Dagne Dover it! Get Your Bag Fix On! Interview with Founder/CEO Melissa Mash #Totes #Accessories #MustHave #Spring #Summer #Fashionista #DagneDover

I’m starting a new trend and it’s called Dagne Dover-ing it. Chic, Classy and surprisingly functional I was sold at multi-pocket.

MY life is fast paced and, happily chaotic.

I am constantly on the lookout for a bag that is going to fit into my mad lifestyle. Between jumping around town to catch fashion shows and showing up to red carpet events my life, and fashion sense, doesn’t leave room for the function I need. My bags are pretty and small, but too small to fit a lipstick, phone, business cards and anything else. Maybe I’ll bring a huge tote which is a huge bag of chaos, and looks tacky when sitting front row. Not to mention there is no room at crowded fashion shows.

I am constantly cramming my Girls Scout arsenal in my purse and have nowhere to fit everything. Let’s add the discomfort of rifling through my bag for simple things like my make-up and biz info, and I am left with the thing every woman fights every day. A mess.

Welcome to the lovely land of Dagne Dover Bags.

With a streamlined look this tote screams perfected Parisian street style with the added look of luxury. Coming in five colors (for now, see below) including Cork/Limon and Cork (perfect for summer beach trips) Dagne Dover covers your stylish needs.

I prefer timeless chic to something that screams, “I am trying to be trendy”. I also prefer functionality to a black hole of a bag. Dagne Dover just fixed that.

The AMAZING Dagne Dover tote, has so much organization, my O.C.D. is taking a vacation.

Yes. Dagne Dover is victorious in the functional department. The outside is a sleek exterior. The inside, the same. Pockets for everything from your electronics to your girl goodies. Water bottle, check, keys, lip gloss, check, phone, laptop, accessories and I’m ready for a 7 day work week of 24/7 shows and networking.

Looking for a little more compact, budgetista friendly Dagne Dover item. Shop no more. Here, we have my personal favorite. A compact version of the tote, the Tiny Tote.

Six colors give you a chance to pick one that fits your personality and still carry your note or kindle in comfort.

Worried about security? The have a convenient zip top, (travel security!) and a wallet attached for your convenience so you can grab the train and not lose money, your metro pass or your phone.

Thanks to the lovely people at Barring Eyewear who connected us, I got a chance to catch up with, and interview the brilliant CEO and founder of Dagne Dover bags, Melissa Mash and ask a little about the foundation and creation of Dagne Dover.

What inspired you to create Dagne Dover bags?

During business school my friends and I were struggling to carry all of our daily essentials in a bag that made us feel perfectly put together. Before business school, I had worked at Coach both in NYC and London. While I was in London, I was in charge of introducing the Coach brand to Europe. While managing the first UK store, customers would come in daily looking for a bag that fit their laptops, water bottles, keys, wallets etc. Women’s on-the-go lives required a lot of organization in order to stay on top of their game, and there wasn’t a brand that was made for the modern woman who’s out from 7am until 10pm. I wanted to create that brand that women could count on every day — no matter the weather, no matter the occasion. I wanted to create a brand that was just as focused on the interior design as the exterior design. That’s how the idea for Dagne Dover was born.

Where did the name ‘Dagne Dover’ come from’?

Dagne is a Nordic word for “new dawn” and Dover is Jessy’s last name! We wanted Dagne Dover to be a new dawn for handbags — to change what women expect out of their handbags.

What styles does Dagne Dover come in and which one is your favorite (currently)?

The Tote, The Clutch-Wallet and The Tiny Tote. I LOVE The Tiny Tote! I’m really into minimalist living, so that has also trickled into my accessories of choice. I like being hands-free. However, The Tote is our best seller, and definitely solves women’s biggest handbag problems. It’s what gets the most attention by editors, bloggers, etc. — it’s great for school, work, travel — really everything!

What makes the Dagne Dover bag special and different(i.e. in your eyes)?

Smart internal functionality in a beautiful bag.

Absolute PERFECTION!

Tell us about the Dagne Dover bag line.

While I was introducing the Coach brand to Europe, I would speak with customers every day, and their call-outs were always the same — they wanted a bag with a laptop sleeve, water bottle holder, a place to hold their keys, wallet, work ID, etc. All of those were incorporated into our first prototypes. Additionally, we did a ton of market research early on to make sure that our totes were solving women’s needs. We surveyed and focus grouped over 1000 women and men to learn about people’s biggest handbag frustrations. We’re still creating styles to address those call-outs, so keep your eyes peeled! You can sign up here to be the first to know about new styles.

