Python Obsession: Conversation with Designer Katherine Fleming

Miami native and former Tory Burch accessories designer Katherine Fleming returns home for Art Basel with a pop-up shop at the F Factory in the Design District — and a one-of-a-kind project: 17 python Jane clutches transformed into works of art by Miami artists, auctioned on eBay to benefit the Bas Fisher Invitational. Premier Guide Miami sat down to find out what that means — and what comes next.

The former Tory Burