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[wanda]•ful collection from aliamichèle

March 18th, 2008 · 12 Comments

Well, you all know that I love to accessorize whatever I’m wearing, but Alia brought this obsession to a whole new level today. Alia unveiled her brand new collection, [wanda]•ful from aliamichèle, and can I just say that it is every bit won-der-ful. Take a moment to read about the inspiration behind each one-of-a-kind bag, especially the Wanda Stephenson story. It will honestly make your heart melt and realize this girl is not only incredibly talented but also such a passionate designer.

[wanda]•ful from aliamichèle
Over the past couple of months, I’ve had the privilege to get to know Alia. I always enjoy learning more about the creative talent behind the things I love so I asked Alia a couple of questions…

When did you start designing bags and what made you start your own line?
“I started designing bags the summer after I graduated from college in Savannah GA. When I was in college I bought so many bags that my mother started to call me ‘the bag lady’. So one day I said to a good friend, ‘I should just design bags!’. He then bought me a book on how to make bags. For my final project for screen printing, I designed clutches for my very close friends and family, and when I went home that spring break and told my parents, I thought I was on to something. Since then I have been hooked.”

In general, what are you inspired by?
“I’m inspired mostly by my home country Jamaica. Having lived there most of my life, and then moving here to the States for school and work, I have realized how much we (our country) are recognized for either cliché or the wrong things. And when I started my handbag company, I wanted to show people that Jamaica is not just a country that produced Bob Marley, or red gold and green, but a country with talented and beautiful people. So, the beach, the sun, the people, my family, my friends really inspire me. And I have been lucky to have two parents that support me, so when they travel they bring books, fabrics, postcards, and that also inspires me. And recently with my new blog, I have been clicking my mouse non-stop onto different sites I have never seen, and I have found such beautiful websites, and designers, and that inspire me also.”

What are your favorite materials and colors?
“I love working with canvas and cottons. Reason being I can print on it, stitch on it, add embellishments, and really just make it a completely different fabric. I also love buttons. If I go into a buttons store, I get a headache from being so excited and wanting to purchase everything I see. My favorite colors are teal/aqua and orange.”

Make sure you check our Alia’s fabulous blog (a definite daily read) and don’t forget to visit the aliamichèle store for your one-of-a-kind wristlet, featuring beautiful bracelets from keileana™ that transform Alia’s designs into handbags as jewelry. What a fabulous idea. Good-bye boring leather straps!

Image credits: aliamichèle

Tags: Fashion

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