How to Manufacture a Handbag
A conversation with Nicole Levy of Baikal Handbag Manufacturing
Recently, on the Handbag Designer 101 Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nicole Levy, founder of Baikal Handbag Manufacturing, about what it really takes to bring a handbag to life. Nicole’s expertise in navigating the complexities of handbag production is unmatched, and her insights are a must-listen for any aspiring designer.
If you’ve ever dreamed of creating your own handbag line, you know it’s not as simple as sketching a design and finding a factory. This is why I created the Handbag Designer 101 Masterclass, so by the time you meet with a factory, you are ready and educated to move forward with your brand at its fullest potential. It’s about understanding the process from start to finish, making thoughtful decisions, and adapting when things don’t go as planned. Here’s a quick summary of the key takeaways from our conversation:
1. Start with a Purposeful Design
Every successful handbag starts with a clear vision. Ask yourself:
What problem is my bag solving?
Who is my target customer?
What story does this bag tell?
Your design should combine function and aesthetics with an eye toward durability and practicality.
2. Material Matters
Choosing the right materials can make or break your handbag. Nicole shared her insider tips for sourcing:
Build relationships with suppliers who share your values.
Test your materials for wear and tear before committing to production.
Consider sustainability—customers are increasingly drawn to eco-friendly options.
3. Prototype, Test, Repeat
The prototype phase of sampling is where your vision comes to life. Nicole’s advice? Don’t rush this step. “Your first prototype won’t be perfect, and that’s okay,” she said. “The key is to iterate until it’s just right.”
4. Understand Manufacturing Realities
Understanding the realities of working with a manufacturer:
Be prepared to meet minimum order quantities (MOQs).
Communication is key—provide detailed tech packs and stay involved in the process.
Factor in lead times and plan for delays.
5. Budget Wisely
Making a handbag isn’t cheap; hidden costs can sneak up on you. Nicole advised designers to account for:
Sampling fees
Material costs
Labor
Shipping and duties
She also stressed the importance of building a financial cushion for unexpected expenses.
6. Keep Quality at the Forefront
In the end, quality is what will set your brand apart. Be sure to be aware that regular quality checks, attention to detail, and a commitment to having your own DNA are necessary.
Final Thoughts
Creating a handbag is a journey of creativity, problem-solving, and resilience. Nicole’s parting advice? “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn from every step of the process. It’s not about getting it perfect the first time—it’s about building something you’re proud of.”
If you missed this week’s episode, tune in for the full conversation. Nicole shared so many nuggets of wisdom that I couldn’t fit into this post. Also, I am happy to offer an additional discount for our HBD101 Substack Fans: a 25% discount on a self-guided Handbag Designer 101 Masterclass with code NEWYEAR and a complimentary one-on-one with me.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments—what part of the handbag-making process do you find most challenging?
Until next time, keep dreaming, designing, and creating!
Warmly,
Emily
P.S. We added more merch. Handbag Socks! Shop below. :)
