I Made That Bag

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 thread color and your hardware color.” Initially the concept was targeted at large groups like sororities and bridal showers, but soon the business expanded to offer solo kits. “As much as we love the idea of our kits acting as bonding activities we also realized that they are equally enjoyed independently, for individuals that wish to learn alone or buy the kit as a gift for a loved one.” Understanding that the process of learning a new trade can be daunting, she adds, “I engineered these kits in a way that allowed the maker to make with ease without compromising the classic aesthetic we were going for.”

The bags also act parallel to Lorna’s personal line of bags. “Most of my bags have removable aspects. We are testing out a line tote bags that are already assembled with a pouch in the front to house your creations. We love the idea of collaborating with the consumer- our designer bags paired with your handmade designer IMTB bag.”

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?

I genuinely love what I do and I think it is contagious. I get really enthusiastic when telling others about the kits and the concept behind it. When you tell someone 'you can make a bag too', often you're greeted with a 'no way' 'that sounds too difficult for me'. I really love converting the 'non creative types' over to the dark side!

Every successful career does hold its challenges, though, and that is no exception for Lorna. “There are always challenges, but I'm not one to shy away from a challenge.” She continues, “Working for yourself there are definitely challenges. It can be overwhelming at times and as a creative you do find yourself with too many ideas and too little time. I like to plan out the week ahead with an agenda and I always try and squeeze in a day that I can 'freestyle' and knockout a bag within the day... perhaps that's all the project style shows I have watched.”

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR UP-AND-COMERS?

Go for any and all competitions or opportunities that come your way. Even if the competition requires more work on to your ever growing pile–– do it. Some of my best designs have come about when I am under the gun and asked to step outside of my comfort zone. Don't be too hard on yourself if you get knocked back or fail to win or progress in a competition it definitely hurts and can be a bump to your ego but remember that the hard work you did can go straight into your portfolio. It's important to learn the ropes- there's only so much you learn in school that is actually relevant in the real world. One of the best pieces of advice I received was to be nice to those in your industry. The fashion industry is tiny, even more so within your respective categories, the likelihood of working with past colleagues or friends of colleagues is very likely.

Thank you for chatting with us, Lorna! You can follow along and see what crafting is all about over at @imadethatbag and @lornanixondesign.