Exclusive! The Latest from Handbag Designer Tinsley Mortimer
Tinsley Mortimer. She’s a Manhattanite, socialite and very much the fashionista with her own handbag line (for Japanese designer Samantha Thavasa) and clothing line (for Japanese company Riccime). With a true love for both handbags and heels, she’s a girl after my own heart. So, I was super-siked to catch up with her last week to chat all things fashion (psst…she owns more than 200 handbags!).
IHH: I have to know, is there a reality show in the works for you?
TM: Unfortunately, I can’t [give details] about the show yet, but it will be airing on the CW in mid-March. The title is actually not set yet.
IHH: I’m in love with your handbag designs for Samantha Thavasa (especially the Jules in navy shown here!). How many handbags do you own yourself, and what styles are your favorite?
TM: I have been working with Samantha Thavasa for more than four years and have designed more than 50 styles for them. Each style comes in about three colors or more. I have every bag I’ve ever designed in all of the colors (plus, others from before I started designing), so I must have more than 200 bags at this point. I can’t ever name a favorite. I love clutches mostly, but I have some really great day bags too! The current collection for Fall/Winter is one of my favorites. It’s all about fringe!
IHH: Any other upcoming fashion lines or collaborations for you? Have you ever thought about a beauty line?
TM: I design a line of clothing for a Japanese company called Riccimie. I’ve been working with them a little more than two years. I would love to get into beauty! I just designed for Dior a blotting papers case. I did the outside packaging for them, and I love the way it turned out!
IHH: What do you think about trends like denim leggings? Is your personal style trendy or classic?
TM: I don’t usually follow trends. I wear what I like and what looks good on me. If denim leggings looked good on me, I probably would have them, but they don’t, so I don’t own a pair. I love dresses mostly! My style is very girly with a little bit of edge here and there.
IHH: Let’s talk Fashion Week! Do you plan on attending in February for the last season at Bryant Park, and are there certain shows you never miss?
TM: I love Fashion Week and wouldn’t miss it! It’s been so great having most of the shows centralized at Bryant Park. Since I design handbag and clothing lines, it’s really important for me to go to as many shows as I can. Seeing the creativity and effort of other people is inspiring. I love Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Luca Luca, Jill Stuart, Peter Som, Herve Leger, Charlotte Ronson and Betsey Johnson, to name a few.
IHH: Please spill on your favorite pair of heels!
TM: My favorite pair are my new Balmain boots with buckles. I am obsessed!
IHH: When you’re not shopping…
TM: I’m working – and most likely on my Blackberry!
IHH: Labels you lust over?
TM: Balmain, Balenciaga, Alexander Mcqueen and Marchesa!
IHH: Have you ever shopped sample sales and, if so, which ones?
TM: I used to, but I haven’t had the time in awhile.
IHH: Name a few shops you frequently haunt in NY.
TM: I love Intermix, Big Drop, Bergdorfs and Saks best. They are so convenient and quick!
[Photos Courtesy Samantha Thavasa]
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