Category Archives: handbag manufacturer

Introducing BLK BLU NY

Working with a variety of talented innovators, Clutch Made has recently sat down with some of its collaborators to explore their inspirations and designs. This week we interviewed the creative team behind the leather-based brand, Lisa, Oksana, and Gregory. 18512957_1329286823823684_6566141909020966912_n_900x

Company: BLK BLU NYC Production: Made In NYC

Firstly, we must address your name. How and where did such a catchy innovative name come about?
Walking in New York’s lower east side, we noticed the sun was almost setting and we started talking about how beautiful the black shadows of the buildings were against the deep blue sky. It looked amazing and the name came naturally.

BlkBluNyc Collar and Hair Cuff

Drawing inspiration from the streets of New York, BLK BLU NYC has created designs with the idea of catering for creative individuals looking for luxury accessories with an edge.

Have you always known that accessories would be the main focus?
In a way. We all wanted to launch a fashion brand that could bring something different to the industry, accessories became the ideal category for us to do this.

Where would you like to see BLK BLU over the next couple of years?
Hopefully overseas with the likes of David Beckham to Gwen Stefani, Nicole Richie and Jared Leto wearing our designs.

BlkBluNyc accessories are available to shop today on clutchbags.com

What accessories will you be rocking this summer? From our own collection, Oksana favorite piece’s the hair cuff. The Belt Bag is a staple in Lisa’s wardrobe and Gregory is holding out for the men’s scarf in our upcoming collection. Our go-to accessory would also have to be our nude leather choker, which works like a scarf or a choker.

How is it for the three of you to work together?
So far so good!! We all have different strengths that dictate our roles within the business.

Do you have any advice for future designers out there?
Be fashion inspired, not trend driven.

BLK and BLU NYC accessories are available to shop on our website www.clutchbags.com, now.

Totally crazy for totes

The tote bag has become a staple in the day to day wardrobes of New Yorkers as we try to keep up with the hustle and bustle of the city. From our sneakers to our kitchen sinks and everything in between, our tote bags carry it all, so why shouldn’t we give them the attention they deserve?

It’s time to let go of that go of that canvas sack you’ve had for over five years and inject a bit of fun, quality and style into your tote. We have found some great pieces which are sure to raise your tote game 100%.

Denim Tote

‘Market Bag’ from Clutch Bags NY

Denim is remaining a key trend for summer. This water-resistant denim with leather bottom tote from Clutch Bags NY is the perfect combination of trend and practicality.

www.clutchbags.com/market-bag.html

Statement Tote

‘Sam” bag from SpeakIt.nyc

What better way to stand out on the streets of New York than with a statement tote. We aren’t just talking bold colours and eye catching designs, but something that speaks for you also. Introducing the statement tote ‘Sam’ from SpeakIt.nyc. This tote is 100% cotton so it will with stand even the craziest of weather New York has to offer.

www.speakit.nyc/products/sam

The Reversible Tote

‘The Reversible Tote’ from Aurelia Garza

If you are somebody who likes variety in your day to day wardrobe then you will LOVE this reversible tote from Aureila Garza. It is available in two shades with 10k gold finished hardware and 4 functional Swiss zippers that reverse the interior to the exterior. This particular colour reverses from gold to black and is ideal for taking you from day to night.

www.aureliagarza.com/collections/all/products/the-reversible-tote

The Monochrome Tote

‘The Monochrome Tote’ from Linda Bushe Private Collection

Monochrome has been huge for the past two seasons and we are delighted that it is here to stay this summer. We have found the perfect tote bag to take you through this season in both style and comfort. Better yet, this tote can be transformed into a chic cross body bag, perfect for the New York gal on the go.

www.linda-busch-private-collection.myshopify.com/products/leather-canvas-tote

Clutch Made: The New E-Factory

Who we are: Based in NYC, Clutch Made is a manufacturing and designer service platform for individuals and brands looking to source and produce in USA. We specialize in manufacturing and sourcing handbags and accessories.

