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RETRODELIC

Ellie Everyday Pumpkin, leather satchel, $200
Ellie Weekender, Red Wine, leather $325 Hitched Messenger Bag, Chocolate Brown, leather, $239
Ellie Everyday Pumpkin, leather satchel, $200 Ellie Weekender, Red Wine, leather $325 Hitched Messenger Bag, Chocolate Brown, leather, $239

Comments: [post a comment]

1. love the weekender and everday - very Chole esq but still really love it - J from NYC, May 07, 2007.
2. I love that pumpkin leather, just looking at it I smell pumpkin pie and think of Fall. - April from MA, May 07, 2007.
3. Love the designer's work and creativity... - Tanya from Boston, May 08, 2007.
 

After more than 15 years as a successful systems analyst, I realized that I would never fulfill my inner passion for the arts and creativity. I felt I needed to externalize myself into what I do in order to fulfill this inner calling. The question was 'but what do I do about it?' I needed inspiration and, unplanned, I purchased a 1960's brown cowhide leather briefcase and then I was inspired by its simplicity, elegance and quality workmanship. I became fascinated by vintage, quality bags and luggage which led to a hobby of searching through thrift stores, consignment stores and antique markets in pursuit of quality classic pieces which replicated my original cowhide find.

The more I searched and researched the more I realized that, with determination and effort, I could turn this hobby into a business. The Retrodelic brand and Company was born. The inevitable question is: 'why Retrodelic?' I have also been fascinated by furniture design and upholstery, in particular retro psychedelic furniture and art pieces, which I find particularly inspirational, hence the name 'Retrodelic'

My first bag design will always be very special to me since it was the beginning of realizing my inner passion for the arts and being creative. I named this messenger bag MAXX after a character in my favorite movie of all time 'Sunset Blvd'. Time has moved on, but I have retained my inner passion to create and I believe this is, and will, be self evident as I continue to add to and develop Retrodelic's individualistic and stylish collection of quality bags and luggage.

I work mostly with fine leather material full grain and soft calf. My bags also seem to attract men in business or the “metro-sexual” type. Inspiration comes in all sorts; it comes from old black and white movies, from real people that knows who they are and what they like, and also from other great designers. I know my bags are special because of the compliments my customers tell me they receive when they are out sporting their Retrodelic bag, the look and feel, the construction the vintage timeless classic styling, the boldness and quality.

Most of the bags in the line is produces in low quantities and in most cases limited edition bags, some colors will only be created once. Over time the line will evolve into new and exciting styles, shapes, and colors. I also want to create a feeling a passion hence handbags that are statement pieces.

Fortunately it doesn’t happen often but the absolute worst with when a design goes completely wrong. I have been working on a bag for the past 8 months with my manufacture however there is a disconnect somewhere in the production process. I wanted to feature this bag in a fashion show a magazine photo shoot however the 4th version of the design is still not to my liking, so back to the drawing board we go. Eventually it will emerge perfectly but it takes a lot of time – it has to be just right.

It’s been an interesting journey I have met a lot of interesting people, so far I have been honored with Hollywood celebrities taking a liking to my bag such as Eva Longoria, Halle Berry and more recently Jamie Foxx. However seeing the genuine joy and pleasure my regular everyday customers have when they are deciding on a bag purchase is my ultimate achievement. That tells me that I am definitely doing something worth while.
 
What is your name? Ken Williams
Where are you from? Toronto, Canada
Where do you live now? Toronto, Canada
How old are you? 39
Do you have a design background? No, I actually have a systems background.
Do you still have a day job? Retrodelic is my day, evening and night job.
What year were your bags born? 2004
Bag brand name: Retrodelic
What is their retail price range? $199 - $400
Where can a shopper buy your bags? www.retrodelic.com and several stores in Toronto
For more information, contact: www.retrodelic.com

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