Lauren Cecchi’s Handbag Launch At Macy’s
By Ashlan Kelly
Staff Writer
After earning her degree in business administration with a specialization in fashion, Lauren Cecchi moved to New York City and made her wildest dreams come true. After four years of hard work, her luxury handbag collection is now being sold in Macy’s for the holidays.
Cecchi hails from the small town of Madison, CT, but a change of scenery was what compelled her to come to Lynn in the first place. The beautiful weather, the breathtaking campus and the exciting opportunity to study business and fashion at the same time is what initially convinced Cecchi that Lynn was the school for her.
The Lynn alumna has always possessed a deep love for fashion since she was very young.
“When everyone else was deciding on what to study in college, I already knew,” said Cecchi. “In fact, I could think of no better option. Fashion is and always will be my passion.”
After graduating in 2011 with her undergrad degree and attaining her MBA in 2012, Cecchi decided to move to the big apple to work as an assistant buyer for a year. During this time, she gathered the majority of her inspiration and knowledge to launch her brand.
While working as an assistant buyer, Cecchi realized that there was a significant need for American-made luxury goods and it was her chance to take care of that need. She turned her dream into a reality through hard work, patience and devotion.
In order to get her handbags to be sold at Macy’s, Cecchi applied to a program called “The Workshop at Macy’s.” Over 2,000 brands applied to this program, but only 12 were chosen to join, Lauren Cecchi New York being one of them.
The secret to Cecchi’s success is to take things one day at a time and to always make meticulous business moves.
“My success comes from a mixture of following through with well-thought-out plans and having the guts to make leaps of faith,” said Cecchi.
Cecchi’s luxury handbag collection was made in the heart of New York City’s Garment District. Every season, Cecchi designs various styles of hardware and new handbag styles. She also creates custom leather colors contingent on the seasons’ trends.
As of right now, the line only consists of handbags and accessories. However, come 2018, a wider range of items will be available for customers.
There are three new styles of handbags exclusive to Macy’s and each will be offered in three seasonal colors. The new styles include the Tote, the Zip Tote and the Fold-Over Clutch, which comes in navy, black or taupe. All of them are made from nubuck suede leather and come with a festive metallic interior as well.
The price range varies, but is reasonable and catered to the average Macy’s customer. For example, the Fold-Over Clutch is $125, the Tote is $150 and the Zip Tote is $175.
In the future, Cecchi would love to expand her brand into a lifestyle brand which would include clothing and home décor. Her goal is to have a large showroom for clients to visit, to host buying meetings and press events in NYC, as well as at least twenty employees working with her on all facets.
Presently, Lauren Cecchi’s luxury handbag collection is being sold in Macy’s Herald Square as well as at Macys.com.
