Kathy Karadza began designing handbags as a hobby when, while working backstage on an Off-Broadway show, she decided to grab some extra costume fabric that was lying around and try her hand at making a handbag. Discovering she had a knack for it and that it served as an outlet for her creative energy, she continued to experiment with different shapes, fabrics, and styles, now creating her bags in the living room of her Brooklyn apartment.

Kathy still makes her bags the way they began—from hand-picked and eclectic fabrics and leathers, and without confining herself to any one style. Every item is handmade by the designer. Her approach is to design accessories that are utilitarian, yet classy and stylish.