It’s quite true that most accessories we see popping up so fast in the fashion world are manufactured in Italy. After all, it boasts of an enriching history of unmatched artisanship. This is what Paula Cademartori, a luxury accessories designer in her own right today, desired for herself when she wanted to become one. Her bags define the status of women in terms of how they love to live their lives. No wonder the list of celebrities wearing them is getting bigger and bigger as each day goes by.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, we sit down with her to find out what is it that makes her bags so popular and much more.

What motivated you to start creating clutches and handbags of your own in the first place?
When I was a child, I used to spend long afternoons playing with my grandmother’s dresses, jewels and accessories taking them out one by one from her closet. Then, this simple “game” became a dream for me to pursue no matter what. I’ve always been interested in accessory, especially bags. The bag is a statement. It’s something we wear and therefore it fully reflects our taste and our personality. The bag is a woman’s status symbol. I always used to say: “Tell me about the bag you’re wearing and I’ll tell you who you are!

What makes them stand out?
My bags are contemporary, refined, cosmopolitan and sophisticated. My own design is the result of my own style, my ideas and feelings and of course what I would like to wear. My bag collection has to convey the message that accessory is something meant to last over time. That’s why I often draw my inspiration from classic bags, with the aim of exploring that same quality, that same sophisticated and lasting elegance.

Which fashion school did you go to and how did it shape your design skills? Or was it an intuitive spark that led to it?
Well, I can say both. Of course my studies helped me a great deal when it came to achieving my goal. I studied Industrial Design in Porto Alegre, Brazil and had the opportunity to work with jewelry and shoes but then my passion for accessories brought me to Italy, where I did a Master’s course at Istituto Marangoni and then got a “Young Fashion Manager” certificate from Bocconi University in Milan in order to improve my knowledge. But it was also an innate passion that pushed me to take up this career.

Where do your inspirations come from?
Everything that impresses me and thrills me! When I create a new collection, my view on everything is very personal and unique. I just interpret my emotions and translate them into shapes, colors and textures. I try to bring something new in every collection and it takes a long research to always discover new elements; I’m a very curious person. I’m interested in the most diverse creative fields from art and music to cinema and literature.

You worked with famous brands like Versace.What did you learn? How helpful was this experience when it came to launching your own label?
I can definitely say it proved to be a great blessing. Working alongside Donatella in the design team helped me a lot to improve my knowledge in fashion and especially in accessories and of course my professional experience also shone. And the amazing time I had at Versace gave me the chance to understand the ‘inside world’ of this historical and multi-national brand. That’s how I was finally able to launch my brand in 2010.

You are another most talked about designer worldwide when it comes to handbags made in Italy. What do you have to say about it?
I appreciate your point. Let’s say that I work pretty hard. Made in Italy is one of the foundations of my brand and I really believe that Italy is the place with the best artisans in the world. For our company it’s a matter of pride that our products are totally produced in Italy.

Which Hollywood celebs are big fans of your designed bags?
It’s really important for me when my muses and people I admire wear my handbags. I had the pleasure and honor to see some of the most cool fashion editors wearing my bags: Anna Dello Russo, Miroslava Duma, Elena Perminova, Natalie Joos, Tamu McPherson, JJ Martin, among others. Even some actresses and singers wear them, such as Jane Fonda, Elizabeth Hurley, Rosario Dawson, Emilia Clarke and Kylie Minogue, and some of the most beautiful models like Natasha Poly, Kendall Jenner, Emily Ratajkowski and Olivia Palermo. But my creations are for every woman who appreciates and distinguishes the quality and craftsmanship of an accessory that lasts over time.

Who are your favorites and why?
I love every woman who has a sense of class and elegance. When I design my bags and shoes, I always think about women, and how to make them feel beautiful wearing them.

What material do you use in the making of these magnificent creations?
I love mixing the most different materials from the more refined to the poorest or to the unexpected one. I’m constantly searching for new sources of inspiration and proposals. My work is always based on the same values: design, high-quality and unprecedented craftsmanship.

How important is the color factor for you?
Well, I am a Brazilian! I guess this is well-reflected in the way I play with colors and materials. I always love to mix them and create different combinations. In each collection you always find some bright colors or unexpected matches.

How much time does it take to make these beautiful bags based on their varied designs and patterns?
Well, to produce each one of them, the artisans could take up to 48 hours. Each piece is a handcrafted creation and so it’s a long manufacturing process.

What are the differences between Arab women and their Western counterparts, especially in terms of what type of handbags they prefer to carry with them?
I think Arab women pay a strong attention to details, and details are the main expression of luxury. I love the way they pay attention to what they choose for themselves — it’s an attitude that most people seem to have lost.

What are the future plans for the brand as a whole? Would you love to diversify it as well?
The launch of Fall Winter 2015 shoe collection was a huge step for the brand identity and a great satisfaction for me. Now I’m working to develop my company, add new products’ categories. I aim to create a real “Cademartori world” for my final customers.
Besides, I’m deeply focused on extending my network of sales in the world and in a few years opening the first Paula Cademartori flagship store.

How did the idea of designing shoes come about?
I just love the shoes and this idea of creating my collection of footwear comes mainly from the desire to conquer new markets, new clients and get a new brand positioning in order to become the expression of a complete lifestyle.

What’s your Fall-Winter 2015-16 shoe collection inspired by?
I chose the colors of space and of the deep seabeds as the chromatic inspiration for a season that exalts fine leathers and innovative materials through the principle of the richness and value of craftsmanship, uniting the lights of the aurora borealis with the atmospheres of the most distant planets of the solar system. For sure it’s for a woman who wants to feel sensual, colorful and feminine.

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