As a self-professed handbag enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for pieces that are as beautiful as they are timeless — and I recently stumbled upon a brand that deserves a serious spotlight: KARRICA. These handbags are simply stunning. With refined craftsmanship, luxe materials, and silhouettes that epitomize understated elegance, KARRICA creates true investment pieces you’ll carry for years. While this brand isn’t widely known yet, it absolutely should be! In addition to sophisticated, classic handbags, KARRICA also has a clever, playful side… and a line of sports-themed bags that are oh-so charming.
I recently had the opportunity to interview Karrica, the founder and designer behind the brand. Keep reading to learn more about the company, its gorgeous collections, and what exciting things are on the horizon!
What inspired you to start designing handbags?
I have been a creative since I was a very little kid, learning to sew at the age of seven or eight, with a mini Singer sewing machine! Come to think of it, that was my first business. Most kids had a lemonade stand, but I went to the fabric store, put swatches on a board and went door to door to sell drawstring eyeglass pouches. I let each customer select the material and drawstring they wanted, collected the money, and then went back home to sew them.
Professionally, after college (2010), I started my career in production for several luxury handbag brands and then moved on to footwear. I also dabbled in home decor and pet products. Most truly creative people are not linear, as we thrive off of the “what’s next?” feeling.
Can you walk us through your design process, from idea to finished product?
The ideas come to me at all times, but the process itself isn’t that fast. Because I am formally educated in architecture and design, and have 15+ years of experience, my technical specs are extremely detailed. I like to hand over my designs complete, so there are very few questions asked by my production manager. I will hand-sketch the idea, then put it in a CAD format so it is very clean, inputting my dimensions, Pantone colors, and material selections. Every detail is included, from the hardware, to the stitching, to the embossing. I also make my own paper patterns for each design to aid in streamlining the process. If there is any confusion, my production manager and I will go back and forth until all concepts are understood. Sometimes I speak to her more than I do my own family!
Once the initial design is submitted, the artisans will begin making a sample. For me (because I am so detailed) 99.9% of the samples come out exactly how I envisioned. I don’t believe in wasting time, energy, or money! After the sample is approved, we go into production. I follow a very tight quality control process, items are boxed, shipped to the warehouse, and then go on to department stores.
How would you describe your style and overall aesthetic? And, where do you find inspiration for new collections or designs?
I would say my style is “Transitional Glam,” a term I totally made up! But it means each piece is very glam, but also can go from day to night, office to dinner, travel to brunch. I think people like having options. Most of my inspiration comes from either travels, film noirs, and vintage shopping. Also, people watching is always a win-win!
My process is 24/7. My brain never shuts down and I am constantly inspired (mainly by random, unconventional things). For example, the GABRIELLE (pictured below) was inspired by a jewelry box my Grandmother had, and I thought, hmm… this could be a cool clutch. So I added it to my FW2025 collection.
What materials do you prefer to use, and why?
This is such a fun question! Because I have been in this industry for so long, I have seen a very dark side. Fashion is the second largest contributor to global pollution, next to crude oil. We have so much waste… it’s unbearable. However, a lot of brands are getting on board with ethical and sustainable processes.
For me, I use genuine leather, but I also recycle all of my scraps, both leather and textile. They are then sent off to a special company that grinds everything down to a dust-like particle, then they add a polymer to bind it, and re-make the material into a usable sheet called bonded leather. My BOUID (shown, top photo) woven bag is made from these recycled materials. Other pieces in my collection are either genuine leather, calf hair, or wood. And I am getting into acrylic as well.
How do you stay ahead of trends while keeping your designs unique? And, how do you balance functionality and fashion in your designs?
I believe true creatives don’t follow trends, we set them! I am a bona fide Cancer, and I go by emotions. Whatever feelings I have at the time of designing, I just go for it. I will look at WGSN for color reports, but the styling comes from within. If I look at these trend reports too much, it impedes my process and then I will look like everything else on the market. And I want to stand out. I want the person who wears the KARRICA brand to feel unique, not like everyone else. Long story, medium length, “je suis sans tendance.” (Translation: I am without trend.)
Functionality is key for me in the design process. To spend your hard earned money on something, you want longevity. My ELIZABETH bag (pictured below) can be worn as a top handle, fold it down as a clutch or wear it as a crossbody. I am biased, but the ELIZABETH, which comes in two sizes, is very chic but can also transition to something very practical.
What challenges have you faced in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
The two major challenges I face are being copied and not being acknowledged. The copying issue is a lot more difficult than people may think. Everyone assumes you just get a patent and call it a day, but in fashion, it’s not that easy. Out of all the major companies I have designed for, not one thing was patented specifically, because copying is so rapid. Also, we move so quickly in the industry. What’s in style now, may not be later on.
As a lesser known brand, it’s extremely hurtful to have my designs taken because those larger companies have a wider footprint and will be able to beat me to the punch. They can send one email blast to tens of millions of people. I cannot. Which works against me financially. Even if my product is the original and available at a better price, they have a name, legacy, and outreach I simply do not. Which brings me to being seen, the second big challenge.
I go above and beyond to showcase my work on TikTok and I reach out to buyers all the time. It’s really not easy, but I won’t quit! I will keep going until KARRICA handbags is a household name.
What can we expect next from KARRICA?
For FW2025, I have made a decision to stop designing collections. Instead I will be doing select drops. They will be a limited pieces available on a first come, first served basis. This fall, I will also have a few exclusive apparel pieces, a boot, and some jewelry, as well.
The main project I am working on is securing a license from Fanatics, Inc., so I can expand on my Les Sports collection (one example pictured below). Having the ability to brand my sports products with team names and images would be (no pun intended) a game changer!
To see more stunning handbags, click here visit the KARRICA company website (I think you’re going to want them all!).
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