Embark on an enthralling journey through the fashion industry with the remarkable Sage Aubrey, whose rise to acclaim was cemented with her distinction in the 2019 Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design competition. Sage's candid recount of her path from concept to creation offers invaluable lessons on the complexities of handbag design, highlighting the significance of pricing strategies and balancing a brand's essence with market appeal. As you listen, you'll uncover the behind-the-scenes intricacies of Italian manufacturing and the thoughtful consideration of every stitch and seam of a designer handbag. This episode isn't just a narrative; it's an immersive masterclass that captures the essence of a designer's growth from stocking first collections in boutique stores to navigating the sophisticated dance with retailers and embracing the direct-to-consumer model. Sage shares the exhilarating moment of landing her first major order and the strategic thinking behind keeping a brand alluring through exclusive releases and seasonal refreshes. Aspiring designers and aficionados alike will gain a wealth of knowledge from Sage's experiences, including her role as a mentor guiding emerging talents to sculpt their unique product lines in the fashion world. Wrapping up with Sage's personal anecdotes and reflections, we traverse the landscape of brand-building in the fashion industry. We examine the transformative impact of the Luna bag, which carved a niche for Sage Aubrey as a brand, and the tenacity required to maintain one's vision amidst the ever-present tides of opinion and trend. The episode wraps up with a candid look at the current retail environment, offering strategies for success that span from captivating storytelling to assertive self-promotion. Join us for an inspiring discourse that spotlights the milestones and resilience needed to flourish in the kaleidoscope of the global fashion scene. Follow Sage: https://www.instagram.com/sageaubrey  https://sageaubrey.com/  Shop Handbag Designer 101 Merch: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/category/all-products Register for the Handbag Designer 101 Masterclass: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/challenge-page/Masterclass Book a handbag session with Emily: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/ Hire Emily to be a guest speaker at your event: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/speaking Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HandbagDesigner101-IHDA Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handbagdesigner/ Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@handbagdesigner Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/handbagdesigner