving back to the States I felt the moment was right to try and start something of my own. Taking influences from my vintage pillaging, my travels and my own personal style I created a unique line of luxury bags for the everyday woman. Stylish yet functional, sophisticated yet sassy, elegant but edgy. It has been harder than I could ever imagine but that only makes the victories that much sweeter. It is 1% designing handbags and 99% running a business.

When I first started I put all my eggs in one basket with an over-seas manufacturer, with whom you pay everything upfront. As counter intuitive as that is for an American it is just “how it is done”….after being told 1 month to get my samples, and 2 trips over there, I finally got a box 7 months later and it was completely un-useable. Nothing was right, I couldn’t use them for anything….7 months and start-up money gone and I had to start from scratch…Yikes!

My greatest achievement is that I have kept at it. Set back after set back. When I first sold a bag to a complete stranger and got an unsolicited e-mail from her telling me how much she loved the bag and that she got compliments on it all the time. When I look back and think 9 months ago I was terrified I wouldn’t even sell one bag, but here I am!

 
What is your name? Sabrina Love Rodriguez
Where are you from? The East Coast
Where do you live now? Seattle, WA
How old are you? ...
Do you have a design background? Not in formal education but in experience.
Do you still have a day job? Not since last August.
What year were your bags born? 2007
Bag brand name: Sabrina Love
What is their retail price range? $198 - $398
Where can a shopper buy your bags? www.sabrinalovesbags.com
For more information, contact: www.sabrinalovesbags.com

Comments: [post a comment]

1. beautiful bags! - urbankitty from LA, August 19, 2008.

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