Sang A has made her designs known in the fashion world. Whether it be through word of mouth, celebrity sightings, TV sightings, or just being in the know, Sang A Bags have cultivated a strong following. Sang A bags are known for their exotic skins and stand-out designs. While in NYC last month, Vlad and I missed meeting with Sang A but were able to follow up with an interview last week.
The Koren born Sang A was making waves in the Korean entertainment and music scene and is now making waves in the US handbag design scene. Her designs are more well-known by the day. Some of my favorite designs by Sang A come in shapes that are not polluting the handbag market. Her River Tote is very well known and well liked, offering a square tote shape with hardware that stands out. Her pouch clutches are favorites of mine as well, easy to wear out and dress up for an event or pair with jeans. We shot a variety of Sang A bags in our studio to give you all a better look at the amazing work that goes into each bag and showcase the essence of the bags.
Not only did we nab an interview with the designer, take exclusive shots of the bags, but also we have a special discount code for all Purse Blog readers! There is already a 30% Holiday sale on the website, but our Purse Blog readers will receive an additional 10% off that reduced price when they enter code PBXMAS at checkout on SangA.com. The code will be kept up from today until Sunday, December 28th. If you order by the 19th, your order will make it in time for Christmas! An amazing 40% off Sang A bags means this is the perfect place to shop for exotic handbags for the holidays. Thank you to Sang A for setting up this code for you all and giving us the chance to interview her! Shop Sang A online and receive 40% off!
PB: Tell us how you got started in the handbag business.
Sang A: After experimenting with different careers in fashion from designing my stage costumes in Korea to styling after moving to NYC, I chose handbags as the best way to really develop my brand and signature style. It is wonderful to see the great reaction to my handbags and I am looking forward to moving into other areas.
PB: Your bags have been seen on many celebrities and now many TV shows; who have you loved to see your bags on most? Do you feel giddy like a child when you see your works on these people?
Sang A: I have been very lucky that many celebrities have been excited about wearing my designs…It was wonderful to see Blake Lively wearing my River Large python tote on Gossip Girl, especially since she is a SANG A fan in real life.
PB: How much impact does celebrity/TV exposure have on your business?
Sang A: The power of Celebrity & TV is integral in helping to build a brand. Whenever an actress wears one of my bags on the Red Carpet or TV, the reaction is instant and it drives sales strongly.
PB: Who would you love to see in your designs that you have not yet? What bag would you give them?
Sang A: Chloe Sevigny; I see her wearing my new Pane bag and I see it flowing with her style very well. It is an understanding of classic maturity meets youthful edge.
PB: You must see people on the streets and out and about with your designs, do you tell them who you are?
Sang A: I do often see people sporting my bags around and each time is unbelievably exciting and rewarding. To see people making my design uniquely their own is satisfaction enough without introducing myself to them directly…though they sometimes do recognize my bag and that sparks conversation.
PB: What bag are you currently carrying from your collection?
Sang A: I live in my River Large Tote in Very Soft Shiny Black Alligator. It is big enough for all of my work and play essentials…and for travel it is perfect. For evening I have been loving my Flash Parallelogram clutch in Black & White Polka-dot Pony, it adds a touch of whimsy to all of my evening looks.
PB: What bag do you love most from your line right now and why?
Sang A: I am most in love with my new design the Pane bag in Rustic Grey Hand-waxed python. It is a completely unique design that is luxurious and distinctly fun. It mixes luxe python or alligator skins with exquisite Italian linen.
PB: You started as a popular performer and singer? Any clips of you performing/singing? Do you still sing?
Sang A: Yes, my career in Korea included performing on various TV programs and working as a Recording Artist. Those influences always are within me and strong passions of mine, but I am excited to focus on my bags and some new design projects currently…there may even be an upcoming album in the works….
PB: What do you love most about NYC?
Sang A: I am so amazed by the people of New York. Just looking out my Soho studio window inspires me with the variety of personalities & styles that pass by. I love to watch them and imagine their individual lives.
PB: If someone asked you the perfect Holiday gift from your collection, what would you tell them?
Sang A: Without question, my Pouch in various pythons and anacondas is the perfect Holiday gift. The price is great and the style is so easy and chic. You can personalize your friend’s & family’s tastes with all of the colors and finishes I offer, from rich chocolate brown python to glam sea blue metallic sheen python.
PB: What is on your Holiday wish list?
Sang A: A Balmain cropped military jacket will add just enough rock & roll to my wardrobe and more time with my family.
PB: How will you spend the Holidays?
Sang A: I am very excited that my husband and I are taking our girl on a road trip to Florida to visit Disney World. After the Magic Kingdom, we will spend some time enjoying the Miami sun.
PB: What bag from your collection do you recommend for a New Year’s Eve party?
Sang A: Because you want to shine on New Year’s Eve, my Flash Parallelogram clutch in Bronze Mirror leather makes a big impact…its glowing golden hue lights up any outfit.
PB: Holiday traditions?
Sang A: The traditions I bring from Korea mixed with my husband’s Jewish culture create a very fun mix. Mostly, it is the foods from Korea that represent my culture the most and give me the most nostalgia.
PB: What do you indulge in?
Sang A: Korean junk food is definitely a guilty pleasure of mine.
PB: Favorite TV shows?
Sang A: I cannot live without Korean cable. I can get lost in it and feel instantly at home.
PB: Favorite music?
Sang A: Right now I am listening to a huge mix from my husband’s newly produced artist Manze Dayila & the Nago Nation, a hugely talented Haitian artist, to everything Stevie Wonder.
PB: Favorite place to eat?
Sang A: Hoi An in my Tribeca neigborhood has delicious Vietnamese food.
PB: Favorite websites to browse?
Sang A: 20ltd.com, Refinery29.com, and of course, Purseblog.com
PB: Favorite vacation destination?
Sang A: Korea with the comforts of my home and Mother.
PB: Favorite activity when you are not working?
Sang A: Spending time with my family and sleeping. I have been working so hard as my company has been growing fast and any free time I have I want to build memories with my family or get some much needed rest.
