Noblivity catches up with independent designer Fossati…”My collection reflects my heritage, and the romance and elegance of Italy.”, Catherine Fossati Healey
Company/Designer Name: Fossati/ Catherine Fossati Healey
Designer Background Summary:
Creating the brand Fossati has been like traveling back in time to younger days. Many years ago I designed jewelry for a high end jeweler. I financed a good deal of my college education designing jewelry; which led me down my plan B path for over 20 years. My last corporate gig was heading up Chrysler Financial’s consumer facing online initiatives. I left Chrysler in 2007 and only occasionally look back. In April of 2009 I launched Fossati.
Fossati is my maiden name; my family originates from Milan Italy. My first collection is named The Italian Collection to reflect my heritage while evoking the romance and elegance of Italy. The Venice Evening bag and Capri Day bag are in production. I’m working on a third design I hope to debut in the spring 2010.
The Fossati Italian collection was presented at Henri Bendel in NYC last October. I’m reaching out to number of exclusive brick and mortar and online retailers.
Fossati handbags are made of luxurious materials like genuine alligator, ostrich, lizard, and python. Our linings are of soft Italian leather in bright playful colors. We use only the finest materials because Fossati bags are made to last and hold their beauty. We hope that our handbags are coveted and passed down to a favorite daughter or granddaughter. Our customers are confident, sophisticated women who value quality and uniqueness over brand recognition.
Noblivity: How did you get started?
Catherine: Designing and selling handbags and shoes has been a muse between my sister and me for years. When we would complain about our day jobs the conversation would inevitably wander to selling bags and shoes. It sounded so much more fun.
Noblivity: What inspires your designs?
Catherine: The Italian collection reflects my heritage, and the romance and elegance of Italy. Each design in the collection is named after and inspired by a city in Italy. The Venice Evening bag is sexy and elegant. Like Venice it has many mood s from very formal to casual chic.. Aqua waters, blue sky and a warm breeze of the Isle of Capri inspired design the Capri day bag. Luxurious but laid back, the sleek low profile of the Capri bag can be used during the day and cruise right into the evening.
Noblivity: How would you describe your design style?
Catherine: My design style is Classic, understated elegance. I’m designing with a very confident sophisticated woman in mind. I’m using only the finest materials. The designs are simple and minimal to show off the luxurious materials.
Noblivity: What designers inspire you?
Catherine: You know something is classic when it continues to be popular for 50 years. Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton have staying power. For something to truly be elegant it has to be simple and work.
Noblivity: What obstacles did you have to overcome?
Catherine: I’ve been in a steep learning curve for the last year. The most difficult phase has been the marketing and sales. I have a marketing background and there is a formula for successfully launching a handbag line. The problem is that everything is in a state of flux. What used to work isn’t guaranteed anymore. In the design phase and in learning about materials and manufacturing I found mentors who taught me. I haven’t been marketing and selling long enough to know whether my efforts are effective.
Noblivity: How did you overcome them?
Catherine: I try different things. I meet and talk to as many people as possible. I try to be open and available. I follow my philosophy “live spherically, keep my child like enthusiasm’ Things have come my way. I’ve been very fortunate so far.
Noblivity: What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
Catherine: Landing the Henri Bendel show and signing on with Vivre last October. Bendel has incredible name recognition, doing a trunk show there opened doors. I discovered Vivre about a year and a half ago. I loved Eva’s story and wanted to partner with them from the start. I’m fortunate that Vivre is carrying my bags. So far, they’ve been very good to me.
Noblivity: Where are you headed personally and professionally?
Catherine: I’m focused on getting my handbag line up and going. Once it’s established I may branch into shoes. Who knows? One thing I’m learning to love about this business is its spontaneity. It’s hard to plan, things kind of come together as opportunities present themselves.
Noblivity: If money were no object what would you do right now?
Catherine: That would be fun. Fossati handbags would be even more luscious. I’d travel looking for inspiration and materials to share with my customers. To celebrate my good fortune I’d sponsor young designers in launching their own line. If money were no object I’d find a way to help someone else.
Noblivity: What are the best and worst things about being a designer?
Catherine: The best thing is sharing my love of beautiful exquisite handbags. I haven’t found a worst thing yet.
Noblivity: Describe your typical day?
Catherine: My typical day shifts as I develop the Fossati brand. Most my time now is spent in marketing and sales. I have an ongoing social media campaign that includes twitter, facebook and blogging. I attend networking events; reach out to e-tailers and retailers.
This is very different than a typical day a few months ago. Starting in June of 2008, I was focused on market research on finding suppliers and a manufacturer. I had to learn about materials, how to communicate and work with my manufacturer. Each stage has been a steep learning curve. I haven’t really set into a typical day yet.
Noblivity: What’s your philosophy of life?
Catherine: I think it was stated very well in one of my favorite movies, ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’. I try to live by it and it does seem to work.
“Live life spherically – in all directions, and never lose your childish enthusiasm, and things will come your way!”
Noblivity: What’s your favorite meal time setting?
Catherine: My favorite meal time setting is breakfast in a warm shady place with stunning scenery. Over looking water or on a mountain or even a hilltop I love the morning before the crescendo of the day begins,
Noblivity: If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Catherine: Working in the corporate world was an easy way to make a great living but it wasn’t at all satisfying and It became risky. If I had it to do over again, I would pursue a more creative path while working a day job. I would not have ‘climbed the corporate ladder’, the ceiling was just too low. Instead I would use my position to promote my own business and leave corporate life as soon as possible.
Noblivity: When will you know you have made it?
Catherine: That’s a good question. I’m enjoying the journey. For me it is about the journey and not the destination. 99% of our life is the journey; the destination is just an end point.
