Q. Briefly tell us about who you are and how you got started?
A. My name is Elyse Marie, and I am the owner/designer of Littlewings Designs. I have always had a passion for product and fashion, and majored in Accessory Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I launched my line, Littlewings Designs, while still in school, and have been operating it ever since. My work is all handcrafted from natural hemp and top quality leathers in a small scale studio production setting.
Q. What made you decide to make wallets?
A. I started making wallets when a friend of mine requested a minimal wallet that he could wear with tighter pants and not have it be awkward. The Minimal L Wallet was the solution to that problem, and with no fasteners or stitching, meant no hardware pressing against your body or stitching to have wear out from sitting on it.
Q. Are you looking at adding other designs? What does the future hold?
A. Always! My primary work is my women’s accessories, and I currently am in the process of releasing my AW2013 collection, Sisu. However, there are also several mens pieces in this collection, including a two pocket card wallet.
I also have just announced that my brand, Littlewings Designs, is finally getting a brick and mortar storefront in downtown Grand Rapids, MI. Called Parliament the Boutique, this will serve as the studio home and show room for the entire Littlewings Designs product line. Customers will be able to shop, place custom orders, and observe the process of their products being made on site. There also will be a boutique featuring the work of select handcrafted American artisans.
Q. What famous person would you want to order one of your designs, and why?
A. For the wallet, that’s easy – Dave Matthews. I’ve been a fan for years, before I even made wallets. Would definitely be a dream come true. For my women’s products, I would have to say Blake Lively. She has such a fabulous sense of style and doesn’t use a stylist; furthermore, she is a huge fan of my alma mater and Savannah in general, and that goes a long way in my book!