Rebecca MacGregor
Senior Handbag Designer
Phone:
+44 7946 023053
Email:
A Bit About Me
My career began in New York City at Parsons School of Design. Upon graduating, I had a variety of experiences within the fashion industry before specialising in handbag design.
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Although the purpose of a handbag is practical, I approach the task of design as prioritising both form and function and the materials as a canvas with endless potential. Michelangelo affirmed, "Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it". The method in which I reach that discovery is through a bit of performance art, which I refer to as "method designing".
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What is a Method Designer? Have you ever heard of Method Acting? Regardless of the silhouette or category, when designing a product, I use my entire mental, physical, and emotional self in the creation. I strive to understand the perspective of the customer. I surround myself with the visuals, music, and the complete ambiance of the desired aesthetic. Delving into the mind of the customer, while living their reality for the duration of the concept and development period, results in a more empathetically driven product. When I learn of an upcoming brand collaboration, I spend that evening watching the film and the next day listening to the film score as I work. I research extensively to understand the fanbase. I sift through all of the property assets to find the most iconic compositions and then study how those assets have been used in the market previously. This enables me to design a more competitive product.
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When I invest time and energy into a project, it must be unique and somewhat unexpected. That's the game. This empathetic approach infuses passion into each and every product I design, paying attention to the finest of details. The magic can be found within the hidden features designed into the handbags. It could be the intentional juxtaposition of pattern and texture or a hidden message stitched into the lining. Life is finite. Why not make it fun? Why not make it a game?
Work Experience
December 2020 - Present
December 2019 - March 2020
July 2018 - December 2019
May 2017 - July 2018
2015 - 2017
2013 - 2015
Dolls Kill Senior Handbag Designer, London, UK
- Designs both novelty and fashion-driven handbags for in-house brands and licensed collaborations
- Responsible for entire product design process from market research, concept design, product design, and technical specing to development and production
- Daily follow up with overseas factories for a smooth development process on multiple design projects simultaneously while ensuring deadlines are met with efficiency
Danielle Nicole Creative Director/Lead Designer, New York, NY
- Led team of three designers in creative direction by allocating projects, serving as a bridge between strategy and creative to meet deadlines
- Worked in partnership with licenses such as LucasFilm, Disney Classics, Pixar, and Warner Brothers to design handbags, backpacks, and small leather goods for international distribution
- Worked closely with chemical companies across Europe and Asia to gain a better understanding of the chemical components of sustainable polyurethane (faux leather) alternatives for manufacturing
OneDesign Home Senior Designer, New York, NY
- Designed home decor for major mass-market USA retailers
- Developed high-end stationery and desktop accessories, fashion accessories, bath and kitchen products, and decorative storage solutions for the juvenile & tween to adult markets
- Daily communication with overseas factories for sourcing, sampling, and pricing through to production and selling analysis
Steve Madden Accessories Designer, New York, NY
- Started gifting division for Steve Madden/Betsey Johnson and designed $5M profit in one year
- Textile Design, graphic design, packaging design, and product design
- Designed giftables, cosmetic bags, tech accessories, travel accessories, and SLGs for mass-market distribution
Enchante Accessories Accessories Designer, New York, NY
- Designed accessories for mass-market distribution (cosmetic bags, tech accessories, travel accessories, giftables, SLGs)
- Textile design, product design, and graphic design
- Market research complete with trend and color forecasting
- Worked closely with sales and production to assure quality products
- Daily communication with overseas factories for sourcing, sampling, and production
Myalark Fashion Designer, New York, NY
- Designed women’s activewear line, including original textile designs
- Hands-on experience with domestic factory from initial concept to technical drawing, sampling, branding, and production