Darling Designer Profile: Zulema George, Handbag Designer

Zulema George always had a flair for fashion and knew what looked good, but she didn’t become interested in being a designer until 1995 when she returned to New York after attending Howard University to take a job in the fashion/retail industry. This sparked her interest in clothing and accessory design. Though her collegiate degrees are in the sciences, Zulema’s true passion is design. Her current studies, at the renowned Fashion Institute of Technology, in New York City, has only heightened her interests and fueled her creativity and desire to share her vision with the world. She has a unique eye for fashion and a knack for making everything that she touches beautiful.

SD: How did you get into fashion?
ZG: I have always been a bit of a fashionista. Even at a young age I was consulting my friends and family on their wardrobe, my parents can attest to that. As far as getting into fashion on a professional level, I first started out as an image consultant dressing artists for music videos. I gradually moved over to designing handbags and accessories because I grew tired of purchasing handbags made from inferior materials at exorbitant prices.

SD: When did you start your own line of handbags?

ZG: I started Anavaa Kisasa LLC in August of 2004.

SD: Where do you turn for inspiration for your designs?

ZG: My inspiration comes from my own wants and needs, the needs of my friends, anything that catches my eye during my travels around the city or while on vacation..

SD: What is your business motto mantra?

ZG: “A handbag is more than an accessory; it’s an extension of you”. A woman’s handbag defines her mood, her character and her sense of style. It is an important part of her outfit. Actually, to me the handbag completes her outfit.

SD: Who is your customer?

ZG: Funky, fashion forward women. Women who are not afraid of being different and set apart from the norm. Women who LOVE handbags!!!

SD: How do you market yourself and your label?

ZG: Currently I am in two stores, Edge NY Noho in Manhattan and The Time Boutique in St. Louis. In addition my handbags are sold on New York Fashion Connect, Inc. www.nyfashionconnect.com and of course Smashing Darling www.smashingdarling.com. I have also participated in several shopping events here in New York and Philadelphia. In a couple of months we will start our monthly newsletter and online blog to get the word out to our customers on all the happenings of Anavaa Kisasa LLC. In addition we are revamping the website www.imagebyak.com.

SD: How do you see your company in the future?

ZG: I see nothing but growth for Anavaa Kisasa. I’m very passionate about what I do and I won’t stop until every woman has at least one of our handbags. I have some great designs and plans that I am currently working on so stay tuned..just a hint…look out for our new line of t shirts…

SD: What does your average day entail?

ZG: Average? Ha! My days are usually hectic but fun! I check my emails, respond to vendors and/or customers, check out Edge NY Noho and see how the sales are going, decide on product changes and reductions, possible specials etc., and restock the store if needed. And when I’m not running around I sketch, sketch, sketch. Tweaking old designs, creating new ones based on a suggestion or something that caught my attention during my travels…..

SD: Describe your personal style?

ZG: Funky and unique. I mix and match, I do trendy and incorporate in the same outfit ¼..I also like to give drama and shock value when I put an outfit together ¼ something that makes people look twice. And then of course there are the accessories!!

SD: Who are your fashion icons (past or present)? How do they influence your personal style?

ZG: I don’t have any fashion icons…Growing up I was always taught to take great pride in my appearance whether my clothes were trendy or not. My Father always instilled in me the necessity of a good pair of shoes. I guess that’s where I get my obsession from!!! As for my Mother she was my first stylist. She often allowed me to have a say when choosing my clothes during our shopping sprees. I believe that because of their influences, along with the fact that at times I was given some artistic license when putting an outfit together, I developed my own personal style.

SD: Do you have any current fashion obsessions?

ZG: Shoes!!! I can’t live without them, besides handbags of course!! I feel shoes are the next best thing to handbags. There are so many choices, may it be height of the heel, type of heel, color, material….the possibilities are endless!!!!!!!!

SD: Is there anyone in the Smashing Darling community you have a question or comment for?

ZG: I would like to thank Trish and Julie for giving me the opportunity to showcase my products on Smashing Darling. This site has given me the ability to grow as an independent designer from a marketing and inspirational standpoint. I am able to reach out to the various markets through you–THANK YOU!! And I am truly inspired by all of the designers that are displayed on your site.