“Her handbags are the bomb!”

Fashionistas have been ooooohing and ahhhhing ever since the introduction of Danielle Nicole DiFerdinando’s luxury handbags for the Danielle Nicole Handbag Collection.

DiFerdinando (left), a 22-year-old entrepreneur and native of Maryland, attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, before heading off to Europe, and apprenticing at Anthony Luciano, Be&D, Bergdorf Goodman, has created a series of wow-pleasing delights in Italian lambskin, French embroidery fabric and crushed patent leather, which conjure up old world luxurious elegance and sophisticated stylings.

You can purchase Danielle Nicole Handbags online at Three Lovelies, Neiman Marcus, Raven Style , and CUSP, or shop for them at various locations including Bloomingdales, Shag, Girl Cat, Pamela Robins, The New York Look and Cantaloup.

We thank Danielle for taking time out from her busy schedule to participate in our Interview.

Fashion Time: Where did it all begin for Danielle Nicole DiFerdinando? How did you get your start in the field of design?

Danielle DiFerdinando: My passion for design began at a very young age. First, I began designing custom neckties and ultimately found myself focusing on handbag design. I studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology and later, I went on to Europe. While abroad, I became transfixed by the design and manufacturing process of the design houses: Fendi, Hermes, Prada, YSL, and Armani. From there, I aggressively worked my way to apprentice at prestigious companies such as Bergdorf Goodman, Gucci, Be&D, and Anthony Luciano.

In 2006, Danielle Nicole Handbags launched. By early 2007, the cosmetic buyer at Bergdorf Goodman recognized asked me to design an exclusive line of luxury cosmetic bags. Soon, the handbag buyers were quick to notice the success of the cosmetic bag line and I was asked to design a collection. Orders from Neiman Marcus, Saks 5th Avenue, Holt Renfrew, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, and many specialty stores across the United States soon followed.

Fashion Time: Danielle, what makes you tick? When your alarm goes off in the morning, what motivates you to rush out of bed and start designing?

Danielle DiFerdinando: I’ve always been a morning person. A lot of energy is needed in this industry, and luckily I like to get up early and get the day started. A great design idea may have come to me in the middle of the night and I want make sure I don’t to forget it.

Fashion Time: Everyone’s a designer these days in our Reality Series culture. What enables you at Danielle Nicole Handbags to stand out from the masses?

Danielle DiFerdinando: We’re able to stand out because not only do we have a classic yet fresh vibe, but we focus on function. Our bags are made with lamb skin which is softer and lighter than cow skin. Furthermore, our bags are lined with washable ultra suede in anticipation of make-up spills. Also, many of our bags feature adjustable straps. On many of our clutches with straps, the strap can be tucked in. On our larger bags, many straps can be converted from shoulder bag to messenger. We also like to feature outside pockets for the essentials.

Fashion Time: Your thoughts about the ‘it’ bag era? Would you like your bag to be considered an ‘it’ bag?

Danielle DiFerdinando: It doesn’t matter if we have an it bag or not. Our concern is that the customer loves our bags and come back to buy more!

Fashion Time: Do you have an artistic or designer muse that you draw inspiration from?

Danielle DiFerdinando: I look everywhere. Whether it’s museums, a person, TV, books, or something I see at the park, nothing can be ruled out.

Fashion Time: What’s the hottest trend in handbag design these days?

Danielle DiFerdinando: Light weight bags. With all you hear about in the news of back and shoulder problems from heavy lifting, it’s important to design something that fits the needs of today’s consumer.

Fashion Time: Are there any handbag styles from years past, that you think will be making a comeback?

Danielle DiFerdinando: I would have to say sensible sized shoulder bags. Bags that can fit what you need without overpowering the person.

Fashion Time: What factors help to determine tomorrow’s trends in handbag design?

Danielle DiFerdinando: Designers like to keep things fresh. If there is a style that we haven’t seen in a while, we get an itch to bring it back. The ‘it’ bag from last season wont be the ‘it’ bag for the next.

Fashion Time: For whom are you designing your handbags for?

Danielle DiFerdinando: Danielle Nicole handbags are for the woman who is looking for a great quality handbag that is trendy but has stay power. She confident, likes to travel, read, watched both educational and mindless TV. She’s versatile and needs a functional, light weight handbag that can transform with her.

Fashion Time: The “A” Number One, top reason, for buying a Danielle Nicole bag is?

Danielle DiFerdinando: Like I said before our main focus is function, and that has to be the top reason to buy a Danielle Nicole handbag.

Fashion Time: What’s the strangest handbag you’ve ever seen?

Danielle DiFerdinando: It would have to be this bag I saw in a vintage store. The bag was made from Crocodile skin, and it still had the animals arms on it. I know that was once in fashion, but it definitely freaked me out.

Fashion Time: Which designer, dead or alive, would you like to have lunch with, dishing fashion ideas?

Danielle DiFerdinando: Tomas Maier. He’s such an inspiration to me. I love Bottega Veneta. His designs are so beautiful and classic.

Fashion Time: Tell us what your biggest guilty pleasure is?

Danielle DiFerdinando: Bad TV! It’s a pretty crazy schedule and I like to unwind with reality shows that seem to feature people who’s lives are more hectic than my own.

Fashion Time: What are your five desert island staples?

Danielle DiFerdinando: My blackberry, the Tudors DVDs, my George Foreman grill, my ipod and my family.

Fashion Time: What’s a fashion don’t for you?

Danielle DiFerdinando: Don’t do what doesn’t work for you. While there might be a trend that you’re itching to try, if it doesn’t work, don’t do it! My best fashion advise would have to be if you’re comfortable and it looks good, it doesn’t matter if it’s the hottest trend or not.

Fashion Time: Reveal something unique about yourself?

Danielle DiFerdinando: I come from a fast food background. Since I was six, I have been working for my fathers french fry company, Boardwalk Fries.

Fashion Time: Could you describe your own personal style to us?

Danielle DiFerdinando: Classic. I don’t get too crazy with the trends. I like clothes and accessories that I’m not only going to wear today, but I’ll still be wearing it in ten years if it holds up to my wear and tear.

Images Credit: Danielle Nicole Handbags