WRITTEN BY Delia Welton McMullen
Peachy sat down with Veronica Swanson Beard (VSB) and Veronica Miele Beard (VMB), the dynamic duo behind the eponymous fashion brand, to discuss the inspiration, design process and unique features of their new handbag line.
Please share the inspiration behind the design of your new handbags. What influenced the overall aesthetic?
VSB: Our inspiration is always the same—we start with our customer and how she lives her life.
VMB: With every collection, we’re thinking through her day and thinking about what she needs. What is she doing? Where is she going? How is she using her bag?
What sets your handbag collection apart from others in the market? Are there specific design elements that make it unique?
VMB: We put a lot of time and attention into the details—from the materials and workmanship down to the finishes and hardware, like the Crest Lock closures etched with our brand crest. We even obsessed over the silhouettes to get the perfect proportions!
VSB: I think that’s what sets us apart—we are our customer and know how they think. Our bags bridge that gap between something special and something functional and utilitarian.
Describe the materials used in creating these handbags. Any fabrics or finishes that you find especially noteworthy?
VSB: We leaned toward really beautiful, tactile materials so the bags feel as good as they look—for example, super-soft leather, structured canvas and lightweight raffia.
VMB: We also love to mix materials. Cool and classic, polished and effortless, these handbags can take you anywhere.
How did you approach the balance between functionality and style? Were there specific features you prioritized?
VMB: We always design from a lifestyle perspective, marrying form with function. Our totes are luxuriously oversized to fit everything you need. We made sure our bucket bags have both a top handle as well as a longer strap for endless wearability. As multitasking moms with eight kids between us, we know sometimes you need to go hands-free!
VSB: Those straps feature an adjustable buckle, too, so you can easily adjust the length, depending on the occasion. We also added multiple pockets throughout for easy organization and quick access.
Are there particular trends or themes that you incorporated into the design?
VMB: Our customer is more driven by personal style than trend.
VSB: She wants a handbag that she knows she’ll wear forever…
Are these handbags intended more for special occasions or are they suitable for everyday use? How did you consider versatility in your design choices?
VSB: We focused on simple shapes and clean lines so the bags could take you through your day. Our Crest Lock bags, for instance, have a removable strap to easily go from crossbody to clutch, coffee to cocktails.
VMB: From day one, when we launched with the dickey jacket, versatility has been key to everything
we do. We were strategic about designing a handbag that would fit every aspect of our busy lives.
What challenges did you face during design and production? How did you overcome them?
VMB: People have asked us about handbags before, but we were really mindful to take our time to do it right—and at the right price point.
VSB: We did our research and found the right partners. We took the time to learn what our customers wanted in a handbag.
How do your handbags complement your overall brand identity and existing clothing collections?
VSB: The Veronica Beard uniform has always been the cool classics for the woman on the go: a tailored jacket, great jeans and chic boots. Our handbags are a natural extension of that.
VMB: Being connected to our customer has been our success. Every step of our design process comes back to reflecting her lifestyle.
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