Why we do it: Laura Dotolo, principal and creator of Clutch Made, has been dedicated to her business for years. She says, “My experience styling for clients like Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, In Style and a bevy of similar fashion magazines has taught me that sometimes the trends being depicted are not what consumers really want over time. By being able to shape the fashion trend of the moment in my styling career, I have learned how to help our clients tailor and develop products that have tremendous appeal in the marketplace. As a manufacturer myself of my own line of handbags, Clutch Bags I have learned the trade secrets in sourcing materials, designing products, and creating good profit margins. This has helped our clients return to us again and again with their manufacturing, design and product development needs. Made in USA pays!”

Made in the USA really does pay off. We find that manufacturing in the garment district, here in New York City, is much easier than overseas production. Not only does it eliminate high shipping costs, but it eliminates communication and delivery problems as well. At Clutch Made, we take care of our clients manufacturing, production, and even inventory. We are dedicated to help clients sell their products in the marketplace. It’s a modern concept that this country is falling behind on. Manufacturing in the USA is back and Clutch Made has made it revolutionary.

How we do it: Clutch Made is the modern e-factory. This new way of business and manufacturing is vital in todays digital world. No longer will it take you months and months to make one product. You won’t even have major communication problems. Clutch Made is available in various platforms in order to talk to you at any time. You can follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. You can also like our Facebook page and keep up with our daily posts. We are the factory that you can talk to without any hassles. You can reach us by email and telephone. It’s just that easy! Being able to contact our potential clients any time they need us is a very important factor in our business today.

Clutch Made is changing the face of manufacturing! We are always looking for trends in the market and new clients to work with. Resurfacing Made in the USA is just as important as our new way of manufacturing. Seems to good to be true? Contact us today and reveal the truth of e-manufacturing.

The USA Factory You Can Talk To

Say goodbye to “Made in China” because “Made in the USA” is IT. Overseas manufacturing has always created communication problems. American Made products eliminate the inferior quality, high shipping costs, miscommunication and delivery time problems associated with far east production. So, how CAN you start manufacturing in the USA? Move over Captain America, Clutch Made is your new superhero.

Who? Clutch Made is a modern e-factory that provides design and manufacturing services to small businesses and brands looking to source and produce in the USA. We specialize in sourcing the materials needed for us to manufacture your handbags and accessories. The Clutch Made team works through every detail of our client’s product from the idea to the actual tangible sample and ensures the best service and highest quality of expertise. We are located in NYC with our factory in the heart of the garment district. We believe that COMMUNICATION is the key ingredient in modern manufacturing today. Clutch Made is the factory that you can easily talk to without hassle or any type of language barrier.

Clutch Made’s Motto

How? The Clutch Made Team’s mission is to have open communication so we can make your products a reality.

Here are 5 simple ways to talk to Clutch Made today:

Our Website: On our website, Clutch Made, we offer a contact form that you can submit to us. It is one of the easiest and fastest ways to get in touch with us. When you submit your request, we promise to get back to you as soon as we can. We ensure quick response no longer than 48 hours after your submission. This is the best place to review all the services beyond sample and production at our factory.
Follow Us on Social Media: What? A factory that uses social media? Yes, Clutch Made stays active and current on all of our social media platforms. Check us out and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Message us on any of these platforms and we will be happy to contact you.
Email Us: Unsure about our services or your ideas? Email us directly at team@clutchmade.com with any questions and concerns that you may have. Our team communicates efficiently in and out of the office to ensure great communication standards.
Call Us: The easiest way to reach us is by phone. Contact us at 1.800.208.1840 and if we accidentally miss your call, just leave us a voice mail with your name, phone number, and reason for calling. We will call you back in less than 24 hours.
Find us on Maker’s Row: Maker’s Row is a platform that we use to connect with small businesses and brands interested in our manufacturing services. Make sure to check out our profile and the services that we provide including sourcing and manufacturing in the USA.

Clutch Made is the USA factory that you can talk to; it’s that simple and it’s that easy. We are making the factory and manufacturing experience extremely accessible for you to do business. We truly believe that communication is the most important aspect of the process and promise to always be available at your convenience. We understand the challenges you face and we’ll work to rescue you from overseas production that delays communication. Contact us today and let us show you how easy it is to talk to a modern factory.

