While studying at Parsons School of Design, Colombians Melissa Losada and Marcela Velez discovered a shared interest in translating old-world luggage into everyday chic, after meeting late one night at the now-defunct Bungalow 8. A partnership was formed through their friendship and mutual desire to create something the industry had not seen before, and in 2012 the brand was launched.
Recognisable for their hexagonal shapes, and synonymous with chic minimalism, clean lines, and cool, timeless design, the elegantly crafted styles come in a range of shades, from traditional tones to the more daring plum, mustard yellow, and exotic skin. But the key, head-turning signature is the handle. In either gunmetal or polished plated gold, this is a handle unlike any other, and which Losada and Velez spent some two years developing with engineers in Spain.
Here, we take the opportunity to speak to the ladies behind the highly coveted minimalist handbags to discuss the inception of their brand, their greatest inspirations and influences, and the future of moving into making accessories and footwear.
What made you want to want to become handbag designers?
We had not purchased new bags for a while, and were tired of the ‘It’ bags. That’s how M2Malletier was created. We wanted a product that did not have its brand everywhere, something more discreet and timeless.
Tell us about how you conceived the idea for M2Malletier?
Our brand’s philosophy is reminiscent of the works from French interior designer Jean-Michele Frank and Catalan architect Richardo Bofill and is interpreted as the unification of two fundamental cultural movements, minimalism and surrealism. M2Malletier combines influences from the world of architecture with the world of history, refreshing medieval Armor and thought-provoking tools relevant to the time period. The brand pays homage to iconic pioneering women such as one of the 20th century’s most daring and influential patrons of the arts, Vicomtesse Marie-Laure De Noailles, with its unexpected and trend-setting designs.
How did you come up with the brand name?
Well, ‘M2’ comes from our names, Marcela and Melissa, and ‘malletier’ is an old French word related to luggage and bag manufacturers.
Who is the M2Malletier woman?
A woman distinguished for her eternal style and sober taste, the M2Malletier woman is a trendsetter in her own distinct way.
How did you carve out the brand’s signature aesthetic?
We wanted something different, something that would stand out from the rest. Medieval medical instruments inspired us to develop this signature handle.
Tell us more about the design for your signature top handle?
Our bags are a result of progressive design and an aesthetic that is rooted in an old-world sensibility. The inimitable linear handle is inspired by medieval tools and armour. It is a hallmark of M2Malletier which perfectly articulates the unforgettable glamour and spontaneity evident in the brand’s avant-garde designs.
What sets you apart from other luxury bag designers?
Foremost, our hardware and then comes the hexagonal shapes and versatility of the handbags. Next is our exotic leathers in unique and exclusive colours such as our calf skin, laser cut calf for fur-like texture, and exotic skins alligator and python, crocodile, and cashmere suede
What does luxury mean for you today?
For us, luxury is craftsmanship and great quality with the best materials.
Do your Colombian roots influence the way you design and conceptualise the brand?
We love to use natural rich colours, but still allow ourselves to play with textures and other bright vibrant colours in each collection. We also love experimenting with new fabrics and materials, which is very influenced by our heritage due to the various natural textures found in Colombia.
Which design elements help you balance timelessness while also being on-trend?
The design of our bags is very sober and clean, our shapes are very geometrical, and we innovate with different leather finishes to give them the ‘seasonal’ touch.
Tell us about your studio and how it inspires your designs?
The studio that we were offered in a revamped 1973 cement factory in Barcelona by Ricardo Bofill was definitely an encouraging factor to relocate to Barcelona. Needless to say, the rich history and opulent architecture that is found in Barcelona also serves as our brand’s philosophy, unification of two fundamental movements, minimalism and surrealism.
What part of the design process do you enjoy the most, and do you split responsibilities?
Yes, we split a lot of the responsibilities so that we can be more efficient, and each task is focused and done perfectly. We love finding inspiration and of course selling the collection afterwards. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your creations on the shelves of the leading department stores worldwide and multi-brand stores.
If you could design a bag for anyone, past or present, who would it be?
Anna Ewers.
If you had to choose a favourite bag from any of your collections, what would it be, and why?
At the moment one of our favourites is La Fleur du Mal Botanical Embroidery. It really combines the timelessness of our brand but has this very rich and feminine touch with the embroidery. It is extremely delicate and beautiful, and makes you want to dress for Spring already!
What essentials do you keep in your bag?
Credit Card, lip balm, sunglasses, and phone.
You have been extremely successful in a short space of time, how are you ensuring longevity for the brand?
We are not ‘trendy’, and we steer away from having the brand’s logo monogrammed on any of the bags. We aim to always have our designs looking discreet, clean, and of course timeless.
Tell us about when you felt you hit the turning point from being on the rise to making it?
When Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman wore our bags.
What do you feel has been key to the growth and success of your brand?
Consistency is definitely key in maintaining the momentum of the brand, while ensuring the brand is always ‘top-of-mind’ to our customer is one of the sole reasons for growth. Needless to say, there is the importance of having our curated group of women always carrying our latest designs and our classics.
What has been the most valuable business advice that you have received?
To always be loyal to our design aesthetic and not to create what is being trendy just to sell.
Can you share with us what is next on the horizon, will we be able to look forward to shoes and other accessories?
We are definitely looking into venturing in the direction of accessories and footwear.
By Eliza Scarborough
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