Jackie Moore’s handbags and accessories line tony B. is unique, functional, and handmade by the woman herself. You’ll be able to meet her in real life this week at the HudCo Mother’s Day Market this week, Wednesday, May 5, through Friday, May 7, from 9am-6pm, but in the meantime, read on for more of her backstory.
Your handbags are made by hand by you right here in Westchester! What’s the design process like for you? What goes into making each handbag?
Over the seven years that I have been making bags, I find that each style builds on the next. I’m always designing and playing with ideas in my head that ultimately become a cohesive seasonal line.
The process of creating each bag is done entirely by me, from design, leather and hardware sourcing, pattern creation, cutting, sewing and finishing. It is very labor-intensive and also very rewarding.
One superpower moms have is always being prepared for the unknown. What is your favorite bag that can fit all the essentials? What are your must-have mom-on-the-go items in your bag?
I honestly love all of the bags for their versatility and to meet the needs of what my day holds.
I’ve been using my classic Stella tote lately for sourcing trips to the city and my Luna crossbody for running around town. On any given day I will have a book or two, tarot cards, my tony B. Becca keychain, strawberry hi-chews, Le Spec sunglasses from Lola White Plains and hand lotion.
In addition to being sold on Etsy, you can be found at local shops in Westchester. Can you share a few locations that carry your line?
Westchester’s boutiques have been so incredibly supportive and encouraging and I am beyond grateful to these women owned businesses—Lola (White Plains and Crestwood), Beehive in Mount Kisco, Ebba in Katonah, Archive Home in Nyack, March in Briarcliff and Upper Village Blooms in Croton.
Your designs are all about timeless styles and quality leather. What were the inspirations behind your summer collection?
For me, the best part of creating a collection is choosing the palette. I don’t follow trends but work organically with the leather letting the colors find each other. This season I will continue to play with some new patterns I created in the past few months, the Ibiza, Lakota and Luna.
What piece of advice would you share with someone who is looking to get into the design world?
Play, have fun, don’t force it when you’re feeling design blocks, and there truly are no mistakes. Use the best equipment and materials for your budget. The best part for me has been all of the amazing friends I have made through this work, to me that has been priceless.
