Lauren Merkin Studio Visit and Interview

We were invited to visit accessories designer Lauren Merkin at her studio to check out Spring 2010 styles as well as a sneak peek of Fall. Tamara, our Beauty Editor and fellow bag lover, attended the event and managed to score an interview with the lovely designer herself. Read on to learn more...

Lauren Merkin Studio Visit and Interview

by Tamara

I left the comfort of home last week during the Snowpocalypse of 2010, and headed to Lauren Merkin’s studio to check out her Spring 2010 collection and to get a sneak peek of the Fall 2010 collection. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the handbag designer herself, who was absolutely lovely in person. Over a glass of wine, I had a nice chat with Lauren about her collections as well as accessories trends.

Lauren Merkin with Fall 2010 collection

Dream Sequins: What are your favorite styles of handbags?

Lauren Merkin: I love clutches, which is no surprise! I am pretty practical with our shapes and I gravitate toward Tatum (a larger clutch). My new favorite is Iris (chain handle evening bag), and I have been loving Paige (duffel). I am also excited about Phoebe (slouchy hobo)!

Tatum

Iris

DS: What inspires you when you design?

LM: I normally start with a function – a useable function, a category – and sketch it out. Sometimes I find inspiration from a vintage style, or even just from ‘thin air’. We generally want our bags to be soft, easy and wearable. Our style is accessible!

DS: What are big trends you are seeing in accessories these days?

LM: We are getting away from the giant, oversized bags, and women are gravitating towards the softer side, less embellishments, softer luxury. No logos, no “it” bags. Clutches are making a comeback, and there is a huge trend in chains and cross-body bags. For Spring you see bright colors such as blues, oranges and yellows. For the Fall we are seeing rich, jewel tones.

Lauren Merkin Spring 2010 collection is indeed full of bright colors, glossy embossed leathers, studs and chains. Her classic clutch silhouette has been updated with colorful snake print patterns. New clutch styles have been added to her handbag repertoire, including larger sizes. GENIUS and marvelous for someone like me who needs to always carry a camera, a phone, a small hairbrush, and makeup. From her Spring collection, my favorite is Diana, which should’ve actually been named Tamara , because after reading the description, well this is me: “meet Diana – a petite girl with a lot of attitude.” I do have another favorite – Tess. Decisions, decisions.

Diana

Tess

Lauren Merkin Fall 2010 collection is equally beautiful, with totes, hobos, and chain-strapped small handbags. Some of these totes could easily fit a small computer, making these the perfect handbag for the working woman. A palette of rich jewel tones, combined with chevron fabric patterns, studs, embossed leather and calf hair (yes!) make her Fall 2010 collection worth saving your pennies for. One of each, please!

Thanks to Lauren and her lovely team for letting me come by and drool over your fabulous bags!

Lauren Merkin Spring 2010 collection will be available online mid-March 2010, but they are available right now at department stores and shipping out to boutiques as we speak. Lauren Merkin Fall 2010 hits stores in July. For more information, check out http://laurenmerkin.com.

Which are your favorite styles?