My name is Lauren Falkowski and I design and produce a line of handbags, clutches and totes under the name Lolafalk. The Lolafalk brand was born out of a love of bright colors, shiny fabrics and the initial need to develop a line of handbags that satisfied my insatiable desire for all things subtly eclectic and understatedly quirky. All Lolafalk handbags and accessories are cut and sewn by hand, and every last detail is accounted for – from the carefully crafted design of each item, to each item’s description, to the overall attitude and style of the brand. I currently work out of my studio in Dallas and sell my handbags online, at local trunk shows and in local boutiques.

I work primarily with satin, taffeta and cotton, and while I gravitate towards more brightly colored and quirkily-patterned fabrics, I love to challenge myself by taking what might be considered an “ugly” fabric and working it with other colors/patterns to turn it into a artful statement piece. I find that most of my customers tend to not be rampant trend-followers, rather “regular,” everyday folks who want to inject a bit of fun, funky and quirky into their wardrobe repertoire. With the simple addition of a handbag, they feels that it’s a way to shake things up without compromising their own personal style or subjecting themselves to scrutiny for deciding to step outside the box and have a slightly off-kilter and eclectic accessory. I feel that fashion is such a personal and emotional aspect of an individual’s life, particularly with handbags and accessories as they are more likely to be viewed as little works of art with which an individual wants to adorn themselves.

My “start” happened about a year and a half ago, and was based on a symptom that is fairly common among people who become fashion designers – you know what you want in an item in terms of style and design, but can’t seem to find it anywhere. Hence, out of frustration, you decide to just start making it yourself. My mom taught me some basics on the sewing machine because I wanted to make my own funky tote bag based on a tutorial I found online. It took one tote to make me realize that, beyond just creating funky and eclectic items for myself, I was brimming with design ideas that could be translated into a cohesive line of handbags, clutches and totes that would appeal to a larger audience.

The Lolafalk design aesthetic is characterized by eclectic pattern combinations, a gravitation towards design elements that are slightly off the beaten path and a constant seeking of the irregular and unordinary. What sets Lolafalk apart from the rest is that, rather than follow trends or “go with the flow,” I base my designs and fabric selection on one key criteria: if there is ever any doubt or question as to whether a design element or fabric combination will work, then as far as the Lolafalk brand is concerned – it most certainly will.

I haven’t experienced anything so traumatic as to classify it as a “nightmare.” My nightmare stories tend to turn into good fortune, at least that’s how I choose to view it! One time I had invested a large (for me) amount of money in some vintage brass purse frames that I had ordered overseas, only to realize, upon delivery, that they didn’t have the chain loops that were a critical part of my frame purse design. Rather than waste these expensive frames, I designed a new clutch-style purse that wouldn’t have the chain strap (which became my popular Sofie Clutch).

My greatest achievement in this process is simply the fact that, with no design background or formal education, I have taking my vision and desire and developed it into a steadily growing brand. I pinch myself every day to make sure I’m not dreaming – I just can’t get over that I get to do what I love, and better yet – other people love it too! As an independent designer, what this means to me is that I take my vision, emotions, inspiration and passion and put it into every item that I produce. There is not one item in my line that I would not love to wear; my line is an extension of my personal style and lifelong search for handbags and accessories that are characterized by eclectic pattern combinations, a gravitation towards design elements that are slightly off the beaten path and a constant seeking of the eccentric and irregular in design, form and fashion. The fact that I have customers with whom my handbags resonate and appeal to is the most gratifying aspect of this job.