PRESS KIT 2011

TREND FINDER

watch online:http://www.accessoriesdirections.com/trendfinder/88/

CELEBRITIES

Mena Suvari

With Joan Rivers, who purchased three

AdrianaFabiana Rena Bags

CELEBRITIES

Handbag Designers Adriana FabianaAugust 12, 2011 | By Barb

Born in the United States, but raised in Guatemala, sisters Adriana and Fabiana Gonzalez Di Bartolomeo were pushed from an early age to create their own opportunities through dedication and hard work. Combining Adriana’s educational background in entrepreneurship and Fabiana’s knowledge of exotic species and Guatemalan biodiversity, the two founded their new handbag line, Adriana Fabiana, last year.

Each bag is carefully crafted for a chic and elegant woman, no matter the occasion—whether she is on a night out on the town, brunching with friends, or heading to and from work. While the bags are com-posed of exotic hides, such as ostrich, Cayman crocodile, and South American python, the sisters only make use of skins that are CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) certified. And with Guatemala close to their hearts, the sisters donate a portion of the proceeds from each handbag to promoting entrepreneurship amongst rural women of Guatemala.

DESIGNER ON THE RISE ADRIANA FABIANA HANDBAGS

watch online:http://frontrowmag.com/handbag-designers-adriana-fabiana/

FRONT ROW MAG

Wednesday, May 25, 2011 | By Lani Beck Handbago Designers: The Latest Emerging Handbag Designers

The emerging handbag de-signer is a favorite topic, here in the Handbago office. We see new designers and new designs on a daily basis. While some are mediocre and fit for the mediocre bagista, we like to think that our bagistas are more than just average. Thus, we’ve complied yet again another group of emerging handbag designers that we think you just might be inter-ested in. From jeweled and sparkling evening clutches to everyday handbags that seem so much more luxe and chic than the average functional everyday bag, these are the favorites this month.

watch online:http://www.handbago.com/blog/handbago-designers-latest-emerging-handbag-designers

Designs with some sparkle and shine, Sangita Chudiwala is one handbag brand from India with an an attention to detail. Although this designer creates bags for both cas-ual and formal wear, it’s the glimmer and glam that caught my eye. A bag for a special occasion with modern design and bits of such old world Indian flare as embroidery.

SANGITA CHUDIWALA

Utilitarian is one trend that seemsto be on-going these days and I don’t hate it…in fact, I’m loving it. Along with my tough boots, I’ve been in need of some structure in my life and 1 Per Diem does just that. A structured handbag with a utilitarian style, The everyday bag never looked so good. And what luck, industrial and utilitarian jewelry as well? Fantastic.

1 PER DIEM

Sister duo Adriana Fabiana incorporates design from both their Guatemalan heritage and their New York City lifestyles. Fair commercial trade of exotic skins, luxe construc-tion and functional design, this label designs for the woman who appre-ciates luxury goods with a unique exoticism.

ADRIANA FABIANA

Another design duo, Silvano Arnoldo and Massimiliano Battois, are both from Ven-ice and have backgrounds in architectural design. Although this brand launched in 2001, they’ve recently participated in “Who is on Next?” a competition organ-ized by AltaRoma and Vogue Italia in 2010 as well showcased their SS 2011 Collection in Milan Fashion Week. Unique design and intriguing architectural ele-ments define this brand, so it’s no wonder each piece is more of a piece of art rather than apparel and accessories.

ARNOLDO BATOIS

Wednesday, June 29, 2011 | By Summer Gray Adriana Fabiana Handbags: Eco Friendly

watch online:http://www.handbago.com/blog/adriana-fabiana-handbags-eco-friendly

Two sisters living a family dream. Born in the states but raised in Guate-mala on an Ostrich farm, these women learned as young girls the importance of creating their own work opportunities as well as giving back to their commu-nity. Adriana and Fabiana have created a line of handbags that are not only classy and exotic, but also ecofriendly. Inspired by their home land of Guate-mala, these women wanted to live out their fashion filled dreams and in doing so have brought to life a collection of bags whose proceeds are used to pro-mote organizations and training pro-grams dedicated to helping the women of Guatemala become educated in or-der to provide for their families. Not only that, but all hides are certi-fied by the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species.

