Last week I got to live out every shopaholic's dream and create my very own Mel Boteri handbag alongside designer, and ATL's very own, Melanie Mueller. After a sleepless night of imagining myself shuffling through different leathers & metals, I met Mel in Buckhead at Beth Ann Style Boutique for a long-awaited consultation. She is literally the most adorable little ray of sunshine, not to mention incredibly talented. Before we got started, I sat down to ask her a few questions about the line:
HS: When did you first decide you wanted to start your own line?
MB: While studying at Emory Business School, I had the opportunity to work with the Marketing & Business Development team for Zac Posen. It was during my time living and working in New York City that I had my "aha" moment after seeing a clear void in the marketplace for custom fashion. I specifically saw an opportunity for made-to-order accessories unique to each woman's individual style and personality versus one-size-fits-all, mass-produced goods. I laid the groundwork for this new way of shopping during my last semester at Emory, which is when I also began teaching myself the process of designing and constructing handbags. It was about a year and a half of planning and designing before I officially launched Mel Boteri with my first line in the fall of 2009.
HS: You have so many incredible design options. Where do you get your inspiration?
MB: It is hard to pinpoint one source of inspiration. I think Coco Chanel said it best, "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." So as long as I am living and breathing, I am receiving inspiration.
HS: What is your advice for someone looking to start their own line?
MB: Fashion is a business first and foremost, so unless you have a very trusted partner who will handle the day-to-day operations, educate yourself on every aspect of business that you possibly can.
HS: What is your ultimate goal for Mel Boteri?
MB: My ultimate goal each day is to inspire women to discover their unique style and to express it confidently with our custom and bespoke accessories. I believe there is a one-of-a-kind Mel Boteri design - whether is is a handbag, a shoe, or a piece of jewelry - that is waiting to be created to help tell the unique story of each and every woman.
HS: Describe the type of girl you picture as the Mel Boteri girl.
MB: She is an independent, confident woman, a natural trendsetter with discerning taste. She is passionate yet practical, and prefers to wear fashion that is a true extension of her unique personality and style. She stays up to date with what's "on trend" and the next "must have," but strictly uses this as inspiration to be the best-dressed version of herself.
Here is a sneak peek of me playing dress up in some of the Mel Boteri line, our consultation and the gorgeous bag of my dreams that is to come! <squeals>
This cobalt beauty was a VERY close second place.
I loved the size & detail of this envelope clutch.
This hunter green was another one of my favorites.
Finding the perfect silhouette was the easy part, choosing the leather & hardware was almost impossible!
In the end, these three were my final choices. My dream bag is becoming a reality...I can't wait to show you guys the finished product!
Interested in getting your hands on your own? Of course you are! Mel Boteri handbags are available online at
www.melboteri.com, and in Atlanta at Beth Ann Style Boutique. Custom and bespoke services are available by appointment only by emailing appointments@melboteri.com.
