I had the idea to start Bryna Nicole when I was working as a stylist to some of San Francisco's elite women and could not find the right handbag to complete the perfect outfit. Currently I am working on the 3rd collection for fall 2007.  Something interesting that I think people should know about my line is that although the company is based in San Francisco, the bags are manufactured in New York. I feel that New York, being the fashion capital of the country, offers the best quality, resources and inspiration for a line like mine.

I am always attracted to the softest fabrics. Whether its on a sweater, blanket or a handbag, I love it to be wonderful to touch. When I started the line I looked at using fabrics for the body of the bag, but quickly learned that soft leather is the ultimate in luxurious fabric. The designs followed from a soft slouchy shape.  The bags are all made of Italian leather and hardware. I use a variety of lambskin, calfskin and cowhide; crocodile and python embossed leather as well as suede or cotton print linings. I design for a woman who is elegant and sophisticated, but still has a fun and funky side to her. I am inspired by women in San Francisco where the style is so diverse. There is old glamour here as well as trendy newness. The signature feature is the braided handles. Each one is 3 flat pieces of leather braided with an interwoven antique brass chain.

It's amazing how two kinds of leather can look great in one combination and then totally wrong in another. I wanted to create the Hallam clutch in a solid color with just an accent of this great bronze embossed python that I got from Italy. However, in my production forms, I mistakenly reversed the codes for which leather goes where, and they came out all bronze python with just an accent of the solid! They were hideous and I had to throw them away and start over. What a waste of time and money!

My greatest achievement must be just that this company even exists. I am currently a one-man show - from accounting to sales to distribution to sourcing. I do it all. Its crazy when I think about how much I am juggling and Bryna Nicole is still afloat! All the stress of this is worth it when a new design comes out exactly as I imagined it and it is perfect!