Published on June 4, 2012
Last month I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Argentine accessory designer for Diamantina, Claudia Diamante.
We talked about life and aspirations. I was so impressed by her demeanor and her brand that I felt compelled to share her story with you.
And if you haven't heard about Diamantina yet, you will.
Diamantina is the brainchild of Claudia Diamante, whose passion for fashion has led her on a journey outside of her successful corporate America career.
Aside from providing women with unique, one-of-a-kind designs, Diamante has provided job opportunities to skilled artisans from her home country. All of her brand's leather goods are crafted in Argentina and are genuine leather. Her showroom is based in D.C.and you can also find her designs on Flechada, which is the number one online shopping destination to buy designs from Latin American designers.
So here's a little one on one with the woman behind the Diamantina brand.
Why leather accessories?
CD: I love art in all its forms. I also love accessories, especially handbags and before establishing my line, I always thought of how I could improve the functionality and look of bags that I particularly liked.
Many designers these days try to impose a particular style and make it all about their brand. Diamantina has a different proposition. We make bags that promote each customer’s sense of style. Diamantina is a compliment to YOUR style and who YOU are.
What inspires your designs?
CD: Diamantina is inspired by women on the go.The women who are open-minded, relaxed, confident and creative. I get inspired by all things urban: women on their way to work, on the metro, walking down the street, sitting at a bar and carrying their favorite clutch.
Diamantina bags and accessories are designed for evolving women who appreciate innovation, uniqueness and high-quality.
What is your must have accessory?
CD: A very cool looking oversized bag for everyday use, either in a bright color or made with an unusual leather embossing. That one that people are going to stop you in the street to ask you where you got that bag! It’s happened to me in the past and it feels so good.
Describe your personal style.
CD: I would describe my personal style as a mix of urban, vintage and sophisticated. My style absolutely influences my designs, I don’t think I could sell anything I don’t like or I don’t feel represented by.
What piece of advice would you give to people who want to go out and start designing their own handbags?
CD:Write a business plan! Don’t underestimate. Things normally take longer than you predict. Be patient.
Share your idea with as many people as you can to get feedback. These people could become your customer base, their feedback is invaluable.
What are your hopes for Diamantina in the next 5 years? 10 years?
CD: I would like to see the company grow, but not become too big. I like to meet my customers face to face if at all possible. I don’t want Diamantina to become too mainstream and just be a symbol of status. I want my customers to have that “one of a kind” feeling.
For example, people don’t stop you in the street to ask where you got a Coach bag. Diamantina’s uniqueness is something I don’t want to lose. That being said we do want to sell our products in other regions of the world and continue to grow our customer base. It’s a delicate balance.
In the future, I would also like to develop a line of men’s bags, specifically Urban-style bags that could double as laptop bags, or even gig bags for DJs. I think there is some real potential there.
You can usually buy Diamantina handbags online , but on July 18th, 2012 you will have the opp to buy handbags directly from Claudia, where she will be a vendors at the Ready, Set Swim event being held at the emena Spa in the Design District in Miami, which will kick-off Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim 2013.
To learn more about Diamantina handbags visit the Facebook page.
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