... and this is why here is the best place ever...

After a few intense days it is plain wonderful to return to the studio - and work. Here, the ever-present scent of tea helps to concentrate, the light beams through windows and the sound of the sewing machine sets the rhythm for the day...

The 'ready' racks

More ready goodies

Rooftops below

The needle, that threads...

Exciting day of arrivals

Studio tea/ espresso

We're slowly working our way to stock up a number of festival weekends this summer.

Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

A brief FW'14 collection video

Here is a few seconds long slide-over view of our upcoming FW'14 collection:

(Instagram video)




Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

Early press for FW'14 - West Coast Style

West Coast Style is the first venue to feature a sneak-peek of our upcoming FW'14 Collection -- but, in the concept of the Spring season! 

In this interview with the Fashion Capsule agency, you will see a fab local apparel trend re-cap, and three looks from yours truly: Featherlight worn as a small clutch and two not-yet-released designs... Thanks, Sarah, and Fashion Capsule team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwdHfR0KqM&list=UUI_OxTLUSnEMSU6mLnBBntg

http://jolavdesigns.com

Mood leathers: Select Rescued Upholstery

With the season gradually ramping up, to keep production interesting, each day we choose what to build based on mood and feeling. 

Unfinished shells of a few newbies

Select Rescued Upholstery is specialty leather found in odd lots, remnants and other rescues. All random colours and finishes. It has been our core source material since the very first season, because of its different properties and characteristics. I find it very educational to work with such a varied range of materials, as one hide is never like another, needing different kind of attention, and skill every time. 

The result is different each time, and that is what keeps things exciting.

our F/W2014 Collection will launch mid-Spring.


Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

Tiny steps towards the new Collection...

Great summer in Vancouver, partaking in a few events, shows, and even organizing a few in the Spring and Summer, slowed down the process of building an upcoming new Collection.

Even today, although, the blueprints and sketches are laid out in front of me at my desk, the Collection is very much a work in progress, balancing a few different directions of inspiration, different materials I am currently coveting, and trying to edit and boil all those ideas down to the most necessary.

I do not believe a collection of accessories needs to be generated every season, especially, if we’re talking handbags. It should rather reflect a flow of inspiration, a result of trials and research, whether it is searching the outside world, or within.

I so far have eight close to the heart designs (in progress), that may land a spot in the upcoming Collection. I will do some crude edits and re-draws to tie them into a cohesive mix. Then there is a whole other pack of ideas for small accessories we always carried alongside the handbags. There were very different factors at work shaping this bunch of designs, and for that reason alone, streamlining will be crucial.

Strap

One strong force was me trying to create pathways to bring more mixed reclaimed materials to our handbags, as well as new custom shapes and prints. I was sketching for both – leather and other raw-materials, from canvas to recycled fur. Then, there was a drive to simplify the existing shapes, remove the complications and grey areas from all new patterns. In addition, I realized I had expectations set by my customers and retailers, to maintain a recognizable look, with key features, they came to appreciate over the first few years; features, that would immediately say, JVD. And, then, there was my own, pure, inspiration behind some of the new bags-to- be: the country looks, the unique reclaimed materials, some lifestyle elements (we do want to hit the outdoor show and festival scene next year), the intimacy of our detail work.

All that is hard to boil down, as these features are not only different; they are very valuable for any Collection. Maybe, I even have more than one “collection” sketched up on this desk, waiting for the right time to take shape. We are not sure at this time, when the full new range will be released – while the early prototypes will begin surfacing during the Holiday season this year, a good estimate for the new  release may be Pre-Fall 2014.

Shell in construction

 

 Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

Jola V. Designs and Radjuli one day Trunkshow and Sale - Aug 10, at Favourite Gifts

Announcing our first collaborative Trunkshow, with a special guest – Radjuli, a celebrated accessories designer from Victoria, BC.





Flask Holster by Radjuli





Saturday, August 10, Radjuli will be joining us for a one-day-only Trunkshow and Sale at Favourtie Gifts boutique in North Vancouver. Those of you, who have previously visited our Trunkshows, this time will be surprised to see the store looking all different for this event.



