The Fall & Winter 2024-25 Handbag Collection

By: Nick Duvall

Autumn, a cherished season adorned with vibrant hues, spiritual customs, invigorating outdoor events, and an overall sense of contentment. As a designer, I feel an irresistible pull to capture the essence of this cherished season through color. The Fall & Winter 2024-25 Handbag Collection serves as a testament to this artistic pursuit, embodying the spirit of Autumn in every stitch and seam.

Fashion serves as a powerful medium, not only making a bold statement but also mirroring the beauty of the natural world that surrounds us.  Autumn, with its vibrant hues of goldenrod, crimson, and amber ignite the imagination, inviting designers to capture the essence of the season through their creations.

two ladies with purses in purple and green and tan

Designers create garments that embody the warmth and coziness of the season, utilizing materials such as wool, cashmere, and velvet. Accessories such as scarves, gloves, and the perfect handbag add a touch of sophistication and warmth to autumn outfits.

Crafting a seasonal collection begins many months in advance, presenting its own set of challenges. To successfully create an upcoming line, I must draw inspiration from past seasons, relying on my ability to reflect and reinterpret those experiences.

My creative process for handbag design begins with a thorough exploration of emerging trends. I start by delving into the Pantone color trends and runway looks, as reported by reputable sources like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.  This immersion allows me to grasp the overall landscape of the upcoming handbag season and identify innovative concepts that can infuse fresh inspiration into our product line.

Woman holding orange and tan purse in front of a train

The goal for fall and winter 2024-25 was to not reinvent our handbag line, but to create a vibrant color palette that would enhance and complement our existing designs. The focus was on combining the softness of muted tones with the boldness of statement hues, drawing inspiration from the latest European runways to bring a fresh and contemporary edge to our emerging brand.

Utilizing our extensive connections cultivated over nearly two decades, I sought out exceptional leather that would lend a stunning and luxurious touch to our purses. Additionally, I pondered how our handbags could empower women to express their beauty, confidence, and accomplishments.  Focusing on what a woman wants to feel is an unquestionable part of the design and should never be overlooked.

Fall & Winter 2024-25 Charlene’s

Deep Purple Leather Handbag and Orange & Brown Leather Handbag, Stylish Bags for Fall

Charlene, the epitome of perfection, embodies a combination of clean lines, functional design, and an irresistible charm that evokes confidence in its user. Three years ago, I designed this remarkable purse, which has since become an integral part of the Duvall line. With its timeless appeal, Charlene demands inclusion in every seasonal bag collection I create, serving as a testament to its enduring allure.

Jasper

Jasper green handbag purse made by Duvall Leather

This year, green commanded attention on European runways, a color I often overlook during the fall and winter seasons. My mind typically gravitates toward vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges, followed by a succession of browns, culminating in black. However, this year, the majestic evergreen captivated my attention, often serving as the sole splash of color in winter forests, contrasting with the white snow and brown tree trunks.

From our leather producing partners at Law Tanning in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I chose the Jasper green leather, a soft yet firm cowhide that resulted in a gorgeous Charlene handbag. When combined with the striking texture of the bison leather accent strip, this combination has rendered a breathtaking fall and winter handbag.

Plum Luck

Italian plum purple purse made from Italian leather

Not everyone may appreciate shades of purple, but they offer remarkable versatility for any season. Italian Plum, a dark yet refreshing color, was recognized as a Pantone New York Top Ten hue for fall and winter 2024-25, and it’s a personal favorite. Plum Luck serves as an ode to any design endeavor, emphasizing that dedication, hard work, and a touch of fortune can result in something truly beloved.

When the time came to create the Plum Luck Charlene, I opted for Italian leather imported by Frogjelly Leather, a company based in Austin, Texas. Their exceptional range of unique colors inspires me, particularly when the seasons change and I embark on developing new collections. The wonderfully smooth, waxy texture of this leather creates a luxurious purse that is sure to captivate attention.

