Folder: oversized fold-over clutch

Folder, Deep Red

I really enjoy designing new things, and adding them to an existing collection at any given season. Folder is a Spring addition to FW2011 Cebrellex, along with The Starter, Iolanthé clutch (pics soon) and Luff. Although it took me a while to develop smaller bags, this Spring is definitely the season of the clutch.

Folder, Spanish Moss

Folder is a classic zip clutch, intended for evening or day. Not meant to house every necessity in the world, but has enough space to take in quite a few of those, while remaining elegant.

Folder, Classic Burgundy

The bottom is expanded with corner darts, avoiding that `bloated`look some other flat clutches sometimes have, the moment we put something inside them.

Hazelnut, Azalea, Aqua, Deep Red and Spanish Moss

Zippers we selected are all metal, keeping the look fresh and somewhat festive at the same time. The colours will vary throughout the seasons, however, Folder looks great, both in classic Earth tones, in Brights, and Metallics or Pearlescents.

Purple Python, Gold and Lake

Some of the Folders, especially in the rare brights, will come as sets, along with a matching Big Skinny belt - and, we cannot wait for the JVD logo Hardware to arrive, so it can complete the carelessly elegant look of Folder....

Purple Python, Lake and Gold

As for me, I will be wearing mine from pick-nicks to parties throughout the Summer (and Fall, and Holidays).

** Currently: Folder is available at the Webshop, Dream Apparel and Poppy Hair Boutique, colours vary. Email us to help find your favourite shade**

Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

Toronto recap

I got back, just over a week ago, and seem to take for ever to unpack, clean out, launder - anything to do with returning from a trip.
One Of A Kind Spring show of 2012 was my first go-away show, I am glad I took part in it.

I was preparing for several weeks, thinking through my very mobile display and making new stuff, also shipping things ahead of time, so they get there and wait for me to pick them up and cart them to the venue.

Once in Toronto, I had taken more cab-rides in just that week, than in the past 10 years altogether! Must admit I am still very fond of the roomy Eastern town cars, where I can stretch my legs fully inside and rest the back on my head on the edge of the seat. That simply does not exist in most Vancouver cabs...

So, here is the booth - purses hanging from a marine line, attached to the top pipe by several bike hooks, shaped like a question mark; my streamers, made from recycled men's button down shirts, and my 42" table:

5x10 booth

The set-up was incredibly smooth, with maybe some delays in delivering the lighting I rented, but when I showed up for the first day of the show, my lights were there, exactly where I wanted them, wired, plugged and ready. That was a nice surprise, as I was expected to spend the morning doing DIY electrical.

Although, during biz trips there is hardly time for sightseeing, we managed to do some - which was a great intro to some of  TO's neighbourhoods. After living in Vancouver for many years, Toronto appeared more of a traditional city, active, faster paced and vibrant. I very much enjoy that kind of environment and have always been missing it since my arrival to BC.

We took a trip to Distillery district

And Queens street

Then I had night strolls of my own...

...observed history..

and city halls...

The weather in TO is incredibly shifty. It cools off so much after sundown, you are really reminded, that you're in Mid-West. During our week we had freezing temperatures on the day of our arrival, changing to thunder overnight, followed by a shift to 18*C the following day with almost summery rain, cooling off to cloudless 6*C, and finally bringing the rain at 12*C, with bright sky and 15*C the day of our departure.

But every morning we made our way to the show floor for another day of sales...

hallway of the Direct Energy Centre

Booth, waiting for re-opening

This trip was not only educational, but very therapeutic.  I realized I was not traveling often enough, for biz, or not - and intend to do more of that this year. It enabled me to spend time with other fellow traveling artists and learn from them as well. Also, selling in a completely new environment provides insights of completely different customers, their preferences and tastes.

Traveling never ceases to open up and grow my world.



Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

New

After a couple months of preparations, we can breathe easier here at the Studio. The props, bags and other equipment has been shipped out, stock counts done, all the other necessities ordered for the One Of A kind Show in a week.

