February 8, 2007—Alek Wek is one of the most recognizable, and gorgeous, faces in the world. During today’s Accessory Exhibit presentation, Wek came out to chat with editors about her handbag line – WEK1933. The brand, which launched in fall of 2001, was initially inspired by Wek’s “vivid recollections of her beloved late father’s handsome briefcase.” As another token of love to her father the brand's name WEK1933, ties together the family name with the year of her father’s birth.

Graciously, Wek answered all my questions and stayed for the entire press gathering. Despite a near 2 foot gap in height, I was able to get the dish for you eager bagistas. Here’s what the designer had to share.

BT: How do you feel about being part of Fashion Wek’s Accessory Exhibit?
Alek: Wonderful. There are so many talented women here (side note: there were men too) ad it’s great that the industry is supporting up-and-coming designers and not just established brands.

BT: What inspires you to design?
Alek: Wow, everything. Life. Traveling. Traveling and seeing all the other cultures, tones… Painting also inspires me.

BT: What forms of painting do you love?
Alek: I love portraits and abstract art. Art is something I didn’t get to share until my friends started saying ‘oh my god you paint?’

BT: Any favorite painters?
Alek: For me it could be anything form Renoir to some small artist nobody knows.

BT: What can we expect from WEK1933 for fall/winter 2007/2008?
Alek: A lot of tones, grays, and chocolate browns. Also, a lot of textures. I’m really getting into the woven leathers and also takings some of my prints and putting them onto canvases.

Pamela Pekerman, Bag Guru

MORE FASHION WEEK>