Linea Pelle Month: Week 2 Giveaway

I loved this part of the interview,

So if we asked you when you were 20 ,do you think you are going to be involved with handbags? Would your answer probably have been no?
Andrew: I would of been like “What, are you crazy!”

I mean what 20 year old man would ever think he’d be involved in handbags! Gotta love it.

Fantastic interview! Andrew is so down to earth and open. My favorite part of the interview was when he was describing the LP girl. Bags are really an extension of your personality, and its great to get his perspective on the personalities that would mesh well with LP’s style!

I also liked the Samantha/Sirena bit…I watched Bewitched, but I don’t think I would have caught on. Cute.

My favourite part is definitely talking about how he came up with the name Sirena, who would have thought it could be something so.. silly and normal? Always love when people stick in little private jokes or references into their work, purely for their own amusement!

My favorite part was definitely about how he got into the business- how he was a med student, then architect, then fashion designer. I wish I had the guts to do that! Now I’m regretting everyday that I have chosen the path of nursing and not going to FIDM! oh well, I guess i’ll leave fashion up to Andrew and I’ll go on saving lives =)

I LOVEEE the dylan handbags!

Andrew Cotton sounds like an interesting guy. I appreciate hearing how he was just pursuing different creativity venues and his career just fell into place. Good for Andrew! Keep designing your fabulous bags.

Hi,

I liked two parts of the interview:

1. The first part was where he said that he had no idea what he wanted to do after medical school and architecture school…He accidently started creating designs for textiles and accessories…

2. The “Bewitched” TV show inspired the design for Samantha/Serena handbags…I liked that part a lot…

The whole interview was great! I loved reading about the of how he evolved from being about medical student to being a handbag designer, and also how they try to stay true to the brand evolving.

i love that he followed his heart in what he wanted to do rather than what society told him he should do (Dr, architect etc.). Also the Sirena part is adorable hahah

I liked Mr. Cotton’s style prediction about hardware and color for next season.

I like when he said “what, are you crazy!” about ending up in handbags.. I’d love to randomly find myself working for a hip line like this one day

I’m always so curious how people end up in their line of work, especially bag designers! Its so interesting hearing how a progression of unexpected circumstances and experiences lead to starting a business then making fabulous bags!

I liked the part where Andrew talks about naming the bags, and the Samantha/Sirena connection. It’s such a cute little in-joke, and shows us just how much thought these designers put into their bags, even with naming them!

Haha! He’s awesome, I loved this interview….one of my favorite parts of the interview was when he was asked where he came up w/ the names for his collections of bags, and he said about naming one bag Samantha and decided to name another one of the bags from the collection, with a bit different shape Sirena for Bewitched. That was really cool, I like how, instead of naming his bags after a model or celeb, he decided to make it a personal little thing that would make him smile every time he sees his work. Very cool. Of course I was also very interested in what he said was the big thing for spring/summer 09…always interested in that. Very informative! I love Linea Pelle, the leather is SO AMAZING yet they’re very affordable.

I love the part where, when Andrew is describing his favorite drink, he says “I don’t want any little vegetation taking away from my drink and taking up space.” That was too funny!

My favorite parts (I had two, of course!) of the interview are first, when Andrew was describing the woman he met in New York ” who was literally always in leopard from head to toe.” That is hilarious, I love that he found her “fascinating” he is obviously a great character himself and is therefore attracted to others of the like. My second favorite part is when he said “there’s not a lot of culture [in L.A.]” I just love that he is so blunt and outright.

I liked the fact that you and Andrew had more in common than just his handbags, both of you liked Brothers and Sisters. This showed that you were able to be comfortable interviewing him. And I liked the fact that he wore his product (belt) that shows me that he believe in the product he produces.

My favorite part is when he talks about being true to the brand. I work in advertising, so that part spoke to me.

The tote is lovely

I was bewitched by Andrew’s fondness of the show, Bewitched which led to the Samantha and Sirena bags. I didn’t think of that when I saw the bags, but I so appreciate his “tribute” as I was a fan of the original series. I know it wasn’t part of the interview, but I just want to give a shout out to my favorite show, Brothers and Sisters! Kitty gets to carry all the interesting bags! Kudos to Andrew for finding a career that he so obviously enjoys!

Loved the Samantha/Sirena bit!