I have been working with re-purposed jackets for original limited quantity pieces....

Iolanthe clutches - to debut at OOAK TO

More men's leather from the 80s...

Got a start on the new hardware, which, even though will not make it to the show, will eventually land on everything we produce from this year on...

Silver, Antique copper and Gold tags

Folder clutch with zipper pull 

Shipped, packed and then shipped again... - purses to be sold, supplies and gadgets...

Today, I started on my final suitcase, filled it with my trade-show outfits, as well as some overflow purses, and finally felt more excited than exhausted from all the prep.... This will be my first time in Toronto, and I can't wait to meet my Eastern supporters in person...

Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

Daily Zen

Sea waves, source: Sky Wallpaper

It could be today’s beautiful sunshine, which came out of nowhere; or some new developments and recent events, that affected my mood today; or is it plans that have started to take shape in the past couple of days, -  but I feel as though I have been infused with oxygen.

Maybe, also, it is because I have been surrounded with support, anywhere from friends, who can not only listen, but also advise; to the most inspiring quotes popping up, when I need a shot of wisdom; to making progress in my preparations for the One OF A Kind show and the Toronto trip.

***

I recently read that plans and projections are really dreams with deadlines, and, sometimes, numbers... Some self doubt is normal and oh, so productive...

Two days ago I listened to a show, where a caller had shared her life experiences and said, that the things you want would not magically come to you, and you have to go get them instead. After all, we live only once, and it is definitely worth to give your best shot for the job you want; the place of your heart pull; the people you care for; or anything.

Recently I came to an understanding , that, although I may have lost battles in the past, I just might be getting closer to winning the war...  Using your experiences and story for making it easier for others, enables you to forgive and re-connect. Baby steps and patience will wear off your obstacles and let the rest of the world to catch up with you.

I also have overcome a month, quite pressed for time and subsequently, tough on my health. So glad to once again be able to focus and tend to what’s important.

***

In any tough moment I will remember today, and how it felt. I am excited for this year...

Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

Prepping for OOAK

My first Spring season show will happen across the country from where I live - in Toronto. The One Of A Kind Spring Show and Sale takes place between March 28 to April 1, and we will be there with the new Collection, and some of the Spring and Summer ad-ons.

Working full time at the day-job created some additional pressures to make enough product, meet deadlines, pre-plan and pre-think everything needed to make this show worthy. Can't wait till I re-gain my half-time in just over a week...

But, beside a few 'fits' of occasional anxiety, and cancelled social get-togethers with friends, I have been coping just fine, even managed to create some completely new items to bring to the show. I have also dreamed up my booth display, and already started the decorating work.

Because I will travel by air, my display must be as compact as possible, collapsible and light. I will show it to you all, as soon as it is ready and set up some six weeks away. Same for my bags, that will take their first trans-Canadian group trip...

The pictures below are of what I have been busying myself with...

Re-purposing men's (and ladies' ) jackets... into OOAK Sarah bags.

Floral embossed suede/ leather jacket: that symmetrical cut is completely accidental!

Now, with ruffles

Beautiful pattern in the back

Completely new design -  zipper clutch bags built from re-purposed jackets (pictures coming)...

Side A and B

Same beautiful pattern

My decorations: the Booth will have fresh colours of white and blue, just a little 'sailor' themed

My wind streamers... I may not have any wind at the Show, but they will pop against the white Show curtain

Table cover - vintage crocheting over white silk mix fabric

We are very excited to be visiting our Eastern friends - many more details about the Show are to come up in this Blog in the next few weeks.

Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

'The Starter' - the return of Fringe...

Fringe played a major role in the very birth of this line nearly three years ago. Some of you know, I am a moderately picky shopper, and would seek out only truly unique items, that satisfy my acceptance criteria. One of those items, was a well made, true to the original suede Fringe bag I could wear for years to come. Fast fashion chains, or department stores in greater Vancouver did not have what I was looking for, so I decided to get some suede and build one myself.

My first bag ever...

