Fashion, Evolved

There are lots of small labels and independent designers out there, but it is rare to find one that has such a well-defined style that it is easy to spot one of their creations just on first sight.  Mandy Ng’s Füchst Bags are so iconic that they can literally be picked out from a crowd.  Ng’s use of color and her unique choices in fabrics and leather make these handmade bags the ultimate haute accessory.

Ng spent a few minutes answering questions about her budding young company:

How did you come up with the name of your label?

I love smart designs and my intention is to not create just any bag…but a multi-functional stylish accessory that can be proudly carried anywhere. Some of my bags are designed with interchangeable straps so that it can be used as a wristlet, shoulder bag, or knapsack. These are reasons why I decided to come up with a name that is representative of my actual product… “FUCHST BAGS”. It’s simply short for Functional, Chic, and Stylish. I always keep my business name in mind whenever I come up with a new design.

What kind of woman buys Füchst Bags?

Women who are interested in unique handmade products will buy my bag. I also create a line of diaper bags so have quite a few moms buying my Lotus hobo/diaper bags.

Describe your design aesthetic in three words.
Unique, Chic, Stylish

What has been your biggest challenge in launching Füchst Bags?

My biggest challenge in launching Füchst Bags is juggling my time between designing, creating and marketing my products.

What has been the most rewarding part of launching Füchst Bags?

The most rewarding part of launching Füchst Bags is hearing the overwhelmingly positive feedback from satisfied customers who have purchased my products. On several occasions, my clients were so happy with my product that they blog about it.

What advice would you give to other women who are interested in starting up their own business?

I really don’t think I’m in a position to provide advice because I’m still on a learning curve myself. But if I really had to…I would say to do lots of research before taking the plunge. Find your own niche and do the best you can.

What kinds of opportunities are you currently seeking for Füchst Bags?

I am planning to develop my own website soon, and will perhaps consider selling my products at wholesale trade shows.

Do you have a formal design education?

Yes, I have a College Diploma in Fashion Technique and Design.

Where do you get your design inspiration?

My design inspiration comes from what I see or do everyday. If you follow my blog you have probably read that a heart shaped potato that I came across one day inspired me to design my next handbag with a heart shaped handle. On another occasion, I was reading a magazine article on designer bathing suits. They were beautiful and had fabulous neck lines, and I thought if a woman’s body could look sexy in a bathing suit, why couldn’t her wrist look sexy too? So, I came up with a sexy wristlet named Aquabella. My ideas are often inspired while sitting in the car, watching TV or walking along a crowded street.

What has been the best feedback you’ve received from one of your customers?

I received an email from a happy customer who purchased two of the above bags (one for her mom as a birthday gift and for herself). This is what she e-mailed me when she received it,

“Mandy, Can I just say Oh…MY…GAWD! I LOVE THIS BAG! It’s even more incredible than I expected. I am SO impressed with the quality of your workmanship and that someone who is not a machine can put out something like that? It’s adorable, it’s a perfect size, the colours match my coat perfectly and my mom also loves hers. I am off to tell all my friends about you. Thanks again for the wonderful service and product and I am going to order another one for spring in brighter colours. I’m expecting another baby then and I think it’s an awesome size for a diaper bag too! ”

Where can people buy Fuchst bags?
You can purchase my handmade bags at: www.fuchstbags.etsy.com

You can also visit me at The Beaches Arts & Crafts Show in Toronto June 12th – 13th, 2010 and The Artisans at The Distillery Show in Toronto July 31 & August 1 & 2, 2010

You can follow Mandy Ng on her blog, her Facebook page, and Twitter. And shop her Etsy store.  And take a look at some of her most exquisite pieces:

Sea Glass brings back wonderful childhood memories for me.  I grew up near the ocean in northern California and we spent a lot of time at the beach where I would collect all kinds of treasures including pieces of smooth, gem-like sea glass which I would horde like a little pirate.  Over the years I’ve lost all the sweet souvenirs I collected as a child, but not my love of the colorful pieces of glass that get washed up on the shore after being massaged into shape by the sand and sea.

Terra Trendz, an online retail store started by five green friends, sells exquisite sea glass jewelry along with some of the hippest and most eco-friendly accessories and handbags.

The Terra Trendz team has been kind enough to extend a special shopping code to my readers for current and future purchases. You’ll receive 15% off your total purchase when you use the code FE15 at checkout.  AND!  You get Free Shipping for orders over $25.

So go ahead and indulge your green fashion passion this year at  Terra Trendz!

Make Love Not Trash makes and sells Eco Friendly, Sustainable and Ethical handbags and accessories that are to die for!  Their latest collection for Spring ’10 is the Organic Denim Tassel Collection made from black organic denim, nontoxic trims, and nickel-free hardware. The pieces are sexy, edgy and totally hip.