I really like his description of the typical LP girl. I never appreciated the beauty of LP handbags before. But now I think I really gotta get one of these beauties!

The part where he talks about how he name the bags were cute.

My favorite part of the interview was when Andrew talks about how he comes up with the names of the bags- I love how he doesn’t over think it.

i have to say I liked the Samantha/Sirena part but I’m dying to know who will be the celeb he chooses to work with.

I was so surprised to read that Andrew started out in Medical school…then Architecture….what a circuitous route to design! So interesting! Needless to say, I ADORE Linea Pelle bags!

I liked his overall attitude. He maintains his dignity and doesn’t seek out celebs to promote his product but recognizes that great design will be recognized.

Loved his Sirena and Samantha story. And am glad he had the guts to leave medical school. I know too many people who didn’t and are regretting it. (Like design you have to love medicine to practice it!)

sorry…couldn’t take it out of context:

An LP girl is an individual & not afraid to express herself- She has great style and isn’t afraid to mix it up! She’s not so obvious and in your face with blatant logos and labels (although she does love a little luxe!),.More of understated casual chic I would say-The best of uptown and downtown!

Perfect description!

i think its fascinating learning how people come to be what they are. the fact that he had started out in med school and ended up being such a successful designer only inspires other people like him.

I like when he described who he thought the LP girl was, because I feel like that is a great attitude to have when designing purses for the every day woman (something that is classy, but not overly trendy!).

I love love his dylan bags!!!! and was excited when he mentioned LP might collaborate with designers/celebrities in the future.

What an interesting guy Andrew is!!! I really admire how he tried out different things/ careers to find his true passion. He is a really talented guy!

I also love the way he descirbed LP girls! It was so funny. He expressed great energy!

I loved how he talked about coming up with the bag names and how it just clicks…loved the Bewitched story. Very great article…will make me look at LP a bit more!

I loved his whole attitude and outlook on everything, he seems like he would be a great guy to meet and just have a drink with! I especially liked hearing what direction LP is going in, with lots more Dylan (my favorite line), and more beautiful colors! It was also interesting to hear he didn’t start out in the career world as a designer…just goes to show that you never know what direction life can take you.

I really enjoyed the whole article. I just love LP and all of the designs!!!

Absolutely loved the “Are you crazy?” response! Hysterical!
I watched Bewitched and had never noticed the name thing. That was cool. He seems like a very down-to-earth guy, always love when a line has people like that.

It’s very interesting to find out how he got started in designing. From a doctor to a designer.. wow!

Because I love very dry vodka martinis too! Oh, Andrew, I knew I liked you…

I liked the fact that he randomly met a woman in NY and took a class with her and started designing different accessories. It was totally random and ended up being a wonderful career! If only we could all be so luckly. But, you need to have the talent I guess.

i like the part when he describes an lp girl as an uptown and downtown mix and as understated and chic ;-P just like me

I found the fact that he was inspired by a tv show (Bewitched) to design the Samantha/Serena Bag. It’s amazing how people are inspired. Oh and I loved his description of LP girls LOL

I love that he went to medical school and also went to school for architecture before finally finding out that he loved designing bags! I always find it so interesting when people start out on one path and then end on so successful on such a completely different path!

Andrew must have a great sense of humour and not take himself too seriously. How he came up with the name for his Sirena bag is just clever, and he’s right, it was right over my head, never would have got it.

Really interesting article and Linea Pelle, I guess I assumed that the one designing the bags would be a woman. Really what does a man know about purses? But as you read the article it unveils the man and his love for the bags he makes. I do love the cute joke on the Samantha/Sirena bag, I loved Bewithched when I was little too!

I own one of their belt’s and a few months ago I tried to purchase one of thier bags in turkquise but it was sold out. That bag seemed to be the perfect shade of turkquise. I guess I have to agree with Andrew when he said Linea Pelle does get colors right because I still dreaming of the bag wishing I got it!

I really liked reading about his evolution into his accessory career. Sometimes you falling into a career is the best way to find your niche.

