Glossy Interview: Raven Kauffman
Handbag designer Raven Kauffman’s clutch bags have gathered an impressive A-list following – Demi Moore, Ginnifer Goodwin and Drew Barrymore have all been spotted out and about sporting them. We caught up with the designer to find out about what inspired her current collection.
What was the main point of reference for your current collection?
This collection is called ‘rara avis’ which means rare bird in Latin. I’ve always been fascinated by birds and antique bird cages. In this collection, I also pay homage to women in history like Peggy Guggenheim and Marchesa Luisa Casati who I consider to be rare birds as well. These women were unique, true to their own style and marched to the beat of their own drum.
Which three words best describe your collection?
Exotic, decadent and unique.
What kind of woman would you like to carry your bags?
I think the woman who goes for my bags has a very strong individual sense of style. She may pay attention to fashion but she is not consumed or led by it. My bags are for people who know that the true luxury in life is to be unique. So they don’t buy the ‘it’ bag which everyone will know, as those bags carry a season expiry date.
So following on from that, what factors do you consider when designing your bags?
When I design my bags I focus on longevity, timelessness and my version of classic. I believe that my bags are investment pieces and fifteen years from now, you can pull one from your closet and it will still bear the same meaning and relevance as it did today.
When you dress up do you find yourself planning an outfit around your accessories or the other way around?
I would say that my accessories dictate my outfits. For instance, when dressing up for an occasion once I know where I am going and what the crowd is going to be like- I choose my bag first and then build my entire outfit around the bag.
What does the studio where you design look like?
I live in L.A in a 1926 Spanish art deco house and my studio is in my home. I have an inspiration board that is an entire wall and it changes with every collection. I also like to completely immerse myself in the subject I am doing and my studio often reflects that. For instance, I just finished a collection based on butterflies and for that I hand cut 4,000 paper butterflies and stuck them on my domed ceiling. So at night when I have lower lights on, amazing shadows are cast all over the studio.
What kind of music do you tend to whilst you work?
Music wise I think I was born in another time and when I’m starting a collection I like to listen to women with classic sultry voices like Billie Holliday and Ella Fitzgerald. When I listen to their music it helps me to create a film noir in my head which enables me to fantasise about the type of woman who would carry one of my bags. When looking at the final product, the average consumer never hears that part of the story but for me it is essential in creating the energy that goes into these bags.
Your bags are very delicate. What is the best way to preserve them?
Every bag comes with its own micro-fibre cloth and you should never wet it or put anything abrasive on it whilst cleaning it. After use, the bags should be cleaned with just the cloth alone and then kept in the dress bag that it came with.
Are there any designers or artists you would like to collaborate with in the future?
This is something that I have been thinking about a lot lately. One of my absolute idols is Philip Treacy and I have been inspired by him for as long as I have been interested in fashion. So I would like to collaborate with him, other designers on my fantasy list are Alexandra McQueen, John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood.
Which designers are you drawn to when you shop?
Alexander McQueen, Zac Posen, Lanvin, Willow, Donna Karen, Nina Ricci and I also wear a lot of vintage.
What are your future goals for your line?
I really want to continue the development of these unique evening bags. I also want to explore the possibility of including day bags in my line. So I am working towards finding a way to put my energy and voice into day bags that are easier to wear, but still retain that strong sense of personality and style that my evening bags are renowned for.
