They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and while true, handbags hold an equal place in our hearts. Exotic skin handbags, specifically, are at the top of our lust list. Designers like Nancy Gonzalez have created some of the most coveted arm candy in the world, with sizable price tags (reaching over $50,000 for a crocodile bag) to match.
In an effort to fill a void in the luxury handbag market, Emily Cho designers Emily Gellis and SJ Cho collaborated in New York City to create a line of exotic skin inspired handbags at accessible prices (you won’t find a bag over $700.) Through the use of hand-cut Italian leathers, Emily Cho handbags give the illusion of exotic skin, minus the expense. I caught up with Emily Gellis, a former ready-to-wear buyer for Intermix, and gained insight into the vision behind her brand and the perfect creative balance that she and partner SJ have found since launching Emily Cho in 2010.
RA: How do you and your partner SJ Cho compliment one another?
EG: Wow we are eternal opposites! I am business, sales, marketing… the face of the company. I am a former buyer/merchandiser and current stylist. I love finding leathers, pricing goods, and dealing with our clients. SJ is the behind the scenes wiz- she manages our entire webpage, technical design, construction, pattern making etc.
RA: How would you define your sense of style vs. SJ’s?
EG: Mine is eclectic. SJ is a margiela/mcqueen/rickowens child.
RA: What are your goals for your brand?
EG: To be known around the world for making affordable luxury and redefining the contemporary market and what kind of product you get for under 700usd.
RA: To whom do your handbags cater to?
EG: Everyone.
RA: How did your background, working as a buyer for Intermix, help you determine what women were looking for in handbags?
EG: It helped tremendously. It trained me in a special way. I know how to manage my clients because I know what their clients (the consumers) want and need.
RA: Who are some of the designers/brands that you admire?
EG: Margiela, Karl Lagerfeld, Lanvin, Proenza, Fendi, Tom Ford, Celine, Balenciaga….the list is endless.
Shop the full Emily Cho collection on their website: www.emily-cho.com
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