I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie Francois at a friend’s wedding in San Juan Islands last June. Our mutual friend (the bride – thank you, Vanina!) made sure that we met since Stephanie and I have fashion in common. It’s always such a treat to talk to another fashion person and we spent some time chatting about the business.
Stephanie studied technical design at Lasalle College in Montreal, Canada. When she mentioned to me that she was working on her own handbag line I was intrigued because, as I told her, she is the third person I know who is designing handbags. I invited Stephanie to do a Q&A with ODFL when she was ready. I was delighted to hear from her recently.
What inspired you to start a handbag business?
In my spare time as a child I would always go to my drawer of fabric scraps to imitate designs I loved from the magazines. And I just love handbags! The bag you carry, to me feels sort of like the intonation of a sentence. It has huge impact of the overall vibe of your look. Even just in jeans and a t-shirt, you can feel either edgy or sophisticated depending on your bag choice.
Creating wearable art has always been something I’ve come back to, and now I hope it will be what I can make a living from.
I completely agree with you about handbags and you say it so well with “intonation of a sentence.”
Your design, which I would call “sophisticated whimsy” is so unique. What would you call it and where does that sense of whimsical come from?
Sophisticated edgy is what I usually say. Very close to your description, which I love!
I’ve always really appreciated classic, timeless pieces like a good trench coat for example. But I could never walk out the door without adding something that would give a bit of intrigue. When I dress with an edge, I feel more confident and happier! I want others to feel that way too.
Your unique handbag paired with a trench = great style!
Geissler is a sustainable company, please explain why that is important to you?
Creating and expressing yourself through art is a beautiful part of life, but there are ways to do it without a negative impact. My personal beliefs are that we are one with everything and everyone. I feel it’s everyone’s responsibility to treat ourselves, each other, and the planet with respect and care.
Where do you source your materials?
Finding materials for Geissler is not a one stop shop. At the moment, my primary material is a PVC canvas. I contacted a company in Montreal that makes inflatable bouncy castles and they ended up having tons of material leftover that was heading to the garbage, so I purchased from them.
Otherwise, I approach any fabric store asking if they have end of roll fabrics that they are getting rid of. Takes some digging, but every once in a while a shop owner will bring me into the basement of their shop and show me loads of fabrics from previous seasons that they are soon throwing away.
You say on your website that you studied fashion design as an “act of rebellion towards traditional education” – please tell us more about that.
School is very cerebral. After finishing high school I was in desperate search of a visceral learning experience. Something emotional. I wanted to try to reconnect with our naturally human creative abilities. My parents strongly encouraged me to go to collage (which I am very grateful for), so I chose design hoping it would help me ignite that creative fire.
OK, now for a little fun. Please share with us three things you carry in your handbag (and so will I). Me – a tape measure, pen/notebook, and lavender oil.
Notepad, hand cream, gum. I use all three of these items multiple times a day. I feel naked without them!
Congratulations Stephanie! Thank you for taking time to chat with ODFL.
ODFL readers, check out Stephanie’s whimsical handbags on her website Geissler. I’m thinking what a perfect holiday gift for the handbag collector in your life.
OverDressed for Life 