Interview from TextilWirtschaft, 2005

TextilWirtschaft is the largest European fashion trade magazine. It is published weekly in four-color magazine format and supported by two news-driven websites ( www.world-textile-news.com and www.twnetwork.de ) in English and German languages respectively. The subscription base of TextilWirtschaft magazine is about 50,000 with (due to multiple readers in each organization) about 250,000 professional readers in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and The Netherlands, most of which are retailers who are desperately looking for new labels.

Ulrike When exactly was the line launched?

jb One Year ago for Fall 2004. It took me a year before that to get the fit and construction on a level that I would put my name on it. The first line used a lot of faux fur and leather. For Holiday I experimented with the metallic leather trend and added big rhinestone belt buckles on the leather handle and metallic belts…very bling.

In Spring I mixed in semi-precious stone drops and pulls using more iridescent pastel leathers and added cuffs to the line.

Ulrike What is the concept behind the label?

jb This line is personal. It’s functional AND fun. My goal is to be collectible. For me, fashion is about having good pieces that help you make a statement, not outfits and uniforms that make one for you. I wanted to take the line past utilitarian designs cramming the mall in every color into a more personal expression. Textiles are a creative outlet for me. I have collected them since I was a young girl, before I knew how to sew. My great grandmother was a milliner and had a store selling handmade feather hats, which I still have. My great great grandmother taught me to embroider and made beautiful quilts. I lean towards simple comfortable designs to showcase the fabrics, leather and hardware then I mess around.

I tend to lean toward cushy bags that scrunch. You carry it under your arm, who wants to feel hard edges? The same goes with belts; I don’t want them digging into me. However, durable construction is essential for handbags to hold their shape over time when stuffed into luggage or stock full of necessities.

Ulrike What makes it unique and different from others?

jb Accessories have never been stronger. These days, you do read a person by what she totes. Handbags for women are what neckties are for men…aren’t we lucky! The old school briefcase and is just too dowdy …the matching bag and shoe, gone. Accessories are where you can go a little crazy and be creative with how you put yourself together. I add elements that stand out and say, “beautiful!” The devil IS in the details and fit is essential. I asked girlfriends what they wanted in a bag and designed that in. It’s amazing how many bags don’t adapt to free up your hands, or fall off your shoulder. My straps adjust from hand held to shoulder or shoulder to across the body. Like a well fitted jacket, that stays in style longer and comes back around, it has to be made to last.

Ulrike How would you describe the target consumer?

jb Designer jeans, cool shoe collection…she probably collects other fashion objects. She probably looks at her wardrobe as an investment, the woman looking to define her own style. She may already have some classic labels in her closet but didn’t buy them to fit in. She wants to feel special, fashionable without being over the top trendy.

Ulrike Where is the line currently being sold?

jb Currently I am just selling in small high-end boutiques.

• Atomic Model, Vancouver, Canada
• Crush, Malibu, California
• IndexX, Studio City, California
• Siani, Los Angeles, California
• Backstage, Laguna Beach, California
• Steam on Sunset, South Beach, Miami
• Lipstick, Reno, Nevada
• Shasa Emporium, Honolulu, Hawaii
• Electric Ladyland, Scottsdale, Arizona

jb My website: www.janitbaldwin.com is currently under construction and will be up and running by the end of February

Ulrike What are the retail prices?

jb $95 – $475

Limited Edition pieces run a bit higher in price - $250-600.

Ulrike Which celebrities wear the line or have worn pieces from the line.

jb Cameron Diaz has a few of my bags and she is the biggest. I’m told that Lauralee Bell and Traci Bingham bought them.

Ulrike Could you also tell us if there is any distributor in Europe at this time?

jb No. Any ideas?

Ulrike What are the main new trends you will focus on in the upcoming Autumn/Winter collections?

jb Distressed Denim, Black Overdyed Denim all mixed with dyed wovens and Italian Leathers. I’ll be using big belt buckles with stones on bags, belts and cuffs.

I’ll also continue to deconstruct, paint, stud & add stones on kimonos and other vintage fabrics for limited edition and one of a kind pieces.

Ulrike Howe is US Correspondent for TextilWirtschaft magazine  

TextilWirtschaft is the largest European fashion trade magazine. It is published weekly in four-color magazine format and supported by two news-driven websites ( www.world-textile-news.com and www.twnetwork.de ) in English and German languages respectively. The subscription base of TextilWirtschaft magazine is about 50,000 with (due to multiple readers in each organization) about 250,000 professional readers in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and The Netherlands, most of which are retailers who are desperately looking for new labels.