I read the interview last night, and it sorta tossed around in my mind today. I’ve been an Andrew Cotton Fan since he started at LP.
The part of this story I love is how effortlessly his designs click; it’s a continuation of the way he naturally found his work / it found him.
His LP designs evolve just that organically. He keeps his decorative elements to a single note. Never OOT, just right-to-the-edge.
An understatement in honest naked leather – pure & simple.
Following LP design is pure fascination! This is still just the beginning of what we’ll see from the illustrious Mr.Cotton and his distinctive style.

(As much as I love my Samanthas, I hope to meet Serena soon, in royal purple w/gunmetal!)

naming bags!

“Honestly as I am doing them it usually just clicks. I will be working on it for a few days or whatever and I will be like oh great name and write it down.”

My fave part is how they come up with the name!! I am surprised they aren’t named after anyone. Very cool interview! )

HAHA, loved the Samanth/Sirena part.. haha, good stuff

I love the part about naming the bags. I know how that can be. Sometimes you think of it and it’s perfect!

My favourite part of the interview was the discussion on changing trends in handbag lines.

Love the interview/Love the purse!

Loved the comments about naming the bags. It appears that he puts alot of effort in his bags!

my favourite part of the interview was finding out how he got into handbag designing. sometimes you end up doing what you are meant to do! luckily fate intervened so we get to buy gorgeous handbags!

i really liked when he talked about celebrity influence and how they may or may not send bags to the celebs. i’ve always wondered how/why celebs have the latest “it bags” early on!

i really liked his journey to how he got there, making handbags. it’s never quite what you expect, but it always works out great!

I liked the part when he described the typical LP girl the most. It feels like he is talkning about me!

I liked most two part of the entire interview. The first one is where he tells about his studies: he discovered his talent in design after trying various choices of education. Not always people admit having the planning of the future not so clear. Hat off for his sincerity.
Second: the Linea Pelle woman is someone which is not fond of big logos. I recognized myself in it. I like bags, but not too bright in colors and evident in logos.
Thank you for let us know about the giveaway.
Sara as Redcat

I love the discussion of color, and the importance of color to the LP brand. The colors they use are chic and in style, but they’re also timeless and not difficult to wear. The colors of LP make the bags so distinct!

My favorite part was the drink discussion, because I was obsessed with martinis before I discovered wine.

PB: What’s your favorite drink?
Andrew: Very very very dry Belvedere martini. Freezing cold, no twist, no olive, no funny stuff. I want it just freezing cold and dry. Delicious. I don’t want any little vegetation taking away from my drink and taking up space.

It was a nice interview. Always interesting to learn about the designers and what inspires them. My favorite was naming the bags. I always wondered that myself, if bags are mostly named after friends/family or historical figures or just plain randomness.

Love the colors!

The little bit about Samantha and Sirena was cute and clever!

I loved the interview! It was interesting reading what they have in mind as the typical LP girl.

I always enjoy hearing both the path that managed, somehow, to lead to this field, and the idea of what is the direction going forward (colour is always a good thing!)

nice interview. who knew he was in medical & architecture schools? amazing where his passion took him.
ooh! i love that lola bag. comes in big and little. hmm, what to do, what to do…

I have to to say that I have two favorite parts:
1 – Where he is talking about how he names the bags. I like that he has his own little stories for each bag. Especially the Bewitched reference. If I were him I would get a good chuckle every time I talked about that particular bag.
2 – The fact that he doesn’t like “vegetation” taking up space in his drink. Hilarious. I love the word vegetation in refernce to drink garnishes.

My favorite part of the interview is his description of his favorite drink! haha!

PB: What’s your favorite drink?
Andrew: Very very very dry Belvedere martini. Freezing cold, no twist, no olive, no funny stuff. I want it just freezing cold and dry.

I loved how he started out in medical and then ended up in design, i also thought the part about naming the bags Samantha and Serena after the Bewitched characters was a riot!

I love this statement: “An LP girl is an individual & not afraid to express herself- She has great style and isn’t afraid to mix it up! She’s not so obvious and in your face with blatant logos and labels (although she does love a little luxe!),.More of understated casual chic I would say-The best of uptown and downtown!”

we all need to be a little more like that!

Interesting interview. I think his take on who his customer is appeared spot on……”no blatant logos and label”. My favorite part of the interview was how glleful he seemed that nobody else caught on to the Bewitched reference in naming the bags Samantha& Sirena- so it was an inside joke.