Their bags utilize multiple leathers and canvas to create luxury and practicality wrapped up in a handbag that can go anywhere.

A fun and flirty summertime shade,

this bag is the perfect weekend hobo

and her name is Rena!

Nona, can be carried as a clutch or over the shoulder,

this is another wonderful summertime shade that can be worn into the fall. The muted

mustard yellow is a great color that I’m sure we will be seeing lots of come cooler weather!

Lolita, a spicy name for a color-ful bag. Something unexpected

shades of purple combined to give you that extra special something at the office. There’s no reason you can’t look fabulous at your 9-5!

I’m sure this is just the beginning from the this duo. Looking

forward to the next collection!

In the Spotlight | Adriana Fabiana Makeover the Luxury Top-HandleBy ShineMediaPR · April 19, 2011

Sisters Adriana and Fabiana Gonzalez Di Bar-tolomeo are determined to redefine the phrase “contemporary luxury”. With modern redesigns on classic luxury shapes, Adriana Fabiana is turn-ing the accessories market upside down. Their top-handle Lolita is the piece-de-resistance in a standout fall collection poised to drop the jaws of fashionistas worldwide.

Named after Italian cinema’s sexy ingénue, the Lolita is a true work of constructive art. From the sleek leather top handle to the rich rose-gold front buckle, every component has undergone a serious renovation to set it apart from its matriar-chal predecessor.

SHINE MEDIA PR

Adriana Fabiana not only wanted to update the shape of the vintage top-handle but also to re-vamp its classic leather wardrobe. The sisters uti-lized the highest quality exotic skins like ostrich, Cayman crocodile and South American python to redress the piece for a modern generation. Accented in colors like in rich hues of midnight blue, minted green and chocolate brown, every bag resonates with the aura of a major statement piece.

For the Gonzalez Di Bartolomeo sisters, beauty is in the simple details. The weighted side-clasps provide a comfortable option to turn the Lolita into a portable shoulder style, while the delicate-ly-engraved buckles show off the sister’s atten-tion to detail. Like every piece in the collection, the Lolita shimmers with hand-crafted rose gold hardware. In a rich yellow-orange tone, the rose-gold hardware is a signature touch that has been custom made for the collection.

In addition to the Lolita, the Fall 2011 Collection of Adriana Fabiana offers an array of versatile styles to match any preference or generation. From the over-sized Rena hobo and structured Nonna clutch to the stunning Paulie tote and compact Aussie pouch, the collection provides a unique and fresh perspective on modern luxury accessories.

It was important to the sisters to create a beautiful product that gave the wearer a exclusive experience. Through handmade construction and aristocratic skin selection, each piece becomes a snowflake with no two pieces exactly alike. “We strive to create items that are unique,” the sisters explain. “We wanted designs that would represent who we are, something that would be considered a unique creation for the wearer. Our inspiration is so multi-cultural and exceptional; we wanted our collection to reflect that.” Self-proclaimed “citizens of the world”, the Gonzalez Di Bartolomeo sisters grew up in Guatemala with a drive to succeed. With a varied European heritage and a family history in the fashion industry, it is no wonder the sisters are true fashionistas. After solidifying their desire to create a luxury handbag line, they moved to New York City to be at the epi-center of the fashion industry. In 2011, the sisters launched Adriana Fabiana in order to create elegant, time-less pieces that would bring the spirit and aesthetic of South America to the busy streets of New York City.

