HdJ Interviews Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain of Be & D

Five years ago they caught our attention with the heavily studded Garbo and since have kept us interested with their perfect blend of rock-and-roll-meets-femme handbag designs. Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain of Be&D took some time to tell us about the relaunch of their now iconic Garbo bag line, which celeb they want to carry Be&D, and a sneak peek at what’s in ’store’ for the brand!

Handbag du Jour: We were huge fans of the Garbo when it first came out five years ago. Tell us why you re-launched it.
Be&D: The re-launch felt organic for us as we were celebrating our 5th anniversary. The Garbo put us on the “handbag map” and we wanted to re-capture that moment of rock-n-roll chic; Spring/Summer ‘09 was the season to do this.

HdJ: What was the original inspiration for the design of the Garbo?
Be&D: Metal polka dots and a feminine, yet tough look.

HdJ: What kind of woman do you imagine wearing the Garbo?
Be&D: A woman who is confident and fashion forward and who is young in spirit, but understands craft and luxury. She is a whimsical daughter, a chic mother and a modern grandmother.

HdJ: Tell us about the new additions to the studded bag line.
Be&D: We added the Garbo tote (which is a convertible bag that can be an oversize satchel or a cross-body messenger), a Garbo shoulder bag (which is a convertible bag that can be an oversize day to evening clutch or a medium shoulder bag), a Garbo Baguette which is a clutch that comes with a long detachable chain that can be worn cross body, two Garbo wallets (in the small size and long continental size), and a Garbo Belt that is worn on the waist.

HdJ: What makes a bag, or anything in else fashion, iconic?
Be&D: Something that is strongly identifiable to the brand because women naturally respond to its energy.

HdJ: What trends – in fashion or otherwise – inspire and fuel your creativity and designs?
Be&D: When we see detailing that is “out-side-the-box” translated in a non-traditional way it really stimulates us! For example, Viktor & Rolf’s early ‘Russian Doll’ collection - the millions of layering of a dress on dress on dress on Maggie Rizer - that was genius!!

HdJ: Even though you already have a massive celebrity following, is there one celebrity in particular that you’d like to see with a Be&D bag on their arm?
Be&D: Kate Moss!!!

HdJ: You’ve branched out from bags to other accessories and shoes. Can we expect a Be&D clothing line in the future? How about a Be&D flagship retail store?
Be&D: There are some secrets we need to keep ☺.

HdJ: Where do you see yourselves in the next five years?
Be&D: Okay, we’ll tell a little secret. We definitely want and are working towards a Be&D store…so that we can showcase our world and environment. That will be a way for us to make other types of items and accessories that can be special to our in-shop experience.

Steve – “I’m obsessed with eyewear and sneakers”

Be – “I have some ideas about ways to use my family’s silk mill in Laos.”

HdJ: Which Be&D bag is your absolute favorite?
Be&D: The Garbo Tote and our new Woodstock hobo.

HdJ: What’s in your bag?
Be&D: Be – “An empty Hermes cologne bottle that I desperately need to replace, my passport, lots of pens and date book.”
Steve – “My iPod, the New Yorker, my Blackberry, Roc lip balm from Paris, and green tea bags in case I need one in a pinch!”

Check out more Be&D bags and shoes below and shop Be&D at Saks Fifth Avenue, Net-a-Porter and Zappos.

Special thanks to Be and Steve for taking the time to talk to Handbag du Jour!