StyleMaven caught up with Chicago based handbag designer Theresa Buffo. Theresa's designs mix form and function and her passion for luxurious, tactile materials.

When and why did you start BocUe?
The original bocUe collection debuted at a gallery show featuring four designers. It was so well received that I decided to attend an Open Call at Marshall FieldÕs in Chicago. To my surprise, I was recognized with an award for Excellence in Design and my first retail contract.

BocUe launched in 2003, with the vision and desire to work with the sculptural nature of leather Ð a viable, enjoyable way to blend a personal passion for good design with my entrepreneurial spirit.

What is your inspiration for the latest BocUe collection?
I am constantly inspired by art, design, travel, people, and materials. For Spring 2005 I am working with calf suede for the first time - which is very lush with a body-hugging nap. Some of the Spring silhouettes are inspired by designer eva zeisel's elegant, simple, functional utensils and pottery. The design process of fusing shape, color, materials, function, and a touch of whimsy is at the heart of each collection.

On your path to starting your handbag collection, were there any major challenges in the beginning?
It was difficult to get manufacturers to meet the quality standards I demand in each bocUe bag. I also had to pick up the practices of retailing and merchandising along the way since I wasnÕt formally educated in this field Ð my formal education was in art and design.

Where did you grow up? Did this influence your design sensibility?
I grew up in the small industrial town of Canton, Ohio (we used to visit nearby Cleveland for decent shopping!) Canton is a very versatile, hard-working town and has definitely influenced my design criteria --- beauty, value and utility -- which are fundamental to each bag.

Did you have an early interest in design and fashion?
Yes Ð my mother and grandmother used to sew alot and always looked sharp in their hats, gloves, and Lilli Ann suits. As a teenager, I used to wake up on Saturday mornings and watch ÔStyle with Elsa KlenschÕ on CNN religiously É and bought imported Italian fashion magazines at every chanceÉ

Favorite designers, places, stores, people, things that were formative to BocUe?

Designers - I love Dries Van Noten, his clever, ethnic aesthetic with painterly color combinations and patterns exude true individualist.

Places Ð I'm looking forward to this next spring when I'll be heading to South America with my husband Ð Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. It is sure to be an inspiration for an upcoming collection.

People Ð My mother (who else?), she has a strong design sense, I definitely inherited this trait.

Things Ð My first rust-colored leather backpack, which I carried all through college. I had to have the straps fixed about 10 times; it was part of my identity back then.

What is your vision for your brand and collection?
I want to keep designing and selling fresh, beautiful, colorful, comfortable products that continue to communicate warmth and joy.

What cities, neighborhoods inspire you?

Toronto - I recently visited Toronto and loved perusing all the shops on Queen Street West. Toronto is a great combination of European civility, New York edginess and West Coast bohemia. I enjoy a city where people live comfortably with a sense of individuality Ð itÕs obvious they think for themselves when it comes to personal style.

San Francisco - It has this element as well Ð where people seem more open to experimentation with unique products (like bocUe bags) but still appreciate functionality and craftsmanship. The North Beach area has several fun boutiques and cafes plus a bit of ÔBeatnikÕ history É

What about them appeals to you (atmosphere, style, attitude, people, stores)?
I love an environment where people are stylish yet casual - inspired by current trends as opposed to being enslaved by them É sitting at a chic European coffeehouse with a bistro feel Ð lingering over a good cup of tea/coffee while engrossed in stimulating conversation É

Name a few of your favorite stores in LA, NY, San Francisco, London Paris or anywhere?

Dish and AB Fits in San Francisco.

Public, Bedo, Lululemon, Pull Wear in Toronto.

Spare Parts and Shebang in Chicago.

Any unique non-fashion stores that you love?

Jayson Home and Garden in Chicago

Red Tea Box in Toronto

Pearl Art Supply

Favorite stores for clothes, accessories, beauty?

Clothes: Tangerine, Red Head Boutique in Chicago

Accessories: Shebang, Spare Parts, Hazel in Chicago

Beauty: Whole Foods

Favorite shoe, denim, tee, or fashion labels?
Think! shoes, Yanuk, Earl Jean, Mackage, Rebecca Beeson t-shirts, Dries Van Noten, Marni, Antik Batik , Chloe É

Anything new for BocUe on the horizon for you?
Well Ð we are initiating conversations with other Chicago designers, retailers on forming a Chicago Accessories Collective. BocUe hopes to debut in San Francisco and Houston by Spring 2005 and will continue to sell online at shopspareparts.com. We also plan to host sales both at our West Loop Chicago studio and on bocUe.com É stay tuned to bocUe.com (did I mention that already?) for upcoming press, news and trunk show information!