I MADE THAT BAG
A CONVERSATION WITH FOUNDER LORNA NIXON
I Made That Bag is a kit that allows customers to become both designer and maker of their own customizable bag. Offering a selection of fine Italian leather, a library of threads and the option to emboss a personal message or note, the kit has four bags to choose from that have been engineered in a way that makes the bag easy–– and most importantly, fun to make. Originally from North West of England, Lorna Nixon designs out of Brooklyn, NY. “I have always had a thing for accessories, I was the girl adorning her phone with rhinestones and beading and bejeweling jewelry from a young age.” Having attended the London College of Fashion to study Fashion Accessories, she found herself daunted by industrial machinery. She recalls “thinking this was a far cry from my home sewing machine.” Using her schooling as a platform to apply to competitions, Lorna had great success and was the youngest finalist at the Independent Handbag Designer Awards at just nineteen years old. “I won a Swarovski sponsored category. I had been temping in their flagship store the year before and was overwhelmed to see my name in the window and my bag stocked on the shelves of one of the most prolific stores on one of the busiest streets in London.” The following year, one of her designs was spotted by an industry leader and interned before graduating. Upon graduation, Lorna found herself working in New York as an assistant designer at a contemporary handbag label. “I was thrilled at the opportunity and found myself moving quickly up the ladder landing the role of senior designer by my mid-twenties.” As a tactile person, however, she found herself missing making. After seven years in the corporate industry, she happened upon a makers space that changed her path. “Brooklyn Shoe Space is an amazing community of makers, most full-time members are teachers, consultants and all-round talented people. The vibe of the space was so familiar and reminiscent of my college days. With their support I made the leap to leave the comfort of a steady job to follow my bag making dreams.” Lorna spent months making bags she’d been dreaming up–– “it was as if I had been allowed the freedom to bring these creations to life. With every bag I regained by know-how and applied the skills I acquired from the corporate [side]; being both maker and designer really allows you to push the creative boundaries.” On top of teaching bag making classes, Lorna is the founder of I Made That Bag. “I Made That Bag is first and foremost a bag making kit that allows you to be both designer and maker. You build your very own bag and then make it wherever you may be. Pick your leather color, your
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