Onna Ehrlich Designer Handbags Interview

About Onna Ehrlich

Onna Ehrlich offered some personal insight into her background and what inspires her

Onna Ehrlich (OE): I was born and raised in Nigeria, but later came to the states and studied at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. There I met my husband and partner Joel Bell, who is an industrial designer and a vital part of the design process in our line - Onna Ehrlich. The line appeared in the fashion scene in 2004 with unique accessories inspired by my African roots and the laid back sophistication of California. c

Onna's Inspirations

A Love of Color

LTK: What interested you in making fashionable purses?

Cameron Diaz carrying the Rachel handbag.

OE: I always had a flair for fashion, ever since I was a little girl growing up in Nigeria, I was fascinated with fabrics, colors and textures. I started the line making shoes, but I always loved handbags, so I ended up with a handbag line that allowed me to use my inspiration on a wider scale.

Traditional African Fabrics

LTK: You mentioned that your design is inspired by your African roots. Can you tell us a little more about how this shows up in your handbags?

OE: Since I was little I was fascinated by Nigerian fabrics like beautiful damask and traditional woven cloths like Aso Oke, and batik. They still inspire our bags. A lot of my bags are roughed – they’re influenced by my mother’s traditional head wraps.

Onna Ehrlich Handbags

Sophia Bush of Showtime's The Hitcher sports an Onna Ehrlich bag at a Showtime TV Network Event.

There are many different styles of handbags available in the Onna Ehrlich collection, including leather clutch handbags, hobo handbags and totes. You'll even find a makeup bag. Onna Ehrlich shares some insider details on her beautiful, cutting-edge fashion designs and gives the 411 on which is her current fave.

Hot Handbags

LTK: On your website, there are 15 handbag designs featured. Which of these is your favorite and why?

OE: It is constantly changing, but I am carrying the Rachel at the moment. In May, watch for an appearance of an Onna Ehrlich Black Rachel bag on the arm of Cameron Diaz in the movie "What Happens in Vegas".

LTK: Fans of Onna purses are hungry for the next new release. What's in the works?

OE: I like to surprise our fans, so I can only tell you that there will be even more exciting colors and versions of roughing.

LTK: What is the most interesting promotion you've ever done for your purses?

OE: The Daily 10 on E! Entertainment Network did a segment on our line – everything from our inspiration, the design process to celebrities that love our line. That was an exciting experience – mostly because of the overwhelming response we received from the viewers after the show, so many people were thankful to discover our line! It was really encouraging.

How to Avoid Fake Handbags

LTK: What is the best way for customers to make sure they are purchasing an authentic Onna Ehrlich?

OE: Look out for the logo inside the pocket. Also, we only use the best quality materials.

Celebrities and Onna Ehrlich Designer Handbags

Many celebrities love Onna Ehrlich handbags, including Halle Berry, Cameron Diaz, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Eva Longoria, Marcia Cross, Audrina Partridge, Lauren Conrad and many more. The handbags are sold in fine stores such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Henri Bendel, and Kitson. When asked if the company has plans to expand further, Onna Ehrlich gave a lighthearted reply. "Absolutely, we’re taking over the world. Stay tuned!"

Audrina Patridge and Lauren Conrad – stylist Niki Shadrow

Marcia Cross, who stars on "Desperate Housewives", carrying a large Onna Ehrlich

Actress Eva LaRue sporting an Onna Ehrlich clutch

For More on Onna Ehrlich

In this Onna Ehrlich designer handbags interview, you may have noticed the perfect handbag. You can get more information about the designer, the company or order the handbag of your choice from OnnaEhrlich.com.