Our interview with the hit clutch and bag designer Mercedes Brunelli.
Mercedes greatest inspiration came from her grandmother, whose love and enthusiasm to create influenced her own passion for design. Because of her long term battle with Multiple Myeloma, which never hindered her creativity, Mercedes now donates a percentage of each bag sold to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation in her loving memory.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Creative, Driven, Passionate
Why did you decide to become a fashion designer?
I don’t think it was a decision it is just who I am, I am meant to create.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion a way to show who and what you are through appearance.
How do you describe your fashion style?
I personally like to wear clean line with bold and statement accessories.
What is it like working for yourself now and who is your dream client?
I LOVE working for myself, I know the ins and outs of my business best. Dream client would be anyone artistic and fashion forward.
What is your favorite part about being a designer?
The sky is the limit, if I think it I can make it.
How did you select the materials you used?
I usually tend to gravitate towards anything with bling and sparkle, but I really love working with anything unusual.
Why did you decided to join a very competitive market as are bags and clutch?
I always had a love for wearable art and wanted to create something that was unique and could not be found in the everyday market. Clutches just happened to fall into my lap and be the perfect outlet for me.
What is different from your brand to other brands?
My designs are so unique and exclusive. Each one is handmade and is truly what I consider a piece of art.
Who was your role model as a child?
My Grandmother, she was an amazing and extremely creative person.
Name some of the celebrities that use your products?
My designs have been showcased and used on runways and red carpet events, recently at this years Emmy Awards.
Who are some of your favorite models and designers, and why?
I am truly inspired by Eli Saab, Zauhair Murad, Georges Hobeika. I love their designs and attention to detail.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Expanding and launching new lines, I plan to start designing shoes with the same wearable art concept.
Best advice ever given?
“Everything you can imagine is real” -Pablo Picasso
Any future plans you want to share with us?
Expanding my collection to other accessories, like I mentioned shoes specifically.
How did you stay fit?
Most women hate me for this but I don’t exercise. I actually live on burritos, pasta and wine.
How is a normal day in your life?
I have a dachshund who I absolutely adore, so a lot of my free time is with him. The majority of my day I spend designing a creating, it is what I truly love to do!
What advice do you have other aspiring fashion designers?
Do what you love, don’t ever do something because of anything other then that. Finding you true passion is the ultimate success.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I would love to travel and experience the world, with no specific set destinations just making memories and experiences along the way.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Wine
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza
Do you support any charity?
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation in My grandmothers memory. A percentage of my sales are donated in her honor.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
A relaxing laid back day filled with family, friends, food and wine.
Something people don’t know about you?
I love to cook, not sure that Im great at it but I love to.
Name one beauty product you can’t live without?
I love my Kevyn Aucoin Highlighter
Where can people see more of your work?
Website: MercedesBrunelli.com
Facebook: Mercedes Brunelli
Instagram: Mercedes Brunelli
Quote: “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but imagination” Albert Einstein
Favorite Singer/Artist: Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra
Movie: Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Sports Team: New England Patriots
Drink: Wine or water
Tv Show: Boardwalk Empire
