I enjoy when I come in contact with designers who have unique passions.  Julia Dale Handbags reflects a passion for beautiful hand selected exotic skins.  This collection is styled perfectly for the modern woman who enjoys her handbag being center stage.

When was Julia Dale Handbags founded?

March 2010

I understand you studied art and was training to be a movie director, so what brought you to designing handbags?

I’ve been making clothes for most of my life, and when the thought of creating a handbag crossed my mind, nothing could stop me! As for designing, everything I did before helped to develop my imagination, but it was modeling that really opened my eyes on fashion. It began in mid-nineties in Saint-Petersburg, Russia, when the country was still recovering… Being a designer in Russia has never been an easy job, and I’m amazed that even in the most difficult times there was no shortage of truly creative people.

Tell me about what inspired your new collection?  What’s your favorite item in the collection and why?

It is the nature of crocodile skin itself that inspired me. I wanted to incorporate in my designs all that’s unique about crocodile and do it in a way that’s modern and chic.

Each item in my collection has its tricks, including understated Eterna which I love because I never had a hobo before… But my heart absolutely belongs to Foxie oversized clutch. It was the last one to design and I’ve spent quite some time trying to make that effortlessly looking flounce out of crocodile legs. Foxie is ready for a weekday, yet there is something romantic about its look… It is so me!

You use such beautiful and fascinating skins.  Why have you chosen to work with such exotic materials?  What do you feel these skins bring to the Julia Dale Handbag collection?

It was love at first sight! For me, it is the most beautiful material in the world, and the fact that it is so difficult to work with just makes it more attractive. I enjoy challenge!

Exotic skins are what Julia Dale collection is all about, my designs just cannot be reproduced in any other material. Several styles make use of crocodile legs, while others feature hornback scales… But I’m not dedicating my brand only to crocodile as there are other kinds of exotic leather I want to play with.

What obstacles or challenges have you faced on your journey?

I haven’t yet found anybody I can trust to bring my designs to life. To ensure the best quality, I produce all bags by myself.

What’s next for Julia Dale Handbags? New designs? New color? New styles?

For spring-summer 2011 I’ll be using mostly ostrich and stingray skins and that means color! Bright colors, color-blocking, cutout…. I took the inspiration from tropical flora and fauna.

I’m also thinking about a small limited edition cruise collection, not more than 3 styles, only a few pieces of each style, sumptuous and very special.

Are you involved in any philanthropy?

I was one of the sponsors of the fundraiser to benefit refugee children of Burma, organized by Network 355 and Free Burma Alliance, which took place April, 7th in New York.  They raised a lot of money for those poor kids and I was so happy I could help! Definitely wouldn’t stop on that.

In general, what has been the overall response from the public to your product?

I have 3 absolute hits so far, which are Romy clutch, Leona bag and Logrus tote.  All items in my collection are quite roomy, and I was thrilled to find out that people still love oversized handbags and clutches. But I appreciate any kind of feedback – it tells me if I’m going in the right direction.

Chic Galleria is giving away the gorgeous Dark Orange and Black Genuine Python iPhone 4G case, valued at $110 to one (1) lucky reader.  Do you own an iPhone 4G?  Would you or someone you know like to win this?  To enter, just leave a comment on this article.  A winner will be chosen at random and announced here on September 30, 2010.

Congratulations Cynthia!  We hope you enjoy this beautiful iPhone case!

For an extra chances to win:

Please visit Julia Dale Handbags, come back here and leave us a comment letting us know what you like.

Follow @juliadaleny on Twitter and give them a thumbs up Julia Dale Handbags on Facebook.

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Written by:  Leslie Chatman is a chic thirtysomething from Dallas with a passion for jewelry.  Leslie is the owner and designer of LunaTeal Jewelry and authors the fine art of jewelry, a jewelry blog.  Follow her on Twitter: @lunateal.

Tags: designer, fashion, giveaway, Handbags, shopping, Women