Dagne Dover is run by three highly ambitious woman, and I love that, how did you come together?

I started working on the business in January 2011. Later on that year, I was looking for a talented designer that “got” the aesthetic I wanted to create (but obviously didn’t have the skills to do!). I had heard of Jessy since she had won the Coach Accessories Design Competition in 2011, and after we worked together, I saw that she was the designer to bring the Dagne Dover brand to life.

I’ve known Deepa since 2007! She has a background in the more operational, financial end of retail from her time at Club Monaco. When she was in her first year at Wharton and I was in my second year, I was running focus groups, and Deepa was hooked. I knew she was going to be a fantastic fit based on her expertise and relationship with her.

How long have you been selling Dagne Dover? They seem to be in high demand.

Yes, we started our pre-sale in March 2013. Word-of-mouth demand for our bags was so high that we were sold out for months in 2014. We relaunched the site in August 2014 after we switched factories and were able to produce more bags than ever before.

As a stylist and editor I’m always on the go and currently tackling fashion week, what do you recommend I carry?

I absolutely recommend The Tiny Tote. It holds a lot more than meets the eye. You can put sunglasses, a camera, Kindle and more in it. It has three compartments for all your lip-gloss and make up options! It comes with a cute little card case for all your cash, cards and ID, and the key strap is perfect so you never leave home without your keys! (Editors note, I always forget my keys unless they are strapped to me with a carabiner which is the height of tacky)It’s perfect for a stylist, editor, blogger, or anyone who loves a good brunch bag for the weekends.

I travel overseas to the UK and Europe often, do you have something for in the Dagne Dover line for international travel?

Yes! The Tote is fantastic for travel (it fits perfectly under the seat in front of you!) and The Clutch-Wallet is great for a keeping all your essentials easily accessible. There’s even a secret pocket perfect for your passport and boarding pass!

I’ve noticed Dagne Dover bags sell out quickly, Do you plan on restocking soon? I need something I can carry for sanity, and Dagne Dover is one my ‘must buy’ list.

Yes! We are constantly trying to keep up with what our customers demand! We’ll be introducing new colors next month and more units of the cork that everyone loved so much. We’ll have more core colors available on our website this fall, so definitely keep an eye out for those!

Are you going to be introducing new bags to the line and expanding? I’d like to see more styles.

Oh yes. This is the year of color and new silhouettes. We’re launching a higher-end leather collection, in addition to a bunch of new silhouettes since that’s what our customers want! Stay tuned!

Thanks again Dagne Dover, we’re dying to get our Mini-Tote in limited edition turquoise. We just couldn’t help ourselves. This was the perfect item to help ease our lifestyle and make our outfits pop!

Want your own piece of Dagne Dover?

Click the logo below and check out their website!

Victoria Beckham FW 2014; Simplicity in Design #FW2014 #Beckham #KISSMethod

When it comes to the fashion industry we do not take kindly to celebrities turned designers. Our world moves faster than most, is fickle and is overly discerning leaving us hyper critical of our peers. Add the fact a ‘celebrity’ turns designer (see Kanye/Kardashion’s/Nicole Richie/The Olsen Twins) and we are down right bitchy.

As we move forward in the industry, we have embraced the celebrity/designer. Fashion about growth. This has opened the door to talent like Nicole Richie, Gwen Stefani of L.A.M.B and of course Victoria Beckham.

Beckham’s designs have always been simple, clean and easy to mix match. This can be a drawback. Earlier designs from her introduction around 2010 were outright plain, boring and according to Style.com ‘boyish’. Learning from past mistakes she has dropped the androgyny from SS 2014 to create a properly appealing ‘women’s’ line that is less futuristic and modernized. Victoria Beckham brought a new and fresh style with a sleek, feminine look. With elongated dresses and skirts, the sheer trend that adding touches of well placed print and embellishment of pleats, prints, leather trim and fur, she has drawn from an almost vintage look.

Victoria has surpasses her old design’s with excellent choices in emphasizing a silhouette, adding dash of the sheer trend, creating a line that would look classy on any woman.

Beckham has won us over with her FW 2014 collection using elegant style with timeless chic.

