Handbagdesigner-Interview: Marcela Calvet

Marcela Calvet hat bereits mit 9 Jahren ihre erste Handtasche entworfen und wurde dabei durch ihre Mutter und Großmutter, die eine gute Freundin von Coco Chanel war, beeinflusst. Heute wird die Designerin mit französischen Wurzeln durch die Schönheit und Eleganz der Frauen von heute und damals und aus unterschiedlichen Kulturen inspiriert.

Ihre Handtaschen werden hauptsächlich aus exotischen Häuten und Leder hergestellt. Die Designerin hat heute unsere Interviewfragen beantwortet:

Where are you from?

I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. However, I consider myself a citizen of the world because I have travelled to so many wonderful places since childhood. Now, I divide my time between the United States, Argentina and France.

What is the name of the label?,

Our label's name is Marcela Calvet; but we are also known simply as CALVET.

What is the idea behind the name?

I decided to use my own name as a way to honour my French roots and the contributions of my CALVET ancestors to the worlds of art, fashion, history, and business in France.  It is a rather ancient name and I am quite proud of its legacy.

What is the inspiration behind your collection?

My collections are inspired in the beauty, elegance and feminine chic of women I admire from past and present and from different cultures.

Since when do you run your own collection?

I started my eponymous label in 2005, but the history of CALVET in the world of fashion dates back to 1928, when it acquired the famous Parisian Couture label CALLOT SOEURS.

How or why did you start designing bags?

I designed my first handbag at the age of 9.

Elegance and chic run in my family. This was exemplified by both my grandmothers and by my mother, all of whom had such impeccable taste. My grandmother Marie Therese was a friend of Coco Chanel, which is why my nickname is Coqui. So, my exposure to fashion came early on.

I've always loved fashion and particularly handbags which were my most treasured accessory.

Do you exhibit on trade fairs?

Frankly, we do not exhibit on trade fairs very often.

We do however attend some industry events on a select basis.

If yes, which one?

There are a few but BAF week (Buenos Aires Moda), is one of our favourite events.

What kind of materials do you use in your collection?

Our label is primarily known for its use of stunning exotic skins like South American alligator/crocodile and lizard.  But, of course, we also use the most exquisite and butter-soft Argentine leather for some of our collections.

Do you have a website?

Yes of course: www.marcelacalvet.com