CELEBRITY LOOK

Interview AdrianaFabiana

Adriana (Renata) and Fabiana Gonzalez Di Bartolo-meo are very well educated in the business world. The ambition and determination of these two girls to show their talent to the world is so strong, that in the short time they’ve been in this business, their handbags have already made their way into several woman’s “must-have” lists. And oh yes, this is only the beginning.

F- Well, I graduated 2 years ago from SMU, and started looking for a job. When I decided to come back to Guatemala I started to work for my father at his ostrich farm. But being a girl, and loving fashion, and especially handbags, I thought, “why not use the os-trich leather to make handbags as well?”

A- After I graduated from Babson College I had a dream of moving and working in NYC, so right after I actually moved there, my sister came to visit and told me about her idea. I loved it!

Tell us a bit more about yourselves

A- And while most designer handbags are lined with fabric, ours are completely lined with leather. We truly wanted to create a product that is made of mostly leather and is 100% durable.

So, explain to us, what do you use to create your handbags?

F- First we create the design, (the Lolita, the Rena, the Nona, the Aussie and the Tote), then we have to pick the leathers we will be using for each bag, and of course the hardware, which is com-pletely custom-made.

A- And after that, comes the sampling. When we wear them our-selves, we can pinpoint any specific adjustments that still need to be made in order for the bag to fit perfectly.

And what is the process of creating bags from exotic leathers, such as these?

F- Many things. We actually put together 3 different worlds that have inspired us throughout our lives, Guatemala being the first.

A- The other one is the United States. The US has provided us with many opportunities and has really opened our minds to many things.

F- And lastly, our passion for fashion - of course! And I can’t forget about our maternal grandmother. She also inspires us a lot. She is from a small town in Italy, and there was a time in her life when she actually moved to Milan to work in the fashion industry.

Every designer has an inspiration, so who inspires you?

F- The AdrianaFabiana costumer values quality, luxury, and timeless products that are elegant, classic and sophisticated. Which is exactly how we describe our collection.

And how would you describe the AdrianaFabiana woman?

F- In Guatemala, at the FS Richard stores, and we also sell them by private appointments.

A- There’s also online shopping at our website or by email orders.

F- Henri Bendel in NY also carries them, and we’ve been talking to Saks Fifth Avenue, who also seems very interested.

So tell me, where can we find your gorgeous handbags for sale?

F- In general, there is so much talent here in Guatemala. When I came back, I started to see some incredible talent everywhere I went. You know, you can do anything you want. You just have to keep your head up through the obstacles that you’ll encounter.

A- I think you should always follow your passion and definitely do what you love. Also, be a risk taker! Entrepreneurs take risks! And of course, in a business it’s always important to be responsible with your numbers.

So, what’s your message to the Guatemalan women reading this?

watch the full interview online:http://www.thehousewifewannabe.com/2011/07/interview-adrianafabiana.html

watch the full interview online:http://www.thehousewifewannabe.com/2011/07/interview-adrianafabiana.html

Comments

Anonymous says: July 14, 2011 4:31 p.m. I love their bags!!! That purple one is divine!!! They seem to have a good head above their shoulders, which is important! Wish them all the success in the world!

Anonymous says: July 14, 2011 4:33 PM wow! bellos bolsos. Dignas mujeres guatemaltecas emprendedoras. Maria says: July 14, 2011 5:32 PM Incredible, amazing and mind-blow-ing... The work these two sisters have done! It really inspires many Guatemalan women (including my-self) that things can be done when proposed. It is evident the sense of style, effort and passion they have putt in every detail of their work. I can’t wait to own one!

