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{ Interview } - AdrianaFabiana 4:06 PM 4 comments

When a friend of mine told me about these two Guatemalan-American girls who were creating gorgeous handbags out of exotic leathers, I thought "I HAVE to meet them!" And not only because I have an unhealthy obsession for handbags, but because I think it's extremely important to support local women who are trying to make their names known out there in the world. Especially, in the super "catty" fashion industry, which can sometimes seem like an impossible world to get in. But, I am happy to say, that's definitely not the case with the AdrianaFabiana sisters. Adriana (Renata) and Fabiana Gonzalez Di Bartolomeo are very well educated in the business world. The ambition and determination of these two girls to show their talent to the world is so strong, that in the short time they've been in this business, their handbags have already made their way into several woman's "must-have" lists. And oh yes, this is only the beginning.

Ok girls, first I want you to tell us a bit more about yourselves, and what brought you two to work together F- Well, I graduated 2 years ago from SMU, and started looking for a job. When I decided to come back to Guatemala I started to work for my father at his ostrich farm, where he worked primarily with the ostrich meat and used some of the leather to make cowboy boots. But being a girl, and loving fashion, and especially handbags, I thought, “why not use the ostrich leather to make handbags as well?” A- After I graduated from Babson College I had a dream of moving and working in NYC, so right after I actually moved there, my sister came to visit and told me about her idea. I loved it, and we immediately started to work on a business plan to present to my father, which he accepted.

So, explain to us, exactly what kind of leathers do you use to create your handbags? F- Primarily we use ostrich, stingray, lizard and crocodile. But we also combine those leathers with buffalo, soft suede, etc. A- And while most designer handbags are lined with fabric, ours are completely lined with leather. We truly wanted to create a product that is made of mostly leather and is 100% durable.

Renata showing me the details on the inside of the bag

Feeling the soft leather lining

And what is the process of creating bags from exotic leathers, such as these? F- First we create the design, which currently we have 5 different styles we work with- the Lolita, the Rena, the Nona, the Aussie and the Tote. Then, we have to pick the leathers we will be using for each bag, and of course the hardware, which is completely custom-made, and can sometimes take a while to perfect. A- And after that, comes the sampling. They make a sample of each handbag so we can actually wear and try them out. When we wear them ourselves, we can pinpoint any specific adjustments that still need to be made in order for the bag to fit perfectly. And after the samples are approved, a metal mold is made so the bags can go into production. And also, since these are exotic leathers, and no animal is exactly alike, the leathers are unique and need to be cut very carefully so parts that have defects aren’t used for the bag.

Every designer has an inspiration, so who inspires you? Where do you draw your inspiration from? F- Many things. When we started the business, we actually put together 3 different worlds that have inspired us throughout our lives, Guatemala being the first. We were raised here, so our father made sure we really understood and appreciated the Guatemalan culture. He took us to explore the country, and taught us its history really well.

A- The other one is the United States. We are extremely grateful that we were able to get our education there. The US has provided us with many opportunities and has really opened our minds to many things. F- And lastly, our passion for fashion - of course! And I can’t forget about our maternal grandmother. She also inspires us a lot. She is from a small town in Italy, and there was a time in her life when she actually moved to Milan to work in the fashion industry. And how would you describe the AdrianaFabiana woman? What are her values and what does she look for? F- It’s a good thing that you mentioned “values” because the AdrianaFabiana costumer values quality, luxury, and timeless products that are elegant, classic and sophisticated. Which is exactly how we describe our collection.

So tell me, where can we find your gorgeous handbags for sale? F- In Guatemala, you can find some styles at the FS Richard stores, and we also sell them by private appointments. A- There’s also online shopping at our website or by email orders.

F- Henri Bendel in NY also carries them, and we’ve been talking to Saks Fifth Avenue, who also seems very interested. The bags just got out of production, so we’re still somewhat in the selling process.

Ok, girls. This is a question that I’m going to ask every person I interview from now on. Being that 86% of my readers are Guatemalan, I think it’s important that we always give them a special message. So, what’s your message to the Guatemalan women reading this? F- In general, there is so much talent here in Guatemala. When I came back, I started to see some incredible talent everywhere I went. You know, you can do anything you want. You just have to keep your head up through the obstacles that you’ll encounter. There will always be obstacles, nothing is easy in life, but you just have to keep going and never give up. A- I think you should always follow your passion and definitely do what you love. There’s nothing better than waking up to do something you enjoy doing. Also, be a risk taker! Entrepreneurs take risks! Fear can sometimes prevent us from moving past a certain limit. We get scared. But don’t be scared! And of course, in a business it's always important to be responsible with your numbers.

Beautiful finishes & textures

The sisters & I Posted in: Bags,Fashion,Interview

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4 C O M M E N T S ( L E T ' S B E N I C E ! ) :

Anonymous says: July 14, 2011 4:31 PM

I LOVE THEIR BAGS!!! THAT PURPLE ONE IS DIVINEEEEE!!! THEY SEEM TO HAVE A GOOD HEAD ABOVE THEIR SHOULDERS, WHICH IS IMPORTANT! WISH THEM ALL THE SUCCESS IN THE WORLD!

Anonymous says: July 14, 2011 4:33 PM

wow! bellos bolsos. Dignas mujeres guatemaltecas emprendedoras.

Maria says: July 14, 2011 5:32 PM

Incredible, amazing and mind-blowing... The work these two sisters have done! It really inspires many Guatemalan women (including myself) that things can be done when proposed. Personally knowing these two sisters, I can only say that their bags depict their personality and how they are: Sophisticated, elegant, colorful, but simple and practical at the same time. It is evident the sense of style, effort and passion they have putt in every detail of their work. I can’t wait to own one!

Ira says: July 15, 2011 6:03 AM

What a wonderful post to wake up to! First, I really love all the designs and my favorite is the blue/white handbag you are holding in the last picture! I am interning with a prominent fashion trending website currently, and I will definitely ask them to do a story on AdrianaFabiana! :) Love, Ira

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