City Chick Magazine

A Day in the Life of A NYC Handbag Designer
Even though I consider myself a handbag fashionista, I am up for the experience to find out how an actual designer creates a handbag from beginning to end. I greet Jacquelyn LaCroix in New York City, the owner and designer of a leather handbag collection called LaCroix handbags.

We meet outside Jacquelyn’s showroom on 29th Street and I quickly admire the red leather handbag on her shoulder. Jacquelyn says proudly, “Oh, that’s one of my designs," with her trademark southern smile and bright brown eyes. She is perky, and tells me “it’s made of lambskin," which is a supple soft material that has a luxurious rich smell to it.

I instantly fall in love with it and want one!

We continue walking on 7th Avenue, up towards the Garment District. By the time we turn on 38th Street and reach Jacquelyn’s favorite leather supplier, she has already given me her story of how her grandmother inspired her to design, and how she moved to New York City from Louisiana a few years ago to really take a hold of her dreams. Once we reach the leather store, Jacquelyn is searching for unique new leathers to incorporate into her line. She will be introducing a goat leather into her new middle priced line for the fall 2008 collection. Jacquelyn says, “Goat leather has a nice glazed finish with more durability," which she looks forward to adding to her line.

Every touch of the LaCroix handbag collection has been crafted and launched in New York City. I ask her, “How many times a week do you do this circus across the city?

Jacquelyn says, “Almost every day."

We take a breather and grab a cup of coffee and head back down to Jacquelyn’s showroom on 29th Street. I can see that Jacquelyn is a perfect example to show that running a business takes dedication. This means researching everything from leathers and materials, to manufactures, and tradeshows. Jacquelyn also does her own marketing at times. She has even walked up to celebrities at benefits and after parties and personally given them bags.

After the cup of coffee, we walk over to her showroom. The room smells of leather, and she shows me the sketches of her upcoming collection that are on the drawing table. The new shipment of buckles have finally arrived. They have a vintage appeal which she loves. Jacquelyn says " look, look!" and gets excited over the deep bold laser logo of LaCroix on each one. She instantly compares them to her old hardware and says excitedly, “Now my name will be more recognized."

Jacquelyn wastes no time and gets into her routine. She calls the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas and speaks to one of the boutique shop managers. Instantly, they place an order for a few bags from Jacquelyn’s collection. You wouldn't imagine the designer calling the boutiques herself, but this is the type of work and dedication Jacquelyn lives for.

Jacquelyn shares with me her latest silhouettes. They are called “Colette”, “Leala”, and “Gabrielle”, which represent her French heritage. I like the personal touch she gives to each of them. I curiously touch every bag displayed on the shelves. I put one after another on my shoulder and feel stunning holding each one. Each feels so elite, fresh, and original.

Jacquelyn incorporates unique attention to detail and it defines her collection. Her bags are sitting up right and polished, looking as if an army is behind them, over seeing every detail. I can't imagine even putting together one bag, much less a whole collection.

While I watch Jacquelyn manage the whole development and production process, she says she is lucky because she has great relationships with her suppliers and she has worked very hard to manage this level. I can only imagine how much effort it takes to consistently supply amazing end products to her customers.

Jacquelyn's work doesn't end in New York City. She has visited Canada, Georgia, Vegas, Dallas, and Chicago all in the past year for tradeshows and sales meetings.

As I am walking out the door, Jacquelyn invites me to accompany her to a tradeshow she is exhibiting at. I said I would gladly accompany her to see this experience.

LaCroix handbags retail on average around $400, but the elite styles can retail from upwards of $1000 dollars. With her brand growing, she is launching a middle line in the fall of 2008. This line will retail at about $300 because she knows there is an opportunity to appeal to a larger customer base with such a diverse range in price points. Celebrities such as Mandy Moore, Fantasia, Kelly Ripa, Jewel, and JoJo, all have enjoyed LaCroix handbags. Jacquelyn will be visiting her alumni FIT on December 7th-9th where her bags will be on display. For more information on this event, please visit www.designmavensnyc.com. Jacquelyn can also be reached through www.lacroixdesigns.com or 1-888-MY-LACROIX

"At the end of the day it all comes down to being there for your customer and giving them the satisfaction that is needed."

-Isobella Jade

Isobella Jade is a writer in New York City and she is the author of the book, Almost 5' 4"

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