I am the producer of Hark Design bags, I have a deeply personal connection to every bag that leaves my hands. I am self-taught and began making my lovely delights, out of a desire for high quality bags that reflected my pragmatic; yet light hearted personality and movement theater background. My Swiss husband and I have just relocated to Switzerland. I am now having some of my bags produced both here in Switzerland and in New York in small shops that pay close attention to quality and detail. During the summer of 08’ I suspended production to accommodate my move. I will have my full line available again by the end of November. I am delighted to be closer to the best source for fine leather - Italy. The E.U. standards for tanning leather are the highest in the world when it comes to environmental impact. I am committed to keeping my production as close to home as possible, honoring fair and sustainable labor practices. In a way I could say I strive for green, but in fact I strive for perfection in many colors.

I am a hands-on designer who makes and personally test-drives every design before I decide to keep it in my line. I will often re-work the piece up to 5 times before I am fully satisfied with the style, function and feel. I build my line with the intention that the designs will have multi-seasonal use. Close friends and relatives, including my 7 fashion conscious sisters, benefit as I often ask them to use a new design with abandon and give me feedback on how it works for them. I get plenty of feedback. My customers are strong minded ladies who need bags and belts that reflect an on-the-move life style and are self-assured enough to put a bit of splash into their looks. My customers seek to purchase unique pieces of quality and class from independent designers, understanding that the best leather goods improve with use and age. I love the smell and feel of fine leather. I seek out the best lightweight cow and calf hides for my every-days bags, and soft lamb or novelty leathers for my clutches and evening bags. I aim to minimize hard-wear, keep the bags soft enough to sleep on, light weight enough to dance with and sturdy enough to last for years. I know of customers who practically live in my hip bags. I experiment with leathers; even putting things in the washer and dryer in search of unique looks and feels. I love using metallic and novelty leather for trims, accent’s or even linings.

My designs are inspired by my observation of how people move and use objects. Visually I am inspired by the vintage looks of the 30’s 40’s and 50’s as well as classic western wear. Often designs just pop into my head. My line covers the full spectrum of a ladies bag needs, from my very sexy Hip Ditty Bag to evening bags, everyday bags and overnight bags. The Estafette is my messenger bag that holds a small laptop quite expertly. The Lazy Weekenders are surprisingly lightweight, perfect for an overnighter. The Swoosh popped into my head one night as a tote that answers the needs of some of my more conservative customers. When I made my first prototype, I fell in love, and so did my customers.

As much as possible Hark bags have all leather pockets and design features that also serve a function. My linings are all light colors so you won’t loose your belongings in a black hole. Hark bags are equally pretty inside and out, you just want to fill them up. The Swoosh and Nana Pack at lined in metallic leather or lovely suede, and fabric linings are sturdy sports material that will last as long as the bag. Soft evening bags are the exception where I use silk and satin brocade. I first started sewing when I was 10. Nuns in Hong Kong taught me to make underwear, and embroider. On my second attempt at sewing with a machine, at age 12, I landed in the emergency room with a straight pin down my windpipe. Nevertheless I caught the bug. I learned to work with leather in the early 80’s while studying mime in Manhattan. I worked for a custom leather shop in the heart of Greenwich Village. I began making handbags, which I sold to Soho boutiques and Bendel’s department store. Despite my early success, I held to my intention to become a mime. I moved to North Carolina, began a family and SILENT PARTNERS movement theater company. For 17 years I created and toured theater across the country fulfilling my sewing desires by designing all the costumes, including the bags they lived in. At 50 I returned to my early passion and launched Hark Designs. I have never carried a bag I did not make and now I get to share my bags with the world!

My biggest nightmare has been with hard-wear. After years of looking about for good buckles for my belts, I finally decided to take the plunge and collaborate with an artist on a wing buckle, using the wing in my logo, which my son designed. After much patience I finally received the first batch. All but three ended up breaking on me- I have since sought out more professional outfits to produce them and have included zipper pulls. Each time I see someone wearing one of my belts or carrying a bag, I feel blessed to have shared my energy with that person; it is sort of like connecting wonderful ladies thread by thread. This capacity to connect with others through my work provides my greatest feeling of accomplishment, be it a celebrity or the 84 year old who gleefully bought and wears a sexy Hip Ditty bag. Noticing the demand for my work out grow my capacity to make every piece myself keeps me moving forward with a smile in my heart.