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Tyler Ellis, Luxury Handbag Designer

Tyler Ellis, Luxury Handbag Designer

Anne Kurian
  • It takes a woman to understand what women require when it comes to handbags and Tyler Ellis has got this down to just about every design nuance.
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Stylish, practical and captivating. These were the first few thoughts that came to mind when we saw Tyler Ellis’s designs. The acclaimed accessory designer’s namesake brand marries functionality with contemporary elegance, which explains why the Tyler Ellis collection is as popular among celebrities and fashionable women alike.

It takes a woman to understand what women require when it comes to handbags and Tyler Ellis has got this down to just about every design nuance. From practical yet classy designs and materials, to ample storage and versatile styling, the Tyler Ellis handbags are a class apart. It’s no wonder that the brand has become a sought-after choice for Hollywood’s elite. Daughter of the late celebrated designer Perry Ellis, Tyler Ellis has carved a niche for herself in the competitive world of accessories. The Luxury Bulletin chats with the designer to learn more about her brand, design philosophy and journey ahead.

What inspired you to design handbags?

Traveling.  I found women all over the world carrying the same few luxury labels and this inspired me to create a brand of equal quality but with boutique charm.  You will not find a logo on the exterior of any of my bags as I believe the shape and materials speak for themselves.  I am so lucky to have found an incredibly talented atelier who views the world the same way as I do. Quality over quantity, always strive to be better and in the end, it’s all about the details.

I recently launched Bespoke by Tyler Ellis, a white glove shopping experience where clients deal directly with a member of our dedicated concierge team to customize a one-of-a-kind handbag.  This highly curated service allows you to hand select every decorative aspect of your bag, which will be delivered to you in a timely manner.

How influenced were you by your early years and your father? Is there is a moment or incident that made you realise that designing was your calling?

My father passed away when I was eighteen months old, so I have no actual memories of him. But my mother and his peers have shared many meaningful memories with me that have shaped my personal views on life and fashion. My father believed fashion should be fun and not taken too seriously, and I couldn’t agree more.  We are not saving lives…just making people look and feel great 😉 That being said, he was a perfectionist and his mantra (along with my own) was if you are not going to do it right, don’t do it at all.  He changed the face of women’s ready-to-wear fashion by making women feel both beautiful and comfortable. Another design detail I have taken to heart in my business.

You started your career at Michael Kors. How would you describe your experience there and how has it helped in your own journey?

It was a wonderful learning experience and it positively changed my perspective on the fashion industry.

I worked as a sales assistant in his Madison Avenue flagship boutique which helped me learn retail, merchandising and client interactions from the ground up.  I was also fortunate enough to intern directly with Michael and his partner (also the creative director) Lance LePer, styling his NYC runway show.  This exciting experience allowed me to assist in the behind-the-scenes process of styling Michael’s designs in such a way to ensure absolute perfection while walking down the catwalk.  It was and is about having the ability to visualize minute tweaks, like adding a cinch belt or shortening a dress by one inch or accessorizing with a clutch in the perfect shade that truly distinguishes a top designer from the rest.

Aside from solidifying that it really is all about the details, Michael gave me a piece of advice that will always stay with me.  He said, “Surround yourself with the best people possible”. At the time I thought that was pretty self-evident, but as my company has grown, I now understand that it is incredibly difficult to find truly talented and hard-working people. I am now thrilled to have a fabulous team working with me.

Where is your atelier located?

Just outside of Florence, Italy.

Can you tell us about your creative process – from the idea to the final product?

Ideas come at random times, so I always like to travel with my notebook. I typical draw small sketches, with my desired dimensions listed, reference photos and detailed notes attached.  All these design details are emailed to my atelier. There are typically several rounds of questions before all the specifics are clarified.  A sample is made of salpa (a soft cardboard like material) so we can continue to tweak the design before it goes into production.  A leather sample of the new design is produced where I or a colleague use the sample bag to make sure straps are the correct length, the hardware is functioning properly etc. Once all of this has been approved, the bag is ready to hit the market.

What inspires you?

I love to people watch, visit different cities and admire what nature has given us. The symbol of my brand is the pinecone, which signifies the highest form of spiritual awakening and your third eye.  It dates all the way back to ancient Egypt where it adorned the tops of the powerful Pharaoh’s staffs. The next time you are in Europe, pay attention, as pinecones are everywhere: from door handles, to tea kettles to ornate gate tops.  If you keep your eyes open, you never know what you will discover.

Your creations are worn by women around the world. Do you find it challenging that the tastes of women in, for instance, Asia might be different to that in the USA? Do you create handbags/clutches that cater to a specific set of clientele based on the region/country they live in?

I love to travel and meet interesting women from all over the world and watch what silhouettes and colours they are drawn to.  I find New Yorkers tend to go for the larger day bags, and carry a small clutch bag inside, so they are ready for everything. They also lean towards black and neutral tones since they are constantly on the go. Los Angeles clientele gravitate to the smaller silhouettes and they love a pop of colour. Internationally I find London to be similar to NY, while the UAE and Asia are more like LA, as they gravitate to smaller styles, but tend to be specifically attracted to gemstone colours and metallics. When traveling to different regions I do tweak the products I bring, though I am always surprised at what ends up selling.

The world of designer handbags is quite competitive. How does the brand tackle this and what makes Tyler Ellis, the brand, stand out?

There are many alluring handbags out there but what defines the good from the great is properly marrying aesthetic and practicality. I am a woman designing for women and understand the importance of functionality. All of my designs come with a detachable cross-body strap or chain, have strategically placed internal and/or exterior pockets, are weight conscious, when necessary have our customised Pinecone feet to protect the leather or skin and are lined in my signature electric Thayer Blue, making it easy to locate your belongings. Beautiful bags are a dime a dozen, but it’s the thoughtful details that elevate the product.

What is your most cherished accessory in your wardrobe and why?

A charm bracelet from my paternal grandmother that I turned into a necklace. She travelled around the world on the Concord and collected little gold charms from each international city she visited.  Every time I wear it, I get stopped, and it has inspired people to turn their family heirloom charms into functional necklaces.

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