To Be Inthavong: Handbags, Airplanes and a Patent Pending

By Bee-Shyuan Chang
August 29, 2011

Be Inthavong Handbags, Fall 2011

Fashion accessories designer Be Inthavong first splashed onto the fashion scene in 2004 as one half of the buzzy handbag line Be&D. Working with Steve Dumain, he built the handbag line into a celebrity favorite. But somewhere between Cameron Diaz and Kate Moss toting around their wares, Inthavong felt the urge to go for a different tack—something closer to home. In late 2009, he left the label he co-founded and did some soul-searching before launching his eponymous label. Handbags are still his bread and butter, but Inthavong's new handbag designs are less trendy than they are quietly refined—one likely reason Saks Fifth Avenue snatched them up.

More importantly, his handbags now marries his Laotian heritage with his Western upbringing. He's tapped artisans in Laos to literally hand-loom leather. The result is a material known for its durability (a private jet company has tapped him to use the loomed leather on their plane interiors) and ingenuity (there's a patent pending for the process). Here we sit down with Inthavong to chat on how he spent his summer, his design inspirations and what he's wearing for fall.

The Inside Source: How did you come up with the loom-meets-leather process?

Be Inthavong Be Inthavong: I came up with the idea after being in Italy and being inspired by the leather tanning process. I have always wanted to do something special with the silk looms in Laos. After my trip to Italy, I went to Laos and spent a lot of time at my family’s 100-year-old silk mill. It was there I got the idea to mix the world of leather and silk craft together.

The Inside Source: Has using and preserving traditional Laos skills been something that's close to your heart?

Be Inthavong: Yes, it has. I am more proud now of my heritage. It helps me on a very personal and professional level.

The Inside Source: The process also makes for a super light handbag. I imagine it's great for taking trips. Have you gone on any fun vacations this summer?

Be Inthavong: I went to Laos earlier this summer. It's also where I work because my silk mill is there. But whenever I am there, my mind and spirit is on another level. I think the best vacations are when you can relax mind, body and soul. And I love my job in Laos! Also, I am traveling back to Texas to spend some time with my family and friends.

The Inside Source: Speaking of the jet-set life, you've been collaborating with the private jet industry using your weave technology. How has that experience been?

Be Inthavong: It has been quite an interesting and long journey. Coming from a long background of producing handbags, I'm used to a four-month timeline. With the aviation market, a delivery schedule for an airplane is in years! So I'm still fleshing things out with the aviation industry.

The Inside Source: Have you considered designing items beyond handbags?

Be Inthavong: I have thought about home decor pieces such as furniture and wall coverings, but I am very open to what inspires me, too.

The Inside Source: Where do you look for that inspiration?

Be Inthavong: My inspirations usually come from my travels, especially in airplanes. I'll bring a sketch pad during my flights. Sometimes, I can feel the person next to me stare at my drawings.

The Inside Source: Is there any decade or creative genre that you're particularly influenced by?

Be Inthavong: Actually, I love the present. Today, a fashion designer can do pretty much whatever they want as long as they do it with pure passion and conviction. I feel the world is so hungry for that genuine genre.

The Inside Source: Looking ahead to fall, what are some of your closet staples for the season?

Be Inthavong:

1. My velvet sport coats. They easily make t-shirts and jeans very glamorous.

2. Tweed suit.

3. Silks Scarves from my family’s mill. I love them! They just add more depth and texture to any outfit.

4. My new pouch from my handbag line Spring 2012 Collection. It fits an iPad perfectly. And it will hold my agenda, keys, cell phone and wallet.

5. My Buddha pendant necklace. It's important to add something personal to your outfit. It’s what sets you apart.

The Inside Source: What are a few of your go-to shops?

Be Inthavong: Honestly, of late, I’ve been shopping my closet, and I'll go to J. Crew for men’s basics.

The Inside Source: What are some of your favorite things about autumn in NYC?

Be Inthavong: I love walking around the city in the brisk fall air—to the Chelsea galleries or the Highline after dinner. And of course, New York Fashion Week!