The past, present and future of handbags

IGNES Handbags are a young handbag company who create handbags focusing on the modern lifestyle: work, party and travel. In the latest of my interviews, I spoke to co-founder Maria Estrada about her business, handbags, fashion, and of course, handbag theft.

BagTheftBlog (BTB): Firstly tell us what you do and a bit about your background.

Maria Estrada (ME): I co-founded an accessories brand with my brother, Ignacio, called IGNES Handbags. My background includes business (degree in business administration) and art (three years at Christie’s); and lots of travelling mostly due to several years living abroad; I have dual Italian and Uruguayan nationality and feel both South American and quite a Londoner when in London!

The interest in fashion came both from a natural interest in style throughout the years and then from a passion in promoting the amazing leathers and dedicated craftsmanship our country has to offer.

Are handbags your passion or a day job?

They are indeed a passion, and much more than a day job for both of us when it comes to running the business.

A selection of IGNES Medium day bags

Handbags and accessories are making a comeback - why do you think that is?

It’s no longer the classic black handbag to complement an outfit; now you can wear something simple and have an amazing impact with your handbag; it’s less to do with creating harmony by your complementing your outfit with your handbag, and more to do with expressing your style and personality through your accessory.

Ten years ago a “luxury designer handbag” was around $200. Today it can be over $1,000. Is this reasonable?

As fashion in accessories becomes more sophisticated, women expect more out of their handbags, and there are continued efforts in improving both the quality and the design in handbag creation; also since there are more options at different price ranges, the person that can afford a handbag well over $1,000 probably wants others to know…

Designer handbags are being ‘copied’ on the high street at affordable prices - is that a good thing?

Handbags that are created with the purpose of looking exactly as the original are the main problem, it’s a problem both for designer brands that have to deal with counterfeiting and for the person that has paid $1,000 for her gorgeous handbag who will not be thrilled when she sees the “exact same one” at $30.

What’s the current trend in handbags? Where do you think it is heading over the next few years?

The current trend includes lots of embellishment such as chains and studs, exotic leathers and more variety in leathers from super soft ones to patent leather to leopard prints…in the upcoming seasons it seems there will be a tendency for clutches as there has been for oversized bags.

I think women will expect even better quality and more options in the leathers they choose and even more personality in the handbags they purchase.

Have you got a favourite handbag?

A few of our own: I love the Mini Sofia , the Tango and the Ormala and a couple of the new designs coming soon…

How many bags do you own?

This is growing as the business grows!

How do you choose a handbag?

Both the feel of the leather and the way it feels on you; when you think you just have to have it and of course the quality and uniqueness in the design. I always pay attention to practical details as well as you still want to find your keys, mobile phone, keep you personals safe, etc

A selection of IGNES Evening bags

Have you ever had your handbag stolen?

Fortunately no, although it’s good to know Bag Theft Blog exists should it ever happen!

Have you got any advice on keeping your handbag safe?

It sounds simple but it should be in sight, or close to you, so that even if you’re distracted, if there’s movement, you will immediately feel it… the handbag hanger is also a way to keep it close and in sight.