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BagTrends: From catering to handbag design. That’s not a logical jump. What made you do it?
Martha Clifford: After going through a divorce and selling a successful catering business that I had owned for many years, I returned to sewing as a creative outlet. I began making handbags for myself, family, and friends on my kitchen counter. When requests to purchase them began to overwhelm me, I decided to seek out a manufacturer in New York.
BT: Was there any fear? If so, how did you overcome it?
Martha: There is always fear when you step out to start a new business, but because of the support of my wonderful husband, I overcame the fear. He encouraged me to put myself out there and have faith that I could do it.
BT: Do you have a design background? If not, how did you learn your craft?
Martha: I do not have a design background, but I have been sewing and designing for many years so I understand a lot about design.
BT: Where do you produce your bags? Where does your material come from?
Martha: I produce my bags in NY, which is very important to me. I want to support the “Made in the USA” label even tough it’s hard on a business, especially a new one like mine, cost wise. I know, overall, this decision will pay off for me and for the fashion industry. As for the leathers and the suede lining found in all my bags, they come mostly from Italy.
BT: What inspires you?
Martha: Other fashion, nature, and architectural elements all inspire me. I get energy from everything I see and do!
BT: When was your first season?
Martha: My first season was fall 2007, but spring 2008 was when things started to pick up. And, as I continue into spring 2009 and beyond, the collection is becoming more comprehensive. I’m able to offer women handbags for every occasion in their life.
BT: How many collections do you plan to produce per year?
Martha: At this point, I plan to produce two collections, fall/winter and spring/summer. I want to focus on making two solid collections before I branch out into four or even five, with resort. It needs to be the right time and my business needs to be in the right place. To produce for the sake of producing is not what I’m about.
BT: What can we expect from
m. Clifford Designs for spring/summer 2009?
Martha: For spring 2009, my collection will have a new silhouette, The Huntley. It’s a medium size
tote that will be a nice addition to the existing
Terrell Tote. Color wise, there will be a mix of brights, as well as neutrals.
BT: What did you feel when the first bag was finished?
Martha: I was so excited to see my design come to life from the design I had drawn. It was like giving birth to a child!
BT: What has been your biggest challenge in entering the handbag business?
Martha: I think the hardest thing for me has been learning the time frame that collections have to be completed for each season. For instance, right now I’m wrapping up spring/summer 2009 and I know that I should be already in fall/winter 2009. It’s crazy trying to keep up with how early the press and the stores want to see your styles.
BT: Do you design for a particular bagista in mind? If so who is she?
Martha: I design for the sophisticated, but fun bagista of any age who likes
handbags that are classic with a twist. It’s not about being trendy, trendy. I want women to feel confident that their m. Clifford Designs handbag will be as wearable in 5 or 10 years, as it is today.
BT: If you could identify any woman with m. Clifford Designs and/or have a celebrity wear your bags, who would you pick?
Martha: I would be honored to have Kate Bosworth carry one of my bags because I love her style.
BT: Do you plan to design other accessories?
Martha: The future might bring belts as well as shoes.
BT: What other handbag brands do you admire? Designers you admire?
Martha: I admire Luba J for their amazing shapes and
Rebecca Minkoff for her marketing skills. Rebecca really is a savvy woman and I’m constantly amazing by her handbags and her brand. I actually produce m. Clifford Designs in the same New York factory that makes Rebecca Minkoff’s handbags.
BT: What is your personal style?
Martha: My style mirrors that of m. Clifford Designs. I like classic, but with a twist.
BT: Do you have a favorite m. Clifford Bag?
Martha: My favorite right now is the
Terrell because I can easily carry all that I need for days as well as for travel.
BT: Me too! I’m obsessed with my Terrell and get a million and one compliments. It’s the chicest non-laptop laptop bag ever!
Martha: Thank you.
BT: Fill in the blanks:
Martha: m. Clifford Designs is My passion
I can’t live without my IPod
My guilty pleasure is French fries
Every woman needs to
own an M. Clifford bag, of course!
BT: What is your next big dream for m. Clifford Designs?
Martha: I would love to be in Bergdorf Goodman and also to have many stylish women and
celebrities wearing my bags in their own unique ways.
BT: What has been the most exciting moment for you since you launched m. Clifford Designs?
Martha: Seeing someone
on the street carrying my handbag and knowing that I designed it.
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