Form contrast: Sarah bag, JVD and IPad case, Radjuli




Fluid and strong: Our Khela bag and Radjuli's Bookbag

Radjuli’s designs have made a name for themselves  by distinct look of raw leather edges, incorporated old cowboy belts, rivets, keys, locks and other odd animal pieces.  Juli gives meaning to  random parts that, may seem like they do not even belong together. Her designing world is so different from ours. Where our imagination ends, hers begins.



Springbok clutches, Radjuli and Feather Lights 2-section, JVD

 

To find out more about Radjuli’s amazing creations, visit http://radjuli.com/

Lucky winners will be drawn at the end of the day to receive great prizes from both designers, as our way of saying thanks for your support.

Also, help spread the word about this event; tweet: #JVDRadjuli to win our purple Patrice Has Options messenger (above) – twitter contest ends on the 9th. The winner also drawn on the 10^th.

August 10th, usual store hours, 10 – 7. One day only.

Favourite Gifts boutique - #204 - 123 Carrie Cates Court,
North Vancouver, BC

Radjuli.com

Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

Handbag Sale is back!

Handbag sale

This week we welcome back our Handbag Sale!

Starting this Friday, April 26th, through next Friday, May 3rd, most of our past season creations are 40% off... Many other to-be-discontinued designs are priced to clear...

The deals include items on our Permanent Collection for the first time in our Handbag Sale history...

Khela, Cane

Online Only. Our lovely retailers are not part of this Handbag Sale.

Some of the deals are posted at Etsy as well. But, certainly our home Webshop will have the biggest selection...

This sale excludes our Spring/ Summer 2013 Cruise collection and Custom Service orders. Not to be combined with Return cards or any other offer.

Sarah, Poppy

*All deets here: http://jolavdesigns.com/news/2013-04-23-handbag-sale-starts-friday-apr-26-may-3
** Not seeing the item you spotted before? - ask us! Not everything gets posted on the Webshop. E-mails Service@jolavdesigns.com with your inquiries.

*** Twitter only: tweet your purchase @jolavdesigns #HandbagSale and the shipping is on us!

 Apr 26 - May 3, 2013. Browse away.





Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

Jump to the new collection: Spring Summer 2013 Cruise...

image by: Sophia Dembling (2008)

After a couple of very hectic months, we're in the middle of preparations for the One Of  A Kind Show in Toronto - for the second year.
 What we're bringing alongside the regular stock, is a completely new range of designs, our SS 13 Cruise collection...

Contrast of opposing textures, visual changes in an abject in different times during the day, surfaces of different finishes and smooth lines were in the focus for this collection, all wrapped up in a relaxed and joyous mood of vacations. This is definitely our most celebratory collection, with lots of basic colours, and materials, other than leather, introduced to the shells of bags...

Image: Tumblr. Isle Of Pines

Early this year, Chloe Magazine ran a full page feature of our upcoming collection - you can revisit there feature and read Jolanta's interview with the magazine here.

Here are the all new designs of Spring Summer 2013 Cruise

Click on pictures for more info.

Marife  - A large, graceful carry-all with extended braided handles and exterior pockets.  Lightweight and sturdy, made to house your travel, shopping, or work needs. Or even a second bag inside. Has an eye-catching shape and flowy lacing and braid detail.

Marife - black

Marife - red

Exploring burlap fabric - a course and sturdy cloth to give seasonal lightness and contrast to the smooth surface of leather. Features original ink prints of coffee importers.

Marife Burlap

Marife Burlap

Kaia Surf - Elegant gear. A large, relaxed satchel with two sculpted front pockets, adjustable straps and a shoulder pad. It is an understated formal bag, that could be taken through the weekend (trip). Boxy built, the bag shares some of the same detailing, as the previous design, Marife, such as Western lacing and very smooth lines, at the same time creating a completely different, unisex, look...

