California Apparel News

Leigh Spatafore is a Junior Designer at popular Annapolis-basedhandbag company, Hobo The Original. We caught up with Leigh to get the scoop onwhat trends she is loving now as well as what inspires her designs.

Whatinspired you to become a handbag designer?
At a very young age I decided I was going to be a “designer” whenI grew up. Over the years my plan never wavered and I went to college tostudy apparel design. I have always had such a love for accessories includingshoes, jewelry, and especially handbags. The appropriate accessories can takethe most blah outfit and turn it right around. I was introduced to thewonderful world of handbags when I landed an internship with Hobo TheOriginal. At Hobo I quickly learned that designing handbags and smallleather goods was my true passion! I’ve been with the company’s designteam since January of 2007. I consider myself so lucky and the thrill of seeingmy designs come to life never fades.

Whoare your personal style icons in the fashion industry?
I always have my eye on what Olivia Palermo is wearing—sheeffortlessly puts together the most chic outfits. I often notice myselftrying to emulate her take on trends. I love all things Betsey Johnsonand have such an appreciation for her care-free and colorful style. Ialso rely heavily on a number of fashion blogs by ladies across the country toget ideas, as well as my stylish co-workers!

Whatis the one item in your closet (clothing or accessory) that you can’t livewithout?
An accessory that I can’t live without is my Betsey Johnsonbauble necklace. It’s fabulous! It’s full of brightly coloredenamel flowers and insects, decked out in pearls and rhinestones. I’vebeen known to wear it to weddings or use it to spice up jeans and at-shirt. As far as clothing goes, I can’t live without my chambray buttondown shirts. I have a variety of shades and styles. A week doesn’tgo by that I don’t incorporate one into an outfit.

Whatis your favorite piece from Hobo’s current Spring/Summer 2012 collection?
The bag I’m currently carrying is the Frisco and it’s an amazinglittle gem. The styling is the perfect blend of vintage meets modern- anold school frame paired with the eye catching Fuchsia leather. TheItalian top-grain leather, which is extra tumbled for a unique ’broken-in’look, only gets softer and more beautiful every time I wear it. Plus it’s supercomfortable on the shoulder and the size is perfect! http://www.hobobags.com/Frisco/pd/np/388/p/1979.html

HoboThe Original was started and is still based in Annapolis, Maryland. How do youthink its roots make the brand unique from those that are based in New York orLos Angeles?
Hobo’s Annapolis-based roots play a huge part in defining who weare as a unique handbag brand. Season after season, we strive to embracethe heritage of Hobo with modern updates. As a design team, weconsistently work hard to stick to our founder’s philosophy (Toni Ray), thatour styling should be both purposeful and fashionable. By designinghandbags that are evident of our Hobo past, combined with contemporary styling,we have gained an incredibly large and loyal fan base of women all over theworld. In the true spirit of Hobo, our designs are uniquely fun andfeminine, while maintaining the accessibility women want.

Withsummer upon us, most of us are preparing our wardrobes for hot weather andbeach vacations. What is your summer style?
I’m lucky enough to spend a number of my summer weekends in DeweyBeach, Delaware. For me it’s all about easy-breezy looks includingsundresses, printed tanks, and cut-off shorts. Basically anything I canthrow over my bathing suit and head to happy hour in! I accessorize withloads of bracelets, bright beads, and my Tory Burch Thora flip-flops. Forwork it’s more of the same with the addition of a cardigan or blazer.

The International Apparel Sourcing Show runsJuly 24-26, 2012 in co-location with Texworld USA at the Javits ConventionCenter in New York City. Register now to attend: www.apparelsourcingshow.com/ACALB