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| Vintage bakelite frame with brown croc leather, $899 |
Vintage wood frame, floral leather and gemstone handle, $695 |
Red leather croc clutch, $210 |
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| I have been creating this Nina Perrera Handbag
collection for about one year. Each handbag is unique, one-of-a-kind and limited
edition designs. They are meticulously hand-stitched here in the United States,
using only the finest quality leathers, fabrics and trim. Many handbags
incorporate vintage purse frames from the early 1900's which are refurbished and
brought back to life as a 21st Century designs!
I adore the mix of old and new and suspect that my appreciation for fine vintage
accessories came from my maternal grandmother's influence. She never left her
Manhattan apartment without wearing white gloves, a leather handbag, and
beautiful jewels. I also loved helping her create window displays for her
Madison Avenue jewelry boutique, which she owned and operated during the 60's
and 70's. My love for psychology and human behavior (I am a practicing, Licensed
Clinical Social Worker), continuously draws me to objects of unknown origin,
allowing me a glimpse into the life and personality of its imagined original
owner. I believe you can tell a lot about a woman by the handbag she carries.
But, you can also tell a lot about a handbag by the woman who carries "it". The
Nina Perrera handbag collection is designed for an elegant, confident woman who
enjoys luxuries but values her own unique style as well.
I began creating my handbags, working with a wonderful seamstress named Eleni.
Eleni, who grew up in Greece, was taught by her mother to sew. There's nothing
she can't do with a needle and thread! Most of my creations have emerged through
trial and error and are created using a commercial sewing machine and
hand-stitching. I create my handbags two days per week and spend most evening
hours surfing the net for new inspiration and techniques. I have two daughters,
17 and 24, who both love sporting my designs and taking them for test-drives as
well.
I would love to learn more about purse construction but find it difficult to
obtain this type of information. Additionally, I find that my access to purse
frames and hardware is limited because I cannot afford to order in the large
quantities needed for custom designs. This is probably my most frustrating
aspect of handbag design because I am limited by the materials available in
small quantities.
As far as advice obtained through my experience -- I have been surprised at how
difficult it is to stay on top of current fashion trends. Fashion moves very
quickly and is quite fickle. It is very challenging to continuously produce new
designs and sometimes I worry that I won't be able to think of something new. So
far though, this has not happened.
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IHDA Nominee: Best Handmade Handbag
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What is your name? |
Nina Rosen |
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Where are you from? |
New York, New York |
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Where do you live now? |
McLean, Virginia |
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How old are you? |
51 |
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Do you have a design background? |
No. |
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Do you still have a day job? |
Yes. |
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What year were your bags born? |
2006 |
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Bag brand name: |
Nina Perrera Handbags |
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What is their retail price range? |
$200 - $1400 |
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Where can a shopper buy your bags? |
Tabandeh, 202-244-0777 |
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For more information, contact: |
www.ninaperrera.shutterfly.com |
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| 1. | Nina, your handbags are gorgeous!!! We have two things in common, we both live in Northern Virginia and handbag designers (well I am in the process of making my first handbag =0), you have a lot more experience than me. Keep up the good work! - Shavonne from Virginia, April 09, 2007. | | 2. | Hello Nina. I love your designs. I am actually a new designer as well in South Florida. My bags are handmade. I would love to know where you source your leather and fabric? My bags are mixtures of fabric and leather. I would love to keep in touch with you as I need as much advice as possible. Do you still use Eleni, or do you now use a manufacturer. Please let me know. - Danielle from FL, March 06, 2008. | | 3. | Nina, I would love to show your beautiful work in my store featuring exclusive and high end jewelry and accessories. Please visit me at www.mocashop.com and send me a comment on how to reach you. Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful!!! - Monica Milla from FL, March 21, 2008. |
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