Lesa Wallace Handbags

Handbag designer Leesa Wallace is originally from Phoenix and is now based in Los Angeles. Armed with inspiration from her Southwest roots Lesa has plenty of design talent to spare.

When and why did you start your company and collection?

I started my handbag collection in 2003; I wanted to create stylish funky functional bags without the big brand label and $1500 price tag. I am an artist. I paint, design, and write poetry. Creating a handbag collection provides me with a medium which allows me to develop a piece of art that can be used in a womenÕs everyday life. I was attracted to designing handbags because of the personnel attachment to it. A womenÕs handbag is a very personal item. A womanÕs mood will determine the bag she will carry. For evening to be sheÕll choose something with freedom. For days she has alot on her mind so she will carry something that fits her entire life. ItÕs If you compare what women carry to what men carry to secure their essentials it is very amusing.

What is your inspiration for the latest collection?

For this collection I was inspired by Native American art and jewelry. I incorporated braided embellishment on the Tiva bag and the Tash bag that is popular in Native American culture. The color palette I used also represented this theme.

On your path to starting, were there any major challenges in the beginning?

Yes, mainly my lack of business savvy, like understanding costing, etc. But fortunately IÕve been blessed to have smart business people in my life to help me out.

Where did you grow up? Did this influence your design vision?

I grew up in Phoenix. I think for most creative people a major source of inspiration comes their your childhood, being able to tap into a time when life was true simplicity. For me this simplicity is in Arizona.

Did you have an early interest in design and fashion?

Absolutely, I used to draw and paint. Mostly clothes and handbags. IÕm the youngest girl so I used to get my sisterÕs hand-me-downs. I wanted new clothes so bad so I would up cut the hand me downs and create something new. Then my sister would want them back!

Favorite designers, places stores, people, things that were formative to your current creative vision?

I recently visited Macau which is located close to Hong Kong. I was so inspired by the old temples, the detail of the architecture, and the symbolism, it was truly fascinating. I try to have a similar approach to my designs. I want each bag to embody detail and represent some sort of symbolism. In this current collection I named all the bags with names that have a particular meaning. You can find out more about the meaning on the site lesawallace.com

What cities, neighborhoods inspire you?

I love New York for so many reasons. I love the pace of the city, the architecture, the people, the food, and the nostalgia.

Name a few of your favorite stores in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, London, Paris, or elsewhere?

I live in LA so I love hennesseyingalls.com in Santa Monica for books, the New Mart Showrooms in Downtown Los Angeles every last Friday of the month they open for sample sales. Online at label-la.com they feature only the hippest west coast designers, Eric Macklin photography and FatherÕs Office in Santa Monica the most amazing burger you will ever have.

Any unique non-fashion stores that you love?

I love record stores, book stores, and used furniture stores.

Anything new on the horizon for you?

I am currently working on creating the Ōultimate handbagĶ, one that incorporates my artistic style, form and completely functional for everyday life. So keep on the look out for it at lesawallace.com.