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: The Final Step

You have finally reached the final step of making a handbag in the USA. Congrats! Your hard work is just about to pay off. If you have been keeping up with our posts, this week we discuss the last and final step on How to Make a Handbag in the USA. Just to recap, here are the five steps before racing to the finish line:

AND FINALLY!

6. Website and Social Media Set Up (including tips for photography/styling)

Your handbag collection is perfected and ready to be shown through the digital world. The Clutch Made team has extensive experience in the media and styling world. We help you create beautiful product shots and videos for your brand. It is easy, affordable, and all the images you receive will be perfect for all your website and social media platforms.

Your Website: How are you going to get your product on the market place? Have you thought about creating a website? The Clutch Made team will work with you in acquiring a domain and building your own site. Websites are one of the best platforms to use in order to get your product on the market and seen by your biggest fans. We will not only design the website for you, but show you how you can then maintain the site on your own. We also supply all the tools necessary for your website to function. Our team will work with you on your bios, product descriptions, key branding search words and content writing that will get you found on the web. Here is an example of two websites we helped design for our clients, Linda Busch and Blk Blu NYC.

Social Media Set Up: Whats the next step after website set up? Clutch Made can help you create social media platforms that would work well for your brand and products. This includes acquiring all handles for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest and the strategies on how to maintain it consistently. Make sure to follow us on our social media platforms in order to have an idea of the great work we can do for you.

Styling and Photography: This is the fun part for the Clutch Made Team! Our professional NYC photographers are the best in business. Alongside Creative Director Laura Dotolo who has 20 years of styling expertise, the Clutch Made team creates beautiful product shots and video’s for your brand. Our service is affordable with one of the quickest turn- around times in the business. The images you receive will then be perfect for all your website and social media platforms.

Here is an example of a video we made for our client Aurelia Garza:

Working our photography magic!

Behind the scenes look for http://aureliagarza.com

One of the final shots!

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: Step 5

So now that you have a good looking sample with all the bells and whistles that you designed, what’s next? What sets you apart from what’s on the market place right now? How is your customer going to find you? Who is your customer? Who are you? If you are keeping up with our posts, this week we discuss the fifth step on How to Make a Handbag in the USA. This step is all about branding and merchandising. When you reach this step we discuss who you are as a brand and how we can make your products unique enough to stand out.

Branding: The goal of branding is to create products with cohesive aesthetics and a point of view. You have to create a name, symbol, or design that identifies and differentiates your product from others. Branding gives you a competitive advantage and a promise to your customer that your product is better or more unique than your competitors. Your brand is then created from who YOU are and HOW you want people to perceive you. We will work with you to help establish your product and company as a recognizable brand. The Clutch Made team will help establish your product and company as a unique and recognizable brand associated with consistent quality. This involves a focused path to brand identity through consistent products and social media.

Merchandising: Merchandising your brand is part of the Clutch Made agency process. Not only does it involve putting your products on the market but you have to think about what pieces will collaborate best for your collection. What materials do you want to use? It is important to use materials that are hot in the market so that they are on target for buyers. Buyers want to see collections that are cohesive and trendy. What pieces of your collection do you want to show and can they go together? For example, a clutch can go well with a cross body, especially if they are made from the same leather and hardware. From extensive development and editing of your products, the Clutch Made team is alongside you in creating your unique brand.

Tradeshow Representation: Now, is it time for you to get your product out on the market in front of buyers? Are Trade Show costs too high for your budget? Are you unsure of how to start the process? We will work with you to help promote the sale of goods, especially in retail outlets. We invite all of our clients to join us under the Clutch NY umbrella at the trade shows. This is one more way The Clutch Made team helps you to convert your ideas to real sales. Selling your product keeps your business viable and the dream alive.

Tradeshow

Once your brand is established and your merchandise is perfected, your products will flourish in the market! Buyers will love how spot on your handbag collection is with the trends and better yet, how well made they are. Stay with us next post to discover the sixth and FINAL step on How to Make a Handbag in the USA with the Clutch Made team.