Kaia Surf - Granite

Kaia Surf - Caramel

Quilchena -  our first backpack! A deep draw string sac, to be worn as a backpack or cross-body. Zipper pocket in the front, and three more pockets inside. Soft, leather, comfortable wear. Hands free. Featuring pleat detail, or plain.

Quilchena Pleat - black

Quilchena - mushroom

Sarah Burlap - an all new version of one of our Permanent designs. Burlap creates a striking visual contrast, making the purse summery, and surprisingly tough...

Sarah Burlap - Blue

Clubkidz - Fun and compact cross-body for a night out, or day. Very easy to wear, strap is adjusted by re-tying the knots at each end. Closes with an oversized flap and an internal magnet. Features a zipper pocket in the back. Will keep your hands free, while all essentials intact. Take it dancing. More colours to come.

Clubkidz - Blue

Clubkidz - Teal And Gold

Clubkidz - Apple Red

Rider  - an easy to wear pleated bag. Stash it into your beach carry-all, throw it over your shoulder; it will look great with flowing dresses, crochet boho sweaters, headbands, jeans, coats, surf- wear - anything. 

Rider - Mint two

So, here you go! The SS 13 Cruise will make its debut at the OOAK show next week, and will appear in retail shortly...
It is NOW available at the Web-shop. 

Our Permanent collection is carried alongside, as well as the remaining styles of FW 2011 Cebrellex.


Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

Trunkshow recap

When things get this busy, there is hardly any time to say our proper thanks...
So here we are - all thankful to those, who came out to our first individual Trunkshow, with wine, cheese and purses; to our lovely host, Favourite Gifts boutique, and the Fall sunshine that made the day even more beautiful...

Here are a few snaps I took during the set-up:


We had taken over the shop!  Patchwork, sale items, samples and coin pouches - all decked out in the centre of the Boutique...

The Sample rack had some of the best deals to date - 45%  to 60% off on prototypes and one-off designs. You can check out the Tosca sample at our Webshop.

I've brought in extra stock for the Permanent Collection designs. Khela and Tasmain are always at the Webshop...

Sarah bags and new, one-off burlap designs... 

Belts, two section coin pouches (called Feather Lights) and more deals on samples...

In mid-afternoon, the refreshments came. I had to make sure I take a picture of the set-up before everyone digs in... Red + white, fruit juice, water, 3 kinds of cheese, M&Ms, and fruit. This is so far the most festive set-up I had for any event...

This picture was taken by Customer from the Trunkshow, after she flew back home to the Prairies. Her new - and our final, Katie, The Bag on a snowy deck in it's new home. We could not feel more gratified...

Missed this event? - our next one will take place next Thursday, November 29 at the Ayala Moriel Parfums studio... Refer to our Website for all inquiries, more info is coming up soon...

Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

Custom Service in a nutshell

We will make our big announcement of the new Custom Service in our newsletter later today. Here is a summary of how it works...

We are mainly looking to re-use the old leather jackets, lingering for many years inside your closet. The outdated ones, the ones that no longer fit, the damaged ones - anything could be re-worked.

Same goes for fur coats - although fur requires simpler design.

You can choose our existing bag design to re-work your jacket into, or you can  describe/ sketch your own.

Your bag will feature unique details - e.g pockets, pleats and zipper details. Most jackets have great factory details, that should be carried over to your Custom bag. You can also choose your own shade of hardware from our stock.




Once you've decided on what design you'd like your bag to be, send us the coat, and an e-mail with details: info@jolavdesigns.com with subject line "Custom Service" . 

All designs will be assessed to the compatibility with your leather and the jacket size. Stiff luggage cannot be made of lambskin, and a small jacket will not do for an over-sized purse. Some additional hardware may need to be purchased, based on your ideas...

We will send you an estimate and, if applicable, - suggestions/ changes, etc.

Out of an average coat will get:
1. Your truly OOAK Custom Bag; 

2. A Pouch to go with it; 3. A bracelet or another small accessory

We will ship your Custom goodies back to you for FREE! 

Some other recycled jacket designs:

Purple jacket Butterfly Clutch

Telia, recycled fur

Sarah and Iolanthe

Iolanthe

Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com