Our Story

HOW DO YOU DESIGN A SEWN-IN ORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEM INTO A MEDIUM SIZE HANDBAG?
After taking on this challenge to create a thoughtfully designed handbag the first question was where to begin? There were sketches and a paper prototype but that was the most Renee Scalzini could do because she didn't know how to sew! Unable to find someone to make the handbag prototype, she decided to learn how to sew from a basic sewing class and lots of YouTube videos.

LATE NIGHTS WITH COWORKERS
Renee stayed up many late nights working on sewing handbags with her loyal companion Sophia sleeping by her side. This went on for months making iteration after iteration and slowly improving with each new bag. She sewed cardboard and plastic for structure and managed to break sewing needles and sewing machines. She started with quilted fabric but found that the fabric did not hold up well over time so she moved on to faux leather. She bought an antique singer sewing machine because of its stronger motor to sew thick layers of fabric and vinyl.

TRAVEL AND TESTING
In July 2019 a prototype bag was tested as a travel bag on a vacation to Europe. The stitching was far from perfect but it was extremely functional. Renee visited family in Italy including Aunt (Zia) Franca Scalzini in Rome who was a seamstress for Fendi for most of her life. Zia Franca and Dad Scalzini were born in Castel de Monte located about an hour outside of Rome. There was a language barrier but Zia Franca managed to communicate that she loved the concept but was not impressed with Renee's sewing. She then showed Renee her photos of her intricate work and her sewing machine located in her tiny apartment near the Vatican. She encouraged Renee to continue on her journey.

VISITING MANUFACTURERS IN NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY
After returning to Atlanta from Italy, more sewing, more testing and more improvements continued. About eight prototypes later, Renee connected with her cousin, Andrea in New Jersey and met with two handbag manufacturers, one in New Jersey and one in New York. Both manufacturers made professional versions of the prototypes out of leather.

MORE IMPROVEMENTS AND TESTING

By the end of 2020, we had prototypes from different manufactures. Each version getting closer to the goal of the finest quality and functionality possible. Custom fabric prints were designed, produced and tested for the interior. When specific hardware didn't exist, we sourced and tested new materials for our signature key hook designed to be a faster way to store and grab your keys. The idea for the key hook came from a button on a pair of jeans.

FINALIZING THE DESIGN
In 2021 it all started to come together. Renee started working with a factory with true artisans passionate about quality and their craft. Several iterations took place over the year, and with each new version came improvements in design, quality and organization. The result is a modern and unique approach to useful, functional handbag design.

We are proud to present the Sophia luxury handbag collection, with a unique combination of style, craftsmanship and thoughtful, classic design, inside and out.