See full FW 2014 collection below;

Backstage Exclusive; Tribal by Camille Wood at @Kenneth_Barlis Fashion show #San Diego #Couture

While most of you were partying, in the US, for Labor Day weekend, I was working.

Of course it’s hard to call it work when you travel in business class on the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego.I highly recommend taking it if you are in California. It is so choice.

View from the Surfliner to San Diego;

Then there is the fact it was to cover a fashion show. With a gorgeous room waiting for me. In the famous San Diego Gaslamp district. Walking distance from the pier.

My room at the Marriot;

Ok, OK I have rubbed it in enough, let’s talk fashion.

Camille Wood is the daughter of a Vogue model and was raised in the dressing room, backstage and on set. Being surrounded by models, fashion, photographers and make up Camille was born into fashion. However we all have our disadvantages and being too short to walk the runway like her mom, she became a fashion designer.

Proving yourself when you are walking in your family’s footsteps is difficult, but Camille has managed to outshine her mother by creating over the top, couture swimsuits and now, her new clothing line Tribal.

I arrived at the Broadway Port Pavilion which is a massive building.

Inside the Kenneth Barlis fashion show was packed with flowing full length gowns, men decked out in suits and array of fine nibbles and beverages. I was very impressed.

With my VIP press pass I headed backstage to a HUGE area that contained multiple designers racks of clothing, make-up artists, hair stylists a food table for crew and more.

I found Camille, who looked beyond beautiful in a white latex dress of her own design. She was busy prepping all the models but made time for everyone and every detail.

The ever radiant Camille Wood working with her model, Kelly Lenahan;

Even though it was hot, humid and took time to get everyone ready, all Camille’s models were in a great mood and full of smiles. We were in the very back of the building by the fresh air off the port of San Diego so the models were happy.

Max Tijerino getting his make up done;

And the head dresses were out of this world.

A Beaming Suzanne Shea Reed in hers;

And Jovane Henry looking FIERCE in hers.

She owned her head-dress. It made me want to buy it.

And at last Javone Henry and Diana Lieziert in full wardrobe and make up.

We decided since we had the very back area of the port pavilion to use it to our advantage. We grabbed all the runway boys and girls we could find and went outside for a photo shoot in the fresh air off the back of the port pavilion. The outfits look good under the spotlight but were dazzling in the sun.

Clint Thomas, Becki Shah and Max V Tijerino

Suzzane Shea Reed

Diana Lieziert, Jovane Henry and Macyn Turan

And I got a selfie with my press pass;

When we came back in it was time for the girls to line up. I caught a perfect moment of them being dazzled by sunlight.

Then off to the front of the stage to catch the full show. When I walked out into the crowd I thanked Camille silently for my press pass. It was overly packed and the crowd spilled from the stage all the way into standing room only.

As the show began the first presenters came out wearing Kenneth Barlis couture gowns that were simply jaw dropping.

Then the charity presenter for the event, which helped raise money for Books for Kids in the Philippines was amazing and her story was touching. She came out in a stunning gown as well.

Poor girl was nervous but did an astounding job and made it through her speech.

The first show passed showing amazing ready to wear, that was very California casual. Cute jumpers, Jodhpur pants and leggings with clean designs and cute graph tee’s. Thigh high legging with high-waisted shorts and unisex pants. Super cute and very wearable.

When Camille’s line took the stage it was, overwhelming. Pounding tribal drum beats followed with two very handsome topless models with spears. Girls came out strutting the stage in skin baring outfits with goddess like head dresses. The final piece was a towering Diana Liezert in a backless netted latex dress with a live SNAKE wrapped around her waist! Beyond impressed.
Check out the full runway video I shot below;

I knew there was a reason Camille wanted me to cover this. Her ‘Tribal’ line literally coined the phrase ‘dress to impress’ that night for me. Turns out I wasn’t the only one who was enamored with her clothing that night. Turns out one of the models bought the top she wearing as well.

After seeing her swim line at LAFW and her Tribal line in San Diego, Camille Wood isn’t just one to watch anymore. She’s one to follow, wear and want.

What’s next for Camille? Check out the sounds byte below and get ready for a whole new wave of fashion from Camille Wood.

Huge thanks to Camille Wood for giving me a place to stay. Thanks to Camille Wood and Kenneth Barlis for backstage access. Lastly thanks to San Diego for having me.

Sunset at the Pavilion Pier;

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