We recently caught up with designer Linda Wong of eco-friendly handbag company Canopy Verde. Her handbags combine organic cotton and bamboo and non-toxic finishing with modern, classic styling that's bound to last.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work. My background is on the business side -- I used to work in management consulting and marketing for companies like Bain Consulting and American Express. It wasn't until after I got my MBA that I had the opportunity to combine my business background with my love for handbags and interest in conservation. Being able to create a brand that reflects my personal aesthetic and philosophy has been a wonderful experience.

The idea behind Canopy Verde was to create a line of handbags that combine style with a green philosophy. Women can feel good about carrying a Canopy Verde handbag knowing that there was a lot of thought behind every component that was used in making the bags, including the organic cotton material, dyes, lining, and packaging.

How did you get started as a designer? I actually do not have a design background. At Canopy Verde, I do everything except the physical drawings and specs. I know what I wanted the bags to look like and hired a designer to bring my vision to life.

What inspires your work? I would describe my aesthetic as clean, modern, with a touch of whimsy in the details. I particularly like Danish furniture for the clean lines and contemporary feel -- I love Arne Jacobsen's Egg chair.

Who are your favorite designers? I'm a fan of brands like APC, Stewart & Brown, Triple 5 Soul.

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? Hmmm, I don't have much of a beauty regimen since I don't wear makeup. I'm kind of au naturel and use products like Burt's Bee's lipbalm and Aveda moisturizer. In terms of fashion, I'm into shoes that combine style with comfort, like my gold ballerina flats and Adidas camouflage sneakers.

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? I am an aspiring brand myself so I'm still figuring things out as I go. Especially now, I would say that it takes even more conviction in your product, and definitely patience when it comes to seeing the fruits of your labor.

Where can people find your work? The bags are sold in twenty boutiques in New York, Chicago, DC, Boston, and online. Stores include Verve, Otto, Camilla, Habit, greenloop.com and the Canopy Verde website.


We love all of the amazing independent designers out there and we wanted to find out more about what makes these creative types tick. If you do too, check out more of our Indie Designer Interviews.