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: Step 4

If you are following along with our posts on How to Make a Handbag in the USA, this week we discuss the fourth step on how to make your dream handbag, here in NYC. It is time for manufacturing! Made in the USA products are back in demand and this step gets into the details and creation of your bag. We can manage all your production needs with our network of suppliers and our own factory in the Garment District.

The Clutch Made Team is the factory you can talk to and we will work with you throughout the whole manufacturing process to achieve your dream handbag. Do you already have samples? Put them into production with the fastest turnaround in the business! Our factory in the Garment District has the abiility to start that process now. Your brand can offer American Made products and eliminate the problems associated with far east production like inferior quality, high shipping costs, miscommunication and delivery time mishaps. Best of all, no order is too big or too small. We manufacture orders from 10 units to 10,000 units, all Made IN NYC.

Don’t have a sample? We encourage you to use our tech pack service as a tool in developing your bag. Our team of artisans are expert sample makers. Whether from a sketch or from a tech pack, we will translate your ideas into a pattern and can create the sample you have been dying to see.

Tech Pack Bag

Here are two examples of our magic ingredients for a sample handbag:

Sample Handbag

Sample Wallet

Our recipe is cultivated in NYC! We love making American Made products and we love working with clients. Keep USA products alive in the market and make with us today. Follow our posts and next week discover how we help you establish your product and company as a unique and recognizable brand!

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: Step 3

If you are following along with our posts on How to Make a Handbag in the USA, this week we discuss the third step on how to make your dream handbag, here in NYC. Do you know what materials you need, but unsure how to find it? Maybe you are not even sure of what materials you should use but would love to see options from the market place. At Clutch Made, sourcing is the fun part for our team. We are experts in sourcing and finding anything you need. Our sourcing powers make bags come true.

Here are some of the raw materials that we locate for your design:

Fabrics: Are you unsure which fabrics would be best for your handbag? We can help guide you! The cost of materials is important for the retail price of your bag. We will work with you to ensure your handbag has a great price for the market.
Suedes: Suedes are beautiful and great for interiors. Pig suede is especially known for it’s silky touch and beautiful appeal. Suede can get expensive because of the waste it can create. We will work with you to ensure an accurate weight to save money and still create the handbag of your dreams.
Leathers: Are you aware of consumption and waste? This is what happens when you work with leather. Leather can get very expensive because it has flaws (remember it is an animal) and because of this parts of the leather cannot be used. Clutch Made will work with you to find an accurate weight for your leather that works best for your handbag.
Vegan Leathers: Want to be more sustainable? Vegan leather has become a popular synthetic fabric that is just as luxurious as real leather. Stella McCartney is known to never use real leather or fur in her designs, so can you! Best of all, there is no worry about waste with vegan leather.
Materials (linings): Lining is an inner layer of fabric that will be inserted into your handbag. Linings provide a neat inside finish and the fabric used can feature fun prints like polka dots or a solid color. Clutch Made will work with you to source the best lining appropriate for your handbag.
Hardware: So what hardware are you thinking about? Dog clips? Rings? Hidden magnetics? How about the finish? Nickel? Brass? Gold? Would you like to add a zipper? What material would you like to use? Nylon? Big or small, you don’t want to waste money getting the wrong thing. Save yourself money and the stress! Our team will help you make all the right decisions based on the design of your handbag.
Labels/Hang Tags: Have you thought about your label? Would you want a hot stamp leather with your logo? Or do you want a simple, nice woven label with your logo? Our team will work with your artwork and have it sent to our vendors to ensure you get the label you want.

After we source the materials for your handbag, it is time for manufacturing. Keep following our posts to reveal the work and magic of manufacturing with Clutch Made, the factory you can talk to.

The Best Spring Statement Handbags

The Best Spring Statement Handbags

Clothes can speak for your personality but handbags speak louder. Spring 2016 is all about having a bag with a voice. New Yorkers have, once again, been hiding in their black wardrobes this winter. It is time to step out of your comfort zone and stand out among the rest. Check out these three statement handbags that you will be itching to wear to work, the grocery store, or even your 6pm pilates class.

