Katherine Fleming

(Katherine Fleming)

Meet Katherine Fleming, a handbag designer who has risen on the radar quicker than you can say “Miami Vice”. Speaking of, she is from the sunny city but taking over Manhattan and Hollywood with her inspirations while snorkeling (… as explained below). Currently, you can purchase her stuff exclusively at Barneys New York, Opening Ceremony, Liberty London, TSUM Russia, and Opening Ceremony Japan. I asked Katherine a few questions about the sudden impact of her bags…

(M.I.A. and Naomi Watts)

Your bags have been appearing more and more in the public eye lately. How have you managed to get the broad interests of different women from MIA to Sarah Jessica Parker?

I love that there is such a diversity in the women who carry our bags. When I was designing my collection I was trying to make modern but classic bags that could be carried by any woman of any age, and could be handed down generation after generation. I have so many things from women in my family that are classics, but still very modern… and they were made years ago!

Can you explain the choice of frosty metallic colors you chose for the line, and why you gravitated to this color palette?

I was snorkeling and was inspired by the texture and colors of tropical fish and sea shells. I had leathers made that embodied the look and feel of the sea with metallics resembling a minnow or goldfish and iridescent hues that remind me of the interior of sea shells.

Who are the artistic influences from your Miami upbringing that inform your work now?

My mother is a huge inspiration for me. She had one of the first contemporary art gallery’s in Miami that carried works by Warhol and Lichtenstein etc. She has such an amazing eye and filled our home with so many inspiring works of art that it really shaped my aesthetic.

(Agnyness Deyn)

Is there any 1 bag you think is a superstar in the line? Something to consider for Winter?

I really love the Mini Kate bag, it has a detachable chain that can be worn long or doubled up to be short for over one shoulder. You can wear it to work and then remove the chain to transform it into an evening bag.

To view the entire collection for press purposes, contact chengheekang@gmail.com