Faux Fur & Feathers : Tracey Vest

Designer: Tracey Vest
Maker of: Feather and faux fur purses
Domain: Los Angeles
Day job: Accounting firm
Inspiration: Feather boas
Site: Tracey Vest

Interview with Tracey

How did you get started making purses en masse?

I used to watch my female relatives when they gathered at family functions when I was little, particularly my grandmothers had what is vintage now. Cool-looking handbags stuffed with all the necessities: gum, lipstick, extra jewelry, cigarettes, lace hankies, funky glasses... I just thought it was very glamorous and girly. I am a big purse gal and I usually altered things I found at thrift shops, hand-me-downs, or stores to make them my own.

How is working with feathers and faux fur?

Fun! I have a cat who is determined to be my assistant. I can't help but have fun working with them. The colors! And it makes me laugh how they turn up in the strangest places. I would never use real fur -- the faux looks so real that is unnecessary. The feathers are all cruelty-free -- they are gathered not taken from the bird unless it is a food source. I have started using leopard skin, [so] maybe I have a wild kingdom theme going on or the everyday-unusual like that TV commercial.

Why do boas inspire you?

I just always notice them and thought they were so pretty. Like old movies and musicals and how women used to dress. They are so pretty but who gets to wear one? The occasion may come up, most likely not. So I found a way I can wear a feather boa without it being Halloween, and get too many stares. :0

Your purses are named for the women in your family. Give us a little backstory on these inspirational ladies.

Each purse has a little story or personality. There are some really cool names -- my folks are from the Midwest.

Alex, the multi-brown coque feather purse was my first one... I named it for my only niece who is biracial, and the colors reminded me of her.

The Pauline faux fur is my maternal gran ... She wanted a fur coat, it wasn’t in the budget but she managed to get herself one!!

Eva, faux-fur with sequins is my paternal gran. She was very glitzy every day!! I thought the sequins on fur was tastefully over-the-top, like her.

Saundra, ostrich feathers is my mom, who passed away last summer of pancreatic cancer. She loved purple, so I donated one to a pancreatic group in New York and plan to do so here in the fall. Very spooky, I later learned, that purple is the official color of pancreatic cancer. I think she would be tickled.

Do any famous people carry your purses?

I did give a few out, so it is possible they are walking the red carpet and going clubbing. Mostly l like to donate to silent auctions at charity events, since I live in L.A. I thought that was a good way to get some "celebrity exposure" while helping a good cause.

What is your daytime purse? I hope it is a feather one!!

Of course!!! I carry Alex brown usually, and I have a very large version of Augusta Ostrich in pink. In the winter I carry a Pauline faux-fur.

How many purses do you own?

Good question, I would have to doublecheck a count...

Tracey, you gotta take the purse poll!

How do you decide to buy a purse and where do you get them? Or do you use just your own?

The shape of the purse is what I look at first -- is it practical to carry the necessities? I get them from different places: downtown in the garment district, the Internet. I just started designing my own bodies and having them made for me. The bag I used for my mom' purse was my first official Tracey Vest purse body. It is much more fun, I can pick out the handle fabric and shape rather than look for what I want.

Tell us some purse stories.

I am always stopped by someone... I carry it to the grocery store... all ages and sexes.. Even little kids notice my purse. One of my stores told me they make people smile. They are not for everyone to carry, but everyone likes them. The guys definitely notice them and take advantage of striking up conversations. They have helped me get a few first date conversations started. I even have struck up conversations with grey-haired bankers in the building where I work. Grocery store, airports -- I am a little shy until I get warmed up, so when I walk in alone someplace it is sort of like not being alone. : 0

What's next for the Tracey Vest line?

Well, I am pretty much making this all up as I go along on what I call "half-a-shoestring budget," but I think this is how I am supposed to be doing it.

I am also moving into other accessories. I have even made myself some leopard and some faux fur shoes!!! People ask me if I want to be the next Kate Spade. Heck no, I want to be Ralph Lauren!

Rock on, Tracey!