When it comes to luxury handbags, Boston’s most fashionable women know the beauty of the Brahmin handbag. Handcrafted in Massachusetts, each luxe creation is made from some of the finest leathers from Italy and all around the world. The intricate design process takes more than 24 artisans over 100 steps to handcraft each stylish bag.
This year, the Fairhaven, Mass. brand is celebrating its 35th anniversary by launching a 15-piece limited-edition collection of handbags and key chains inspired by the colors and silhouettes sold in its first years of business.
Photo Credit: Brahmin
Our favorite bag is the Medium Asher Melbourne Tote in Denim available from the regular collection, a sturdy lightweight handbag that features two organizer pockets, an interior zip pocket and double adjustable handles, ideal for keeping everything inside neat and organized.
Photo Credit: Brahmin
Below is a beauty from the 35th anniversary collection (the Flower Tote Black Berkshire).
Photo Credit: Brahmin
In addition to the online shop, Brahmin has five boutiques in Newport, RI; Dallas, TX; Charlotte, NC; Birmingham, AL and Atlanta, GA. Additional retailers include, Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, Dillard’s and Belk.
We caught up recently with Brahmin’s CEO Susan Thacker to find out the formula for creating a beautiful handbag, what make them so unique and the secret to the brand’s success.
What do you think has been the secret to your success?
At Brahmin, product is our priority! We are passionate about our materials. Quality, handcrafted leathers are used to create all of our handbags and accessories. One hundred percent of our styles are designed in-house at our Fairhaven, MA headquarters, where we develop best in class functionality into each of our handbags.
What do you think it is that makes Brahmin bags stand out?
We are the experts in exotic embossed leathers. Brahmin develops colors and materials that are unlike any other brand, and it is identifiable.
Who would you say is your typical client and what type of market are you looking to appeal to?
Our customer, both new and our loyalist, recognizes the stylish quality of our handbags and that they truly complete her look.
Our loyalist are devoted to our craftsmanship and quality, and our new enthusiasts are attracted to the way our handbags are on trend and complete her look.
How many designs do you estimate you have created in your 35-year span?
Thousands! Some styles we repeat after a few seasons, renewed and refreshed to suit the attributes of a new collection. In our 35th Anniversary collection all four styles are a refresh from our archives, Flower, Hunt, Satch and Continental Wallet were all original best-selling designs.
Where does your inspiration come from when creating a new design?
Brahmin is recognized for offering the best “of the moment” styles in handbags. Our design team travels the globe for new and innovative design elements. Many of our designs are influenced by unique global details as well as the latest trends in Fashion. We aim to create styles that are both fashion statements as well as functional. This is the formula for our best selling handbags!
Photo Credit: Brahmin
Photo Credit: Brahmin