Ira says: July 15, 2011 6:03 AM What a wonderful post to wake up to! First, I really love all the designs and my favorite is the blue/white handbag you are holding in the last picture!Love, Ira

ENTREVISTA ADRIANAFABIANA PARA REVISTA

Siempre hemos tenido un gran interés por la moda. Nuestra familia materna proviene de Italia y nuestra abuela trabajo en la industria de la moda en Milán. Fabiana después de graduarse del colegio fue a hacer un curso de diseño de moda en el instituto Polimoda en Florencia, Ita-lia. Ambas fuimos a la universidad en Estados Unidos, Fabiana estu-dio Economía y Finanzas en Southern Methodist University, mientras que Adriana estudio Emprendedurismo en Babson College. Cuando nos graduamos de la universidad y mientras buscábamos trabajo nos interesamos en ayudar a nuestro padre en la finca de avestruces. Es-taban haciendo botas vaqueras con las pieles de avestruz y nosotras decidimos probar hacer bolsas que pensamos es un producto más fácil de vender. Nuestra madre nos apoyó desde que le planteamos la idea y no solo creyó en nosotras sino que también nos dio las fuerzas para enfrentar el reto que es comenzar algo y trabajar siendo socias y hermanas. Adriana se mudó a Nueva York y fue entonces cuando aprovechamos a buscar fábricas de bolsas y completar un estudio de mercado, así fue como vimos la oportunidad e iniciamos AdrianaFa-biana.

¿Cómo inició la idea de este negocio?

Desde pequeñas nos encantaba ver revistas, shows y libros de moda entre otros. Nos probábamos ropa y accesorios inventados. Uti-lizábamos cualquier material que encontráramos para inventar pul-seras, cinchos, tacones (jajaja). Mientras fuimos creciendo nuestra abuela nos enseñaba sobre las diferentes telas y costuras. Definiti-vamente heredamos un interés por la moda y a eso se sumó nuestra pasión y aprecio por la misma.

¿Cuando eran pequeñas mostraron esa inclinación por la moda, diseño, etc.?

En la unión de lo que nosotras consideramos “nuestros tres mundos”; uno es el país en el que crecimos, Guatemala, el país que nos brindó la educación superior, Estados Unidos, y finalmente el mundo de la moda. Nos inspira todo lo que nos rodea, en especial cuando viaja-mos. Nuestro padre se empeñó en que conociéramos muy bien Gua-temala, desde pequeñas nos llevaba a viajar dentro del país y aprendi-mos a apreciar la cultura guatemalteca, su inmensa biodiversidad, la cultura, los colores, paisajes, gente, comida… eso hoy tiene un gran impacto en nuestros diseños. Vivir en Estados Unidos no hizo ver el inmenso contraste entre un país desarrollado y uno en vías de de-sarrollo. A pesar de lo difícil que es aceptar esa realidad, nos inspiró a demostrar que los guatemaltecos tenemos mucho que dar y que somos muchos los guatemaltecos con la capacidad y las ganas de competir en el mundo globalizado de hoy.

¿En qué se inspiran para diseñar?

Nuestro proceso para crear la primera colección empezó con una in-vestigación profunda de las tendencias de la moda. A pesar de que siempre estamos al tanto de la moda viendo revistas como Vogue, Bazaar y Elle, investigamos que recursos existen que profundicen más sobre las pasarelas y propuestas de la moda del momento. Después de habernos familiarizado con el tema y habiendo entrevistado infor-malmente a varias mujeres sobre lo que buscan en un bolso, comen-zamos a dibujar. Al presentar los dibujos en la fábrica nos enfrentamos con el primer obstáculo, nos pedían dibujos más desarrollados y en otra dimensión. Para aprender sobre esto y darnos a entender en la fábrica, construimos las bolsas de papel cartulina. Luego, escogimos colores, pieles exóticas y no exóticas, accesorios de metal, zippers, forro y otros materiales que diseñamos y mandamos a hacer espe-cialmente para AdrianaFabiana. Con todo esto listo, entregamos la orden a la fábrica y se hacen las primeras muestras. Decidimos usar estas muestras personalmente para evaluar la calidad, comodidad y reacción del público hacia cada estilo. Realizamos algunos cambios y actualmente terminamos nuestra primera producción completa de la colección.

¿Cómo es el proceso creativo de un bolso? Desde el momento de inspirarse hasta que

está en la vidriera de la tienda.

