BagTrends: Certainly you get approached to do many projects. Why did you decide to partner with
Samantha Thavasa?
Tinsley Mortimer: Samantha Thavasa's reputation in Japan is so amazing and they have over 160 stores in Japan. I loved the idea of partnering with such a successful company and being allowed to truly design my own line from start to finish, while also being able to be the face for the line.
BT: How does your line differ from the main Samantha Thavasa handbag offerings? How is it also in keeping with the Samantha Thavasa aesthetic?
Tinsley: All the bags I design are bags that I wear and would want in my closet. Samantha Thavasa is so accommodating in letting me design bags that I like.
Clutch bags are not as popular in Japan so I have had to design fewer clutches and sometimes my over sized
day bags need to be reduced a bit for the Japanese customer. Overall, they have been amazing in allowing me design what I want.
BT: How does your design process/collaboration work?
Tinsley: I start from the shapes, the material, the hardware, everything!! I first come up with a concept, then draw them out, then take the drawings to the factory and work with them. We make a dummy bag out of canvas first and after it gets approved by me, I pick the leathers and the hardware, and the first sample is produced. After that, the bags are sent to Japan where they are produced for the Japanese stores. The product sold in New York is produced in the US.
BT: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Tinsley: My inspiration can come from many things –
fashion shows, shoes, movies, books, really anything!! I just try to be conscious of whether or not I would wear the design and stay true to that standard. It usually works well that way.
BT: Of all the bags currently available, which is your
bag-a-licious
pick? 
Tinsley: I love the Dale bag named after my mother. It is a big perforated leather
hobo with a flower and ruffle handle. It fits everything and is not too heavy. It is practical and still girly and fun.
BT: Which handbag do you wear the most for day? For night?
Tinsley: The Dale for day and the Carter
clutch for night.
BT: What can we expect from Samantha Thavasa for
Fall 2009?
Tinsley:
Fringe!!
BT: Who is the Samantha Thavasa girl/woman?
Tinsley: She is a girl who has her own sense of style, but doesn't want to spend a fortune on a
handbag. She likes to be a bit different and not follow a crowd.
BT: How does the Japanese customer differ from the American customer/shopper?
Tinsley: Japanese customers usually prefer soft
pastel colors to
bold tones. They also prefer smaller
day bags and don't use
clutches for evening as much as we do.
BT: Where are your favorite places to shop in Japan?
Tinsley: Whenever I go to Japan I am usually so busy that I don't have much time to shop!! The shops in Roppongi Hills are great and of course the Isetan department store in Shinjuku.
BT: If we go to Japan for 1 day, what do we have to do/see?
Tinsley: Of course Samantha Thavasa's flagship store at the end of Omontasando!!
BT: With the success of your handbag line, you are now designing ready-to-wear. Tell us about your Riccimie by Tinsley Mortimer brand.
Tinsley: It has been such a great experience being able to also design a line of clothing. The line consists mainly of dresses because that is pretty much all I wear, and the most fun for me to design.
BT: What are your current "in the bag" essentials?
Tinsley: In an clutch for evening I always carry: Lip gloss (Dior Tinsley Pink); Gum; Dior skin flash concealor pen.
BT: Please complete the following:
Tinsley: I can't live without my...Chihuahuas!! Bebe and Bella
My favorite city is...New York
Every woman needs...Dry shampoo by Kloraine
Hobo or
satchel?...Hobo!!
Flats of stilettos?...Stilettos only!! |
