Usability and style meet at Mary Rich
If you’ve ever searched for a handbag that seamlessly merges fashion and function, you’ve likely noted it can feel like an impossible task.
Some bags are stylish but too cavernous, while others boast all the functionality of a Swiss Army knife but look too — utilitarian.
Thankfully, a Vancouver-based accessories brand called Mary Rich is looking to create products that provide the perfect balance between good style and usability.
We caught up with the brand founders Jana Macova and Shanli Najafy to learn more about the line, their mission and more:
Q What is Mary Rich?
A Mary Rich is a contemporary West Coast company that designs and develops a line of sleek and exaggerated high-quality, oversized-leather handbags and lifestyle accessories with the purpose of elevating your daily necessities. Ethically made in the U.S. and Canada, designed in Vancouver.
Q When and why did you start the brand?
A Jana started Mary Rich in 2013 with custom bags and small capsule collections of exaggerated and oversized clutches. At the time, she sought to find a void in the handbag industry by creating uniquely proportioned informal clutches, at an accessible price, with quality top of mind. Jana began to make these oversized clutches that quickly gained a cult following. Shanli was a customer and friend who came on board as a partner in early 2017 with a vision of building on the brand and taking it to the global market.
Q What makes Mary Rich designs different?
A The size of our bags are on average 40 per cent larger than those available from other bag lines. Our customer fits a lot into her day, she should be able to fit it all in her bag as well. The other important differentiator are the materials used — Mary Rich is resolute on using everyday, repurposed materials (in addition to leather), like marinegrade plastic and rescue-grade climbing rope to enhance the product life cycle and wear.
Q Which product is proving to be the most popular?
A Our simple but bold Clutch No. 107, as well as our sleek and sturdy Tote No. 211.
Q What is the price range?
A Our core products range from US$295-$695, though we also offer add-ons and seasonal accessories at lower price points.
Q Where can people check them out?
A We are vertically integrated, offering our products exclusively online at maryrich.com (with several pop-ups in different cities.)