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| Ellie Everyday Pumpkin, leather satchel, $200 |
Ellie Weekender, Red Wine, leather $325 |
Hitched Messenger Bag, Chocolate Brown, leather, $239 |
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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. |
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What is your name? |
Ken Williams |
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Where are you from? |
Toronto, Canada |
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Where do you live now? |
Toronto, Canada |
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How old are you? |
39 |
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Do you have a design background? |
No, I actually have a systems background. |
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Do you still have a day job? |
Retrodelic is my day, evening and night job. |
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What year were your bags born? |
2004 |
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Bag brand name: |
Retrodelic |
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What is their retail price range? |
$199 - $400 |
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Where can a shopper buy your bags? |
www.retrodelic.com and several
stores in Toronto |
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For more information, contact: |
www.retrodelic.com |
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| 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. |
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October 20, 2008 - HARK DESIGNS - Hilarie Burke
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October 15, 2008 - the jamescyn COLLECTION - Cynthia James
October 13, 2008 - 1G Collection - Stasia Reisfield
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October 03, 2008 - The Divine Tribe - Elison Pickett and Chad Ypon
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September 24, 2008 - FERRATTI - Alice Gronenberg
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