La colección se basa principalmente en pieles exóticas (pieles de av-estruz, caimán, manta raya, lagartija y pitón) pero algunos diseños tienen también pieles no exóticas. El forro interno de todas las bol-sas también es de piel. Todas las pieles que usamos cuentan con un permiso de la Convención sobre el Comercio Internacional de Espe-cies Amenazadas de Fauna y Flora Silvestres (CITES por sus siglas en inglés). Es importante tener este permiso porque CITES se encarga de regular la especie y de que no se utilice más de lo necesario de un animal para producto de comercialización. Para nosotras es muy importante, no solamente por cumplir con el aspecto legal sino por nuestra propia ética.

¿Qué tipo de materiales usan?

Diseñamos un producto elegante, clásico, pero a la vez moderno. La intención aparte de utilizar nuestro propio estilo como inspiración es que todo tipo de mujer pueda adaptar la bolsa a su propio estilo.

¿Qué tipo de mujer usa un bolso AdrianaFabiana?

A pesar de que estamos apenas empezando, sabemos que queremos apoyar causas sociales en nuestro país. Por ahora reunimos grupos de mujeres en comunidades rurales que no tienen ingresos y les da-mos el material para que hagan los bolsos protectores de las bolsas y luego nosotras les compramos estos bolsos. Pensamos en mujeres porque nosotras lo somos y hemos visto el impacto que tiene el hecho de que dos mujeres sean empresarias y empiecen desde cero. Que-remos apoyar a estas mujeres también porque creemos que aportan a su hogar y velan por el bienestar de sus hijos. Conforme Adriana-Fabiana vaya creciendo queremos que nuestro apoyo a muchas otras causas sociales en Guatemala y el resto del mundo también crezca.

¿Cuáles causas sociales apoya la marca?

Por el momento estamos concentradas en que AdrianaFabiana sobre-viva la entrada al mundo competitivo de la moda. Esto lo queremos lograr enfocándonos en complacer a los compradores (desde bou-tiques a tiendas de departamento) y a sus consumidores finales. Tam-bién planeamos mantener la marca fresca lanzando nuevos productos en el área de accesorios. Es importante enfocarnos para no descuidar lo que hemos logrado hasta ahora con la marca, y esto lo hacemos también a través de relaciones públicas y publicidad. A largo plazo pensamos agrandar la empresa y diseñar ropa y zapatos.

¿Qué próximos proyectos están planeando?

Por el momento pueden ingresar a nuestra página web: www.adri-anafabiana .com y enviar el pedido por correo a: info@adrianafabiana.com. En Julio las bolsas estarán a la venta en FS Richard, joyería en Guatemala y muy pronto esperamos vender también en una tienda en El Salvador y el resto de Centroamérica.

¿Cómo una de nuestras lectoras salvadoreñas

puede adquirir un bolso de la marca?

Nos encantan las bolsas cómodas y espaciosas. Admiramos mucho a Carolina Herrera, sus bolsas son de buenas pieles, duraderas, y el estilo es elegante pero colorido y exótico.

Además de sus bolsos, ¿qué marca de bolsos

les encantan?

Nos encanta tener la oportunidad de responder a esta pregunta porque buscamos transmitir un mensaje a todas las personas que tienen un sueño: “Tener un sueño e imaginárselo, es el primer paso y el más importante para realizarlo. Hay que creer en uno mismo y es-forzarse para planear e ir paso a paso. No todo empieza grande, y los obstáculos que uno enfrenta y errores que comete son lo que lo lleva al éxito. También les aconsejamos aceptar todo tipo de crítica pero saber definir cuando viene de una persona con intenciones positivas. Finalmente otro consejo importante es números números números! (jajaja)

¿Cuál es su mensaje individual para la gente

emprendedora que quieren darle vida a un proyecto como ustedes hicieron?

REVISTA CAFÉCULTURA