” I think it is more about staying true to the brand. The celebrity aspect happens to go as the icing on the cake, because I don’t know that we necessarily seek it as much as it comes to us. ” I like this part because celebrities come and go but a true quality bag will always be a great purchase.

I love this quote: “The best of uptown and downtown!” I think that is something many women strive for! Linea Pelle seems like a great combination of the two and a great representation of “California culture” which was also touched upon in the interview. Love the collection!

My fave part of the interview was when he made reference to “Bewitched” when talking about how he named the Samatha and Sirena bags…my sister is named Samantha, and my mother named her after the Samantha of “Bewitched”. As she was growing up, my sister has this evil side to her that I refer to as her “Serena” side. So I laughed and laughed when I read this part of the interview. I think I’m going to have to go out and get a “Samantha” bag for my sister (or maybe even a “Sirena” bag) for her next birthday…

Definitely the best part of the interview was when Andrew described his start in the fashion business – meeting and befriending a petite, gregarious NYC woman who wore head-to-toe leapard (can’t you just picture her?) and then going to F.I.T. classes with her, etc. As overly sentimental as it may sound, I think that it proves that seemingly random and innocuous events in our lives – including the people that we run into – often lead us down paths of the unexpected and often toward success. I’m always running into people where I think, “Gosh – I wish I could be their friend! They would lend so much color to my life!” Andrew jumped on that bandwagon, took those classes with her, and just look where he ended up! His bags are gorgeous!

I liked hearing about how he names the bags. I’ve always wondered about that! The Samantha/Sirena was funny too — I have a Samantha and I always liked watching Bewitched!!

My favorite part of the interview was when he talked about his education and how he switched from considering a career in medicine to a career in design. This particularly interests me because I find myself in almost the exact same dilemma: a career in biology and academia or one in art, design, and fashion? It’s a choice between what speaks to your mind and what speaks to your heart – i.e., impossible! In any case, it’s heartening to read about someone who chose the latter, since my family seems to think that would be the worst idea ever

My favorite part of the interview was finding out exactly how he got into handbags!! What a really cool story!! Loved the interview!!

i love how he got started in design!

For a fashion student such as myself, this interview was very entertaining! i love hearing about people’s creativity and success in the fashion industry. It didn’t feel like he was trying to sell the bag when he talked about the LP girl and her personality traits. It felt like he was speaking about his best friend or someone he admired, which makes me want to own one of these bags more than ever before!

love the typical LP girl question – well who doesn’t? guess that’s exactly why LP appeals to us.

I was not surprised that Andrew came to fashion in a completely roundabout manner. If you look at the fashion greats, they exude style in every aspect of life – hence the staying power and lifestyle branding success of Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, etc… Style is something that will be expressed no matter which misguided direction you set off in, as long as you follow intuition and opportunity.

Go Linea Pelle!

Having majored in architecture myself, I thought the “architecture too intense” thing was hilarious. Related to the transition to home design, then home accesories, to jewelry, etc. I especially liked his frank disclosure that he ” was kind of floundering between and took a course and ended up with a mentor who kind of started me off in design.” I think it shows how important a mentor can be to young talent.

I liked the part where it explained what they have in mind as the typical LP girl. I always find it interesting to learn what kind of women designers want to design for.

I love hearing how people got started in their industry and hearing Andrew’s answer was no different. His hop from med school to architecture and then finding his way to design shows it took him a while and a few detours to find his calling. Well, its taking me a while too and I’m still pondering the detours so it’s nice to know it’s not too late for me.

My favorite part was the where he explained how he came up with the name for the Sirena bag! Soo funny, I loved Bewitched!

Great interview. What an interresting start – medical school, architecture and then into design.

I like his story about the little old lady in leopard being an inspiration to him! So cute. Funny how people like that enter our lives and make an impact w/o even knowing it.

When asked if he thought he’d ever be involved with handbags…“What, are you crazy!”

When asked about his favorite drink: “I don’t want any little vegetation taking away from my drink and taking up space.” So cute!

I loved that he said his favorite vacation spot was his HOME (In upstate NY). When you are as busy as he is & you don’t get home a lot, you appreciate it more. I like that. Plus, I ‘m sure his home is FABULOUS since he started in home furnishing accessories.

I like how he thinks it’s funny that he just kind of fell into designing. You wouldn’t expect going into medical school that you would end up being a major designer.

