Maxwell Designs featured on Handbag Designer 101

I started off using hemp as my main material as I loved the feel, durability and eco-friendliness of the fabric. I added in cotton for a splash of color but tried to get as many unique patterns as possible. I have recently moved into leather and I am loving it! Why have I not used this medium before?? Its soft, beautiful and adds a touch of decadence that takes my designs to the next level. All my bags are still made by hand in Vancouver, B.C, Canada. This is a conscious decision on a number of levels. I wanted to keep design control so that the quality control aspect stopped with me and me alone, I wanted to reduce our carbon footprint and not have items shipped around the globe multiple times and I love the idea of employee moms who work from home, allowing them to spend time doing what they love, where they love doing it.

Maxwell Designs was created just before my first son, Maxwell was born. I was looking for a diaper bag and couldn’t find anything that wasn’t made of vinyl or plastic. I decided to design my own purse and it went from there. I had no idea at the time how incredibly popular my designs would be. I keep challenging myself to come up with new designs and incorporate new mediums which keeps my designs fresh and modern.

I have had the opportunity to put my designs into the hands of many celebrities over the past few years which is always exciting and a thrill, you never know where your designs might show up!