Dolce Vita Collection’s Laid Back, Luxe Handbags are Made for the “On the Go” Woman
by Chris Collie, NY Senior Editorial Director
I recently heard a fashion expert say, “Bags are no longer an accessory for women; they’re now an integral part of a woman’s wardrobe.” No truer words have been spoken when it comes to the modern, on the go woman. Not coincidentally, “on the go” is the exact description of the ideal woman given by Dolce Vita Collection’s founder Liz Hwang.
The streets of NYC gave birth to these bags, which have struck a chord with the effortlessly chic woman who wants to travel from the board room to a night out on the town. Thanks to Dolce Vita Collection, it’s an easy transition. Running to catch a cab for an evening soirée? Easy. Some bags convert to backpacks.
Running to catch a cab for an evening soirée? Some bags convert to backpacks.
We recently sat down to discuss her brand, experience the current F/W ’15 collection, and get an exclusive peek at the S/S ’16 collection.
Highlights of the F/W ’15 Collection
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Entering DV’s showroom, I was immediately greeted by the Dolce Vita logo, and DV’s Head of E-Commerce/Marketing Lisa Jackson. As Lisa escorted me to the conference room where I would be sitting down for an in-depth conversation with Liz, she explained they were in the midst of Market Week prep, so I would be the first to see the new collection. (Fashion gods shining down on me.)
Lisa explained I would be the first to see the new collection.
Next Liz walked into the conference room with the most pleasant smile and immediately thanked me for taking the time to show interest in the collection. Then she made me a friend for life, by offering me free reign of the giant candy jar at the centerpiece of the conference room table. I immediately thanked her and took note for indulging post-interview.
Q: Thank you Liz, for taking the time to sit with me. I know your time is limited, so I’ll make this brief. Considering how vast the handbag industry is, what differentiates Dolce Vita Collection in the marketplace?
Liz: We saw a white space in the handbag industry. So we focus on design as our differentiator, and translate it to the “Dolce Vita Woman.” This woman is stylish, aware, and constantly on-the-go.
Sneak Peek at the S/S ’16 Collection
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Q: If you could have a conversation, and give advice to your younger self, what would that advice be?
Liz: Always listen to your customer because this [looking into the showroom area from the conference room] is all for them. They are your bosses in terms of what you do. They vote with their dollars.
Always listen to your customer because they vote with their dollars.
Q: What direction do you see for the identity of Dolce Vita Collection going forward?
Liz: I continue to see the collection making a mark as a niche brand. It is — and will continue to be — for the woman who wants something different and special.
Dolce Vita is for the woman who wants something different and special.
Q: Thank you Liz, for your answers; I wish you well with Dolce Vita and thank you for allowing me this tour of the S/S’16 Collection.
After shooting pictures of the showroom and the new collection, I spoke with Lisa, and informed her I would be following up with more questions to try and get a better idea of brand’s DNA.
Q: What’s the origin and background of the name, Dolce Vita?
Lisa: Dolce Vita Collection was founded in New York to empower the effortlessly cool individual who knows the “Sweet Life.” We provide timeless styles with a twist, so our handbags can sustain the on-the-go lifestyle of go-getters.
We want to empower the effortlessly cool individual who knows “the Sweet Life.”
Q: Which handbag in the collection has really resonated with your customer? Is there a signature piece that’s a staple of Dolce Vita Collection?
Lisa: The convertible backpacks have been extremely popular. Each of these handbags features removable shoulder straps, so they can be worn as a backpack or a shoulder bag, which has become an essential feature for women who need to seamlessly transition from day to night. These are signature features affiliated with the brand. Designed with the “Dolce Vita Woman” in mind, we’re known for offering convertible designs, bold colors, and beautiful custom hardware.
The convertible backpacks have been extremely popular.
Q: How did Liz decide that handbags were the niche of fashion where she thought she could excel?
Lisa: Liz has always had an exceptional talent for design and attention to detail. She also witnessed her father found our parent company, which continues to flourish 31 years to date! These are two of many factors that have played a role in her pursuit of developing her passion.
Q: With the digital age catching up with fashion, how is Dolce Vita Collection positioning itself to adapt?
Lisa: We recently relaunched our website to include integrated social content. Instagram photos from @DolceVitaHandbags are fed into the homepage and index page content streams. We also launched a new social media campaign on Instagram, Facebook, and Google+ featuring the inspiration of New York City coffee culture, plus a content series featuring young women who personify the Dolce Vita brand and our commitment to on-the-go fashion.
We recently relaunched our website to include integrated social content.
Q: What is coming down the pipeline for Dolce Vita in the near future?
Lisa: As a relatively new brand, we are consistently seeking out new ways to show appreciation to our customers. Therefore, stay tuned this holiday season to see a series of digital and offline appreciation events tailored with the “Dolce Vita Woman” in mind!
Stay tuned for a series of digital and offline appreciation events!
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More info.: dolcevitahandbags.com
Editorial Note: The entire team at Dolce Vita Handbags were not only very welcoming, but knew their brand DNA and had a definite vision for their growth and expansion. They are definitely a brand FWO will be keeping an eye on.
With love,
FWO
The pieces of the new collection feature intricate details and elaborate production processes. Think the “slow cooking” movement, applied to fashion.
Especially evident in the collection’s looks is the delicacy of the fabrics, such as blond lace and open knit mesh. These were once used solely for women but now also hint at the skin of the male bodies on the catwalk. This “trifecta” — as it’s called in the firm — of three garments brought together by the same fabric and print in a single look yields a very compact visual concept, keeping with the style of Custo Barcelona.
In the men’s looks, the firm sought the carefree elegance of the Mediterranean man, using geometric and pictorial graphics in the signature look of the company.
I always love a challenge. I think when you put yourself in the position of the end consumer you’re trying to service, you end up really going in the right direction. And I think it’s because I wanted a challenge, and it was something completely different, and it was a bit disenfranchised from cosmetics. So I thought, “Hey I can try this.” And I love it. I love the feedback I get from our customers in our stores. We’re having a real impact and changing the dialogue.
Why can’t I get clothes that look like that in my size? 
So we’re constantly using it. But I think what has really rallied people around our Instagram account is we love that everybody posts. We love our “Fans Fridays,” where we post customer pics. We have fans around the world for our brands that probably never would have heard about Additional Elle if it wasn’t for our Instagram account. 
I want to be a global brand, and I actually think that one of the big opportunities to counter Victoria’s Secret, which doesn’t want to venture into plus size, is department stores have to break the rules.