1. Symbolism isn’t Just in Books

We all know the green light in The Great Gatsby didn’t mean “go”. Symbolism on your handbag is a great way to send a message. Instead of just believing in good energy, show it with the ying yang symbol. The ying yang is known to represent both masculine and feminine energy. It represents opposite energies that cannot exist without each other. The black curve, with its white dot, stands for femininity along with night, matter, and softness. The white curve represents the opposite: masculinity with day, spirit, and hardness. Black and white in general is dominating the trends this spring. It’s neutrality is great for your bag to stand out.

2. Talk that Talk

Canvas totes are one of the best “go-to” bags. While most can be plain and boring, there are so many fun totes that you can wear to really give your look a statement, literally! This Spring try buying a canvas bag that states your mantra or beliefs.

If you are a shopaholic (its okay to admit it sometimes), then maybe a tote that states “Shopping is cheaper than therapy”, is the tote for you. If you are a fashionista, one of the most humorous statements for your bag might be “I’m still saving up for my Birkin”“. Finally, you can try a tote that supports your lifestyle like, “I make Champagne Disappear. Whats your superpower?”

In the mode to get bold and state something political or take a stance? Our inspiration this spring is Speak It Tees and Totes who says: “Have you ever felt the need of saying something but didn’t know how to do it? We founded this company for that very reason. We felt that people needed a platform where they could find cool items to express themselves… SPEAK IT! Our accessories are made for the people by the people.” Check them out and make sure to speak it this spring with your sassy or symbolic handbag.

3. “OMG! Look at Her Bag!”

If you’re not a fan of tote bags, try looking for clutches like this one. Bags with expressions and fun shapes are one of the trendiest accessories for this spring. Just like the symbolism bags, there are other fun objects and food inspired items that can make for a great statement bag.

How about some popcorn with that?

Pop into the spring fever and get out of your comfort zone. Go from OMG to POW and support your favorite comic!

Make sure to keep up with our blog and stay on trend this spring!

-Clutch Bags NY

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: Step 2

Here comes the fun part of making a handbag. If you are keeping up with our posts, this week we discuss the second step on How to Make a Handbag in the USA. This step is all about conceptualization and design. When you reach this step we discuss your vision, who you are and what you are looking to design.

Your Vision: A vision is necessary for designers. Your vision could be what inspires you. What do you visualize when you think about your dream handbag? A great way to help you identify those key points is to create a vision board. A vision board helps you organize and conceptualize your wants and goals.

Your identity: After identifying your vision and what you would like to achieve, it is time to identify who you are as a brand or designer. Why is this important for design? We want to help you design for a tailored audience. Who are you making a handbag for? What sort of of image are you trying to perceive? A great example would be Clutch Bags NY. Clutch NY is a collection of handbags designed by creative director, Laura Dotolo. Clutch NY handbags have a classic, utilitarian style that reflect the heart of NYC. It is important to note that the main focus of a brand other than its product is its audience.

Your design: We want to make your vision come to life! The design process is the first step that will lead you to the sample of your handbag. Now would be the time to email or call us at 800.208.1840 and set up a design appointment so we can work with you to design that handbag. Maybe you need ideas for your handbag and are not sure what size, color or zipper it should have. Don’t worry! We are here to work with you during the entire design process. We will help you to formulate all your dimensions, details, hardware choices, functionality and materials for your product.

Stay tuned next week to learn how we help you with the next step of the process: Sourcing..or as we like to say, “the secrets of our sourcing powers.”

Clutchbags Blog

The chic New York clutch bag boutique. Shop designer handbags and purses and all things Clutch Bags.

Category Archives: handbag manufacturer

Introducing BLK BLU NY

Totally crazy for totes

Clutch Made: The New E-Factory

Clutch Made: The New E-Factory

The USA Factory You Can Talk To

The USA Factory You Can Talk To

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: The Final Step

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: The Final Step

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: Step 5

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: Step 5

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: Step 4

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: Step 4

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: Step 3

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: Step 3

The Best Spring Statement Handbags

1. Symbolism isn’t Just in Books

2. Talk that Talk

3. “OMG! Look at Her Bag!”

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: Step 2

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: Step 2