Design and Development Lab LLC

Brazilian native Carlos Falchi’s rule breaking approach to design evolved in the early 70’s out a desire to make unconventional clothes and bags for himself. His musician friends then began wearing his leather designs as stage costumes, and they in turn introduced his work to industry veterans such as Miles Davis, Elvis Presley, and Mick Jagger.

In the beginning, Mr. Falchi's handbags were distinguished by his unusual collages designed with an extraordinary range of multicolored exotic skins. After having studied traditional arts in Japan, he reinvented his approach to the design. This resulted in 1979, when he made his first unconstructed bag, the unlined buffalo satchel, made from a single skin with only two seams. Until that time, handbag production had been based upon traditional rigid European construction. It started a revolution in handbag making.

Carlos Falchi firmly believes that a handbag is an extension of a woman. With this philosophy, Mr. Falchi designs his handbags from the inside out, focusing his attention on the lining and compartments to make each handbag beautiful as well as functional. Mr. Falchi is also dedicated to the quality of his product and continues to make handbags that last for decades.

After a brief hiatus in the early 1990's, Mr. Falchi re-launched his collection in 1999 and has enjoyed resurgence with stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf-Goodman, all reporting brisk sales. His signature bags are renowned for their use of exotic skins and fine leathers and the shapes which include sleek and minimal clutches to oversized hobos.

The world of Carlos Falchi is ever expanding, most recently in 2009 with the launch of his Carlos Falchi for Target collection and his successful lines for the Home Shopping Network.

Today he designs accessories to compliment the runway creations of clothing designers such as Donna Karan, Vera Wang, Ralph Rucci and Bill Blass. His many loyal customers are as diverse as his talent, and have included such fashion icons as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Jessica Simpson, Cate Blanchette, Brooke Shields, Eva Longoria, Kim Cattrall, Heidi Klum, Madonna, Sara Jessica Parker, Sienna Miller, Jessica Alba, Demi Moore and Jennifer Aniston. He continues to design for the entertainment industry, such as "Lipstick Jungle”, “Ugly Betty” and Darren Starr’s “Cashmere Mafia”. Mr. Falchi’s handbags and gloves were featured in “The Devil Wears Prada” movie as well as Candace Bushnell’s very successful “Sex & the City”.

"I feel that I should have been a fortune teller, because my job is to predict the future. So, my focus first is colors and materials, mixing style and shapes. With that in mind, I embark on a great adventure in design.” – Carlos Falchi