Today we're pleased to be chatting with New York City based handbag designer Elizabeth Phillips. Elizabeth has designed for both Coach and Calvin Klein in the past, but in 2005, she launched her own handbag line, ELSPETH, which features modern bags that can easily transition from an upscale gym tote to a handbag perfect for a night out.

How did you get started as a designer? While I was attending The Ohio State University my major was in Chemistry; after my second year I knew I wanted something different than working in a lab everyday. I took an International Fashion Design Business course and fell in love with the industry. In my final year of college I moved out to New York for my first internship with Calvin Klein, working in Design for Women's & Men's Ready-to-Wear for their US, Italy, and Japan markets. It was a lot of work that I was responsible for, but getting my foot into the fashion industry is what I needed to move me forward. It wasn't until I graduated and got my first job with Coach that I fell in love with designing accessories.

What inspires your work? New York is a big inspiration for a lot of designers and myself. Everyday there is something new that you haven't seen before; just walking down the street you can be inspired by the smallest scenes. I also travel a lot and all my destinations bring out a new feeling inside of me that collaborates to my pieces. That is why my handbags are named for different cities that I have been to. Along with the functionality of the bag, I try to expand my use to where every woman across the country can enjoy.

Who are your favorite designers? My all time favorite designer has always been Jean Paul Gaultier; he has always designed from the heart in a childish way and the outcome product is so beautifully detailed. I also admire Yves Saint Laurent and Marc Jacobs; the workmanship they put into a design is always impeccable.

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? I am all about the basics. For fashion: Perfect pair of tights, great pair of black heels, and a beautiful strand of pearls. For beauty: Right shade of Lip Gloss, longest extending mascara, and the best multi facial lotion.

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? It is always hard to get your thoughts to everyone when you are just starting out. Learning how to interpret your designs into words will help you convey your ideas to those around you. You can envision something but most people can not see what you are envisioning; words are very powerful along with a great illustration.

Where can people find your work? People can order ELSPETH bags on www.elspethnyc.com. You can also take a look at the stores here: http://elspethnyc.com/stores.html.


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.