Some of you have seen this image... this is the Fringe bag I made back in Spring of 2009...

... The bag got some unexpected attention, some ladies wanted me to build one for them, or just suggested to buy the one I was wearing, so I listened.. and became a designer...

Kerry, Mocha, - I have to post it on the Web-shop!

My simple prototype evolved into THIS bag - Kerry, from S/S 2010 Intro collection, which got us our first retailers, just mere two months into the "business".  Kerry remains one of my most requested designs so far...

In the next six months or so, Fringe exploded in the mainstream retail, with everyone featuring a tasseled design - from Gucci to H&M. Even though, most of the bags were not all that similar to mine, I moved on from shredding suede for Pre-Fall 2010 Coming Of Age Collection.


But, I have not stopped loving Fringe, and that's why nearly three years later, I decided to release a different Fringe design... One of my lovely retailers have said, that i might as well finish a trend I started...

INTRODUCING -  The Starter - an all new Fringe shoulder slouch, coming in Spring of 2012...

Speckled White Elkskin

Featuring a shorter, modernized Fringe, expanded darted base, a zipper closure and front pocket and tie on adjustable straps, this bag is a cross-body, that doubles as  a clutch... For the first time, I have worked with wild leathers - Deerskin and Elkskin, embracing their matte, velvety finish and incredible pliability...

The Starter comes in several colours: BLONDE

SADDLE TAN

GOLD TAN

CHOCOLATE

... and  SPECKED WHITE

I am very excited about my new Fringe design. There are very few of them - and they will make their debut in my first show of the season in Ontario...

Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

Thursday Day Trip

My job share of the past year ended last week. Now, I have to scramble through the month of February of full time day-job, till things ease up again in March, as I begin my "personal leave" and go back to half time.

Wanting to make the best out of my last half week, before a month of running a job and a business simultaneously, I treated myself to a Vancouver Island trip. I set out to Victoria, for a very overdue visit to the Rad Juli  flagship store and workshop.

Rad Juli is a fellow leatherworker and a friend, who, to the envy of all of us in the handbag etc. biz, has recently  moved into a new gorgeous studio with a storefront space, and even a display window.

She specializes in unique, one of a kind accessories for ladies and gents, built from all kinds of rescued and found materials. She has built following with both, Mainland and the Island arts community, as well as loyalists outside of Canada. More about Rad Juli's creative process and her work-space - on her blog, http://www.radjulionline.com/

image source: Radjulionline

After a bus ride through Victoria, which I really enjoyed, I was treated to a sunny walk down Bay street, not too far from Victoria Harbour. The neighbourhood there is historic and industrial, streets are narrow and windy; and after just a minute on Bay street, I felt like I was back in North England. I would not mind to be taking that walk daily - to work.. Or, at least, on sunny mornings..

Location: 2626 Bridge street, Victoria, BC

And, we're finally here! There's the bright sandwich board on the sidewalk - I must be in the right place. Apparently, I am not the only one visiting...

Tubs of hardware - I did not come in empty handed. Part of the charm of being an accessories person, is to be able to share with your friends all the good resources, suppliers and steals you come across. I salvaged this hardware from a day-coworker of mine, and some of it seemed right for Juli.

The storefront fills up with visitors and clients. So helpful to have that beautiful display window, overlooking the walk-by traffic. Sigh... The Rad Juli flagship store carries her own designs (handbags, belts, gloves corsets and other accessories), as well as vintage clothing, accessories and finds.

She's in action! Juli wrestling a bison side into a gents' traveling cross-body. I always find it amazing to watch other people work. Out of the blue, they do something really smart and I sit there, wondering, why hadn't I come up with that ages ago!

That was a very inspiring trip, and a healthy change of environment for me. It had my head spinning with wishes, ideas and plans for my business.

Radjuli Custom Designs
Studio/ Store
Tue - Sat 11 - 5
106 - 2626 Bridge street, Victoria, BC
V6T 4S9

http://www.radjuli.com http://www.radjulionline.com

Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com