Posts Tagged ‘Bryna’

For our special Mother’s Day series, designer Bryna Nicole McMills talked with us about her mom and the time she enjoys with her family. Her favorite gift ideas for Moms are the Bay Bag in a Black Stingray or the Varennes Satchel in a Black Breakaway, both of which are from the Bryna Spring Collection. For the chance to win a fabulous handbag, follow her on Twitter, and re-tweet the post about the giveaway, including at least five people. Increase your odds by “liking” her Facebook page. The lucky winner will be announced on Monday, May 9.

SF: How has your mother inspired you as a person?
BM: My mom has always taught me to be true to myself and to go after what I want; She has taught me determination and how to motivate yourself when all odds seem to be against you. Whether this applies to getting into the college of my choice, making the NCAA Championship waterpolo team or starting my own company – I use this lesson in day to day life!

SF: What is your fondest memory of your mother new or old?
BM: This is a tough one- so many great times with my mom and family even up until last week! Every year the day after Christmas my mom and sister and I head out EARLY to the department stores to get the sales! Its one of the best days – we have lunch at the Rotunda in San Francisco and come home with bags of goodies!

SF: What is your mother’s style staple?
BM:Black tailored pants and classic jewelry; she always looks great and pulled together, something that I aspire to as I am always a last minute throw together kind of dresser. But she always is sophisticated and classic without trying.

SF: What do you value the most about your mother as her own women not related to you as a mother figure?
BM: My mom is the most non-judgmental person I know. She has taught me not to judge others and in turn not to worry about what people think of me. She also has an incredible ability to make friends. Wherever she goes – whatever group she is involved with, she has a solid circle of girlfriends around her.

SF: What was your mother’s best style tip she ever gave you?
BM: My mom & I have very different perspectives on style. She is very careful and always makes sure to buy quality items that will last a long time. I tend to be more reactive to instant gratification and sometimes make a frivolous choice. She has taught me to choose carefully and make sure what I buy is something not just trendy but something I’ll love for years and years.

Serrano Hobo in Silver

Designer Bryna Nicole McMills has been surrounded by fashion since she was a little girl. Early on, she enjoyed her sketchbooks and finding her design aesthetic. A native of San Francisco, she graduated from UCLA and attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. She worked as a stylist and as a consultant at a local women’s boutique, taking note of the details that were missing in the accessories market. In 2006, she started her brand Bryna to offer women a wonderful combination of uptown sophistication and downtown originality. The collection of handbags and totes is currently sold on shopping sites, including Shopbop, Bloomingdales, Piperlime, and is available on her own site, shopbryna. Recently I had the pleasure to talk with the designer about her Summer Collection and her travel plans this year.

SF: Tell me about your favorite styles from the Spring 2011 Collection.
BN: I love how the Quintara Tote is very durable, especially in the Ivory Distressed color with a lovely chocolate trim. It’s very versatile too. You can bring the bag to the beach or use it as a weekend tote. Another favorite is the Flint Backpack. I designed the bag as a fashionable update of the school backpack. It’s very roomy with a ton of pockets. I plan on bringing it along on my trip to Asia!

SF: Speaking of travelling, your handbags and totes are ideal as a carry-on bag for air travel. Is versatility important to your design sensibility?
BN: Working as a style consultant, I saw what customers wanted from their handbags and accessories. I knew that functionality was very important. The Hermann School Bag (from her Spring line) was originally designed as a messenger bag, but it ended up being large enough to fit a lap top. For another style, the Serrano Hobo, I added four pockets that all go the way through so it’s much easier to grab your essentials in the bag.

SF: The Summer Collection for 2011 is available now for pre-orders. What styles should we be looking forward to?
BN: I discovered these amazing fabrics from a woman who imports them from India. I was really inspired by the beautiful colors and sifted through over 300 patterns for the handbags and totes. It was a challenge to decide which ones to use for the Ikat Fabric Collection. I also updated the Serrano Hobo, our best selling style and size, in different summer patterns to add some color to your summer outfits. The handbags are made of very durable cotton and lambskin trim, which are perfect to bring to the beach or a city cafe.

Ikat Summer Collection