Great interview.

The Sirena/Samantha thing was great. But I also loved that he started out in medical school! It’s quite inspiring that someone as successful as him in his field could have no idea where he was going early on.

That was a great interview! My favorite part was the story behind his Samantha and Sirena bag. It’s always interesting to find out how designers come up with names for their bags.

I loved reading how bags are named. I have always wondered if they were named after specific people in the designer’s life or if it just happened (like the Sirena bag name).

I think the a good part of the interview is when he describes his life history and how he got to where he is today. It seemed to happen organically for him….he went with his instinct of design and listened to his passion for designing. Its inspiring to hear stories of people who really pursue what they want to do (forgoing a medical career for architecture then design). And if he were not with Linea Pelle, you would probably still see him elsewhere doing design work. Nice work asking questions that lead to thought provoking answers!

I am very shocked that he started out in medical school. I think it just sorta shows that even designers and celebrities go through these situations where you don’t really know what you want to do in life. I just love that he is so down to earth as well. Can’t wait to buy a LP!!

I love the part where he went o medical school and then architectural school and thought it was too intense! That’s funny!! and it’s also so unusual for someone who goes to medical school to end up designing bags!!!

What a wonderful success story about finding his passion!!!

I love to know how designers “fell into” designing. I think great design comes from atypical places–and varied backgrounds.

And references to the Rose Bowl make me sigh for my hometown…. Thanks for the in depth interview.

My favorite part of the interview is when Andrew tells us how he got into design.

Very interesting interview! I really liked hearing him talk about his history and I liked that he was able to admit that they made mistakes in the past and they didn’t have “perfect” bags. It’s refreshing to hear someone say they’ve learned from their mistakes rather than defending a weaker product because they are “XYZ” brand and they never make mistakes! Hearing the ideal LP girl was also fun because looking at their collection I can envision it exactly. He certainly knows his audience!

Andrew: An LP girl is an individual & not afraid to express herself- She has great style and isn’t afraid to mix it up! She’s not so obvious and in your face with blatant logos and labels (although she does love a little luxe!),.More of understated casual chic I would say-The best of uptown and downtown!

Anyone so bright and has such a creative talent is a winner to me. I really enjoyed the part about naming the purse and having a classic TV show as an inspiration.

I like the part how he evolved into becoming a designer. I mean, I really do not love the job I have right now and I wish I would discover what I really want to do. Im very happy and excited for his new passion because I am a bag lover too!

My favourite part was the description of the typical Linea Pelle girl – hooray for bags with subdued logos!

My favorite part is definitely him describing his favorite drink:
“I don�t want any little vegetation taking away from my drink and taking up space”. I don’t even care if I sound juvenile, but I couldn’t help smiling at that part.

Wow, I can’t believe this contest is for the lola bag, I’ve been wanting this bag for a while.

My favorite part of the interview was finding out that he initially considered carreers in medicine and architecture before landing in fashion–he seems like such a well rounded person!

I really liked the part about naming the bags after the characters in Bewitched. I never would have thought about that even though I used to watch the show all the time. It was really clever of him!

I love the part about happy hour!

Well my favorite part of the interview had to be the whole Samantha/Sirena name thing. It’s nice to see such a famous designer be themselves and not be all stuffy. It really added to bring out his personality and made me love the bags even more than before. Plus it reminds me of myself and friends…they hardly ever get the things i think are so funny until AFTER i explain it.

The best part was the commentary about the naming of “Sirena” and how he would get a chuckle out of it because he’d be the only one to know of it.

Overall, it was interesting to read from a designer’s perspective and especially considering he dropped medical school for this!

It was interesting to find out that from med school, he went into designing! It’s so different, yet can be done

I love love love the great pics! Purses make me drool!

What a good read I really enjoyed the part, when talking about the naming process for the bags, he mentioned the “Samantha/Sirena” story. It’s a cute idea first of all,. but just the way he almost chuckled to himself in that ‘At-least-I-thought-it-was-funny’ way is so hysterical – and so REAL. I would love to just have coffee with this guy.

I loved the interview where he talks about the Dylan line and how LP is all about color..I am obsessed!!

I thought it was funny that when he was twenty he thought wouldn’t have been doing this.
It’s always interesting to hear about someone whos career is outside of their norm.
I love his style. Its awesome that these bags can be casual of formal at the same time.

