Three handbags collections, one city. We spoke to Steve Dumain from Be & D, Joy Gryson from Gryson and Olivia Harris and Toni Hacker from Hayden-Harnett, all of whom reside in the city that never sleeps: New York. They each gave us an inside look into what inspires them into creating the bags we covet. With such varied responses, it turns out that gorgeous handbags, a tireless work ethic and a hometown may be all that these three have in common.

Be & D

Launched in Brooklyn in 2004 by Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain, luxury handbag line Be & D has grown to include belts, small leather goods, and footwear, each with the brand’s signature heavy custom hardware, lush colors and glam impact. That the pieces are made by skilled craftsmen from fine leather and exotic skins explains their hefty price tags. A large celebrity fan base and designer collaborations with the likes of doo.ri only add to their allure.  Dumain, who serves as Be & D’s Creative Director, is an avid thrifter. He skillfully selected 70s era items from eBay that reflect his latest collection.

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Vintage 1970s Lee Denim Jacket

(buy it now price, $39.95)

Be & D Garbo Tote in Denim and Vintage 1970s Lee Denim Jacket  (buy it now price, $39.95) “I wanted to find a way to incorporate denim in a Be&D way—to translate the soft look of this sweet 70's denim jacket.”  

Tumi Slim Briefcase

(buy it now price, $199.99)

Be & D Genesis Bag in Moss and Tumi Slim Briefcase (buy it now price, $199.99) “This bag was inspired by looking on eBay for great leather items. I decided that I really wanted to make the perfect briefcase for a chic but understated confident women.”

Vintage Leather Harley Davidson Motorcycle Shorts

(buy it now price, $59.99)

Be & D Woodstock Hobo and Vintage Leather Harley Davidson Motorcycle Shorts  (buy it now price, $59.99) “I came across these shorts and really liked the easy use of the whipstitch—not pushy at all, and I wanted that soft feel in our Woodstock group. But instead of just being able to be worn with jeans, I also wanted the bags to work for evening.  

Gryson

Joy Gryson is no stranger to handbag design. Before launching her own line in 2006, she worked at well-known design houses including Liz Claiborne, Coach, Calvin Klein, and Marc Jacobs Handbags and Accessories, where she served as Director of Design and Development. Her buzzed-about collection has expanded from its handbag origins to include shoes, and she also launched contemporary bag line called Olivia Harris (named after her daughter) and collaborated with Target on a collection. “I find real beauty in contrasts,” Gryson says. Her line merges old with new and masculine with feminine, which is evident in her use of zippers and studs on slouchy shapes in modern colors. Her eBay picks show the rock and roll influences in her line.

Gryson Studded Group Bag and Gucci jacket (buy it now price, $2,695) “This jacket is just amazing. The studding and all of the detailing definitely caught my eye. This definitely was one of many inspirations for the Studded Group—a bit motorcycle, but with a modern, detailed approach.”

Vintage 1980's Suede and Leather Drape Jacket

(starting bid, $19.99)

Olivia Harris Bag and Vintage 1980's Suede and Leather Drape Jacket (starting bid, $19.99)  “This Vintage Black Suede and Leather Jacket spoke to me in a many different ways. I love the combination of crocodile embossed leather and the suede. The suede is just perfectly right, so much so that I had to add suede into the Spring OH line. Further, the seaming, the piecing, the drape, the relaxed vibe you feel that girl wearing this would have—that is exactly how I want the Olivie Harris girl to feel as well.” 

Crocodile Leather Briefcase

(buy it now price, $809)

Oliva Harris Bag and Crocodile Leather Briefcase  (buy it now price, $809)  “The Crocodile skin is so interesting to me. There is this great textural look and feel—a graphic element. Crocodile is so expensive, and so normally you  will only find it on very pristine brands and silhouettes, but I loved doing a croc print that is on a very soft leather that has a slightly distressed effect. Taking the luxe aspect of the leather and then making it wearable on a daily basis and also affordable just made a lot of sense to me.”

Hayden-Harnett

Founded by Toni Hacker and Benjamin Harnett in Brooklyn in 2005, Hayden-Harnett is known for functional, wearable accessories with a fun-loving vibe. Like Gryson and Be&D, Hayden-Harnett began with bags and has since added small leather goods, belts, jewelry, footwear and apparel to its collection. Hayden-Harnett also teamed up with Target in 2008 on a more affordable line. eBay lover Hacker picked out items on eBay that share a classic-meets-festive vibe with her designs.

Hayden-Harnett Junya Tambourine bag and Coach Chester bag (buy it now price, $75) “This vintage Coach canteen bag is a more simplified version of our Junya Tambourine bag...I really am digging vintage Coach lately.”

Maxam Suede Backpack

(buy it now price, $29.99)

Hayden-Harnett Bleecker Backpack and Maxam Suede Backpack (buy it now price, $29.99) "Great suede backpack! Backpacks are a must for girls on the go next spring. I love that it's beaten up for you already and preloved.” 

Tan Suede Vintage Leather Satchel

(buy it now price, $6.99)

Hayden-Harnett Burke Satchel and Tan Suede Vintage Leather Satchel  (buy it now price, $6.99) “I love boxy leather satchels. This vintage style reminds me of our Burke satchel, but a bit more casual. Everyone should have a great leather satchel that can work as a mini overnight bag in a pinch.”