Dedra Weiss: Vintage Handbags with a Modern Flare
Dedra Weiss is a handbag designer and pharmacy student in Austin, Texas. She describes her handbags as being “reminiscent of the beaded bags of the 1920’s and early 1930’s with a modern flare.”
Dedra details what goes into the crafting of her handbags: “Several of the purses have actual vintage frames, while others have contemporary frames and designs. However, they all possess the dainty, artistic flavor of the handbags of an earlier era, stemming from the intricate beadwork that adorns their exteriors. The central theme to every handbag and purse is the hand-loomed seed beadwork that requires up to 40 hours of meticulous bead-by-bead construction. Many of the handbags contain over 10,000 seed beads, creating stunning designs with their vibrant colors. They are heirloom handbags.
“The fact that my purses are glass is unique in itself. Specifically, the entire exterior of the purses and handbags are made of thousands of tiny glass seed beads woven together to make a flexible sheet of glass beads. Since the beads are made of glass, the handbags have brilliant colors that shine and shimmer extravagantly in the light. Furthermore, I personally design and construct each one, which lends to the uniqueness of my creations.”
Dedra gets inspiration for her handbag designs from the colors of the beads and the handbag frames, “I find that the shape or etchings of the handbag frame instantly evokes an image of the shape of the beadwork that should hang from it. Likewise, my designs arise after I choose my bead colors. The vibrancy or natural tones of the colors typically guides me to create a modern or traditional design, which starts as an intricate sketch revealing each tiny bead in its proper position,” she explained.
Creating beaded handbags began as a hobby for Dedra when she was in college and her mother gave her a sack of seed beads from a vintage purse that her mother had given to her and expressed how she wished she had been able to see the purse, “Previously, I had made loomed bead bracelets and belts on a small loom that my parents had given me, but I had never tried anything as ambitious as a purse. I am always one for a challenge, making the purse with the vintage beads without a pattern or instructions. The purse wasn’t my most creative or brilliant, but it is treasured by my mother who now owns it. From that first little purse, I continued to improve upon my technique to the point I am today.”
In the creation of her handbags Dedra is keeping alive the tradition of loom-beadwork, “a craft that has historical significance in fashion and culture. As a result,” she says, “the quality and character of my purses and handbags cannot be matched by those mass-produced. The pieces are fashionable, yet they are also embodied with soul and emotion that stems from the long hours of care that went into their making.”
In conclusion Dedra had this advice to offer those interested in designing handbags professionally, “I would recommend doing much research into the business aspect of the trade. Designing is a fun and creative process, but business savvy is necessary for the survival of any magnificent design. Additionally, any good business must be started from a detailed and clear business plan.” Most of Dedra’s sales come through word of mouth or through her website so if you want to view or purchase one of her handbags we suggest you visit her at www.dedra.net.