The Organic Denim Tassel line includes a wallet, hobo, saddlebag, fold over tote, multi-handle bag, cosmetic cases (varied sizes) and just recently a diaper tote on back order and received by celebs like Lisa Leslie of the WNBA, Elisabeth Hasselbeck of The View, and Heidi Klum.

In addition to making earth-friendly high fashion, the company also donates a percentage of its sales to excellent non-profit organizations, making their products beautiful on more than one level.

When I started writing Fashion, Evolved one of the very first “eco fashion” shops I found online was Ecoist.com. By now you’ve seen their innovative bags made from candy wrappers, food packages, billboards and other non-biodegradable materials which would otherwise end up in a landfill.  The styles range from whimsical to downright fashionable and have been featured in publications as diverse as Wired, Vouge, InStyle and Entrepreneur.

There are all sizes and shapes to suit the unique tastes of any ecofashionista.  Totes, wristlets, clutches–you name it.  In addition to the regular products, the company also features special collections made from the most popular packaging on the market today, including Coca-Cola, M&M’s and Luna Bars.

You can find Ecoist on a number of online stores, or you can shop their site. You can also keep up with their news on the Ecoist Blog.

Here are some of my favorite pieces from their latest collections:

Pochette – NY Subway Maps – $48

This little bag is the perfect accessory for an urban girl on the go.  Small enough that it won’t get in your way, but big enough to hold your essentials for a day in the city.

Baguette – Silver – $48

The combination of the shiny metallic exterior and the lime green accents make this a darling little bag for going out on the town.

PacMan – Striped – $138

An awesome combination of futuristic metallic materials with a trendy boho design.  This bag WILL get noticed.

Barbarella – Checked – $128

I own this bag and I adore it.  It has an ultra-modern feel, but I can wear it with my most casual clothes because it’s made out of snack bar wrappers! The dark squares appear black online but they are actually a very dark, rich brown color.

Baguette – M&M’s Vintage – $48

One of the latest collections at Ecoist is the M&M’s Collection; and they’ve got some pieces made out of these rad vintage wrappers.  Imagine wearing this with a little red vintage dress!  Sassy!

1.  Petit Cressier Bag by iragranteco via Etsy – $59

This saucy bag is made of 100% jute in dark green, fully lined with organic cotton and bamboo blend leafs pattern in green color.  There are two pockets inside, and it adorn with beautiful big wood button.

2.  Lady Leaf earrings by Calming Winds – $15

Made from Pink Carnelian, Green Aventurine and Crystals. Leaves are pewter and finished on hypo-allergenic earrings but can be changed to Sterling Silver if needed.  Pink Carnelian is a stone that is full of life force and vitality. Pink Carnelian is known to help restore love and trust after sensitive situations. Green Aventurine is known as the Harmonizer and will protect the heart.  Visit [Calming Winds] website for more about Lady Hawk’s artisan jewelry.

3.  Whidbey Top by Loomstate – $98

A short sleeve scoop neck tee with a graphic print from bottom hem to shoulder. The tee gathers at the neck and has a banded bottom.  100% Organic Cotton Jersey.

4.   Elite Rainboot (Vegan) by Earth Shoes – $99

With the finest in waterproof features – including a seam-sealed construction – you’re capable of taking on the worst the season throws your way. But it’s the everyday when the Elite really shines, making a declarative fashion statement in striking, patent colors that set you apart from the pack. Inside zipper and elastic stretch material help make on-and-off a breeze.  Vegan Society Certified.

5.  Green Siren by Tarte – $30

A couple weeks ago, Tarte sent me a sample of their famous green siren cheek stain.  As a simple gal, I appreciate a good cheek stain–you can use it on your cheeks, eyes and lips even if you’re in a hurry–and you’ll get a pretty, healthy glow.  I am absolutely SOLD.  It’s long-wearing, doesn’t irritate my skin, and looks positively gorgeous and packs just enough of a peachy sheen without going into full-fledged rosy cheeks territory.

The tarte t5 super fruit complex™ is a proprietary blend of the five most active superfruits: goji, acai, maracuja, acerola and pomegranate. The first blend of its kind, the t5 super fruit complex™ is loaded with naturally occurring, antioxidant rich nutrients and vitamins that have been known to deliver refining, anti-aging and skin-restorative benefits with each application.

With the purchase of every tarte green siren natural cheek stain, you’ll be supporting Sambazon’s Sustainable Acai Project (SAP), a member of the Fair Trade Federation, which helps to preserve the Amazon Rainforest through conservation, improved living conditions and educational opportunities for communities in Brazil.