Vixen

Italian leather purse made by Duvall Leather in Vixen Orange.

Recently, I acquired “The Fox’s Kitchen,” a book of cherished recipes from Philadelphia’s venerable Radnor Hunt. This remarkable culinary journey takes us into the heart of America’s oldest fox hunting club, inspiring thoughts of horses, saddles, hounds, and the cunning fox. This handbag embodies the essence of this storied tradition, blending the elegance of Italian leathers with the wild spirit of the chase.

In crafting a handbag that embodies the dual essence of a horse and a fox, I diligently pursued a creative solution. Ultimately, I conceived a design that harmoniously merges the vibrant hue of a fox and the supple leather of a saddle. My quest for the perfect materials led me back to Frogjelly Leather, where I discovered exquisite orange leather tanned in Italy. Its velvety smooth texture mirrors the sleekness and luxury of a vixen red fox. For the saddle aspect, I collaborated with Marcus Miller, my sales representative at Tandy Leather, who provided me with stunning Italian vegetable-tanned leather. This meticulously chosen color combination aligns perfectly with my vision and stands as my personal favorite creation for the fall & winter 2024-25 season.

Fall & Winter 2025 Slouch Bags

Burnt Orange and Dark Chocolate Brown Slouchy Leather Handbags, Great Fall Bags

Designing handbags is a daunting task, given that most design elements, shapes, and functionalities have already been explored. The challenge lies in identifying what is truly unique and captivating. Initially, when I designed the Slouch bag, I opted for a firmer leather, resulting in a stiffer appearance. However, it became apparent over time that the bag didn’t fulfill its intended purpose of slouching. From this collection forward, the Slouch bag will be crafted exclusively from butter-soft leathers, ensuring a relaxed and functional look. The stunning colors of this season’s collection are sure to grab your attention and make you pause to appreciate their beauty.

Autumn Amber

Handcrafted leather handbag made from orange leather

Among the vast spectrum of colors, there lies a hue that possesses a uniquely calming aura, and for me, burnt orange stands out as particularly captivating. Autumn Amber has gained immense popularity, and rightfully so. It encapsulates the essence of the fall season in a single glance, evoking a sense of love and appreciation for autumn’s festivities and traditions.

Months ago, during a meeting with my leather representative, Marcus, at Tandy Leather, he introduced me to the beautiful leather selected for this bag. The vibrant color immediately caught my attention, and I knew it would be a standout piece for my fall collection. The softness of the leather adds a luxurious texture, providing an unparalleled sensory experience and the smell of leather is unreal.

Cocoa

Cocoa color leather slouch bag made from soft cowhide leather.

Within any fall and winter collection, a rich shade of brown is an essential component, and this deep brown is ideal. Cocoa is a shade of brown that is exceptionally dark, opulent, and easy to care for, making it the ideal handbag for cold weather and potentially even year-round use.  The bold, robust leather’s soft appearance conveys a sense of authority and achievement.

During my work on the Spring & Summer 2024 collection, I came across this exceptional leather. My sales representative, Jesse Sanders from Milton Sokol, introduced me to this leather, which is the epitome of luxury, boasting an incredibly soft feel and an extraordinary grain. Upon completing the bag, I couldn’t help but marvel at its unparalleled beauty, setting it apart from any other leather I have encountered.

Conclusion

As a seasoned designer and craftsman, I am thrilled to unveil the latest addition to my legacy – the 2024-25 fall and winter handbag and purse collection. I’ve meticulously refined this collection, focusing on several details to enhance its elegance and durability. Each bag now boasts an internally lined interior, improved construction elements, and precise cutting techniques.

My passion drives me to create beautiful things for beautiful people. Whether you become the proud owner of one of these exquisite bags or simply appreciate their artistry from afar, your support means the world to me. It fuels my creativity and allows me to continue growing Duvall Leather, which I hold dear to my heart.