I loved reading about LP, I want one now. I thought it was interesting that he considers fringe more timeless than trendy. I like the sirena bag and story as well.

I found the entire interview interesting. One of the most interesting parts was that he had originally started out in med school.

I like the part where Andrew discusses naming the bags. I’ve always wondered why designers use certain names (I’ve always wanted a ‘Krystal’ bag and never found one!) The Samantha & Sirena story is cute & I wouldn’t have pieced it together myself. I found it interesting that he started in medical school, then architecture & now is designing belts & handbags. I’m currently on my second career choice ( Int’l Business to Interior Design) and it’s hopeful to see that I still have a chance to be successful. I graduate school soon so hopefully I can convice someone to treat me to a LP bag as a graduation gift!

I love the mental image I got of the leopardskin lady!

my favorite part was when he discusses how he came up with the name Sirena versus the existing Samantha bag. I love Bewitched! Where is the Tabitha bag then??? Plus, anyone who loves Belvedere is fine by me. Also love how he begins with a desire to be a physician and is detoured to handbags! Reminds me of my other fave designer, Rebecca Minkoff.

Others have already said this but I also loved the part about how he started in medicine, switched to architecture and then found his way to a true calling. That’s inspiring to me – brave of him to switch and hold true to himself. Plus – man, the bags are fantastic!

Andrew knows exactly how I feel about LP. LP’s bags are definitly for individuals who dares to express herself. It all comes down to the way she carries herself AND the bag to determine whether she has style or not. So many people has the wrong impression that a person’s style determines the bags they should carry. This phrase is in my dictionary, “More of understated casual chic I would say-The best of uptown and downtown.”

I liked this part mosts:
PB: How do you come up with the names for the bags?
Andrew: Honestly as I am doing them it usually just clicks. I will be working on it for a few days or whatever and I will be like oh great name and write it down.

My favorite part would have to be where he talked about how he got into the business. He started off in such a completely different area and like he said, “floundered around” in different majors and career paths. I find myself in a similar situation, and he definitely gave me hope and inspiration that I too will someday have great success in a field I truly love.

I was very intrigued by the way Andrew Cotton names the bags. I loved how he did a play on the names Samantha and Serena from Bewitched when naming the Sirena bag. I thought that was very witty and I enjoyed reading that he names the bags so he can get a chuckle even if no one else gets it.

I would have to say his description and particularity for his favorite drink was one of the interesting parts of the interview. says something about a person, ya know?

I loved hearing about how he got started! It is always so interesting to find out the interesting stories of how designers got started and i thought that it was crazy that he almost became a doctor!

I like how the names of the bags he designs just comes to him as he’s working.

I loved the description of the girl he made hats with: “Then I met this lady in New York, who was literally always in leopard from head to toe. She had silver white hair, and was really cute and petite.”

I want to meet her! (And I liked the part where he mentioned he didn’t want any vegetation taking up space in his drinks)

This is my favorite part:

PB: So if we asked you when you were 20 ,do you think you are going to be involved with handbags? Would your answer probably have been no?
Andrew: I would of been like “What, are you crazy!”

i love reading about how a name just clicks with him and he writes it down…

I admire the fact that Andrew set his heart to do something and went after it. He never stopped pressing forward because he was born to pursue things beyond his wildest measures. He gave the saying “the sky is the limit” a true meaning. The bags are amazing.

I liked the the Bewitched story. I always loved Serena, she seemed to glamourous.

It is really interested to read about Andrew’s background, the years before coming to Linea Pelle how he tried different studies and jobs. I enjoyed reading about the Dylan and Sirena lines and the fact that fringe is huge.

Looks like one or two retail shops may be in future. Good luck.

Please enter me. Thanks.

I enjoyed this interview with Andrew Cotton. I feel that he is an extraordinary
designer and has incredible taste and knowledge of what his demographic wants.
The Alyssa and Janis bags really knock me out and are as close to Desmo’s style of bags without being a rip-off! This guy is amazing!

I loved the part where the Samantha/Serena handbags were inspire by “Bewitched” . I am a big cinema/television buff and although I’m not saying that all shows are good it just goes to show how people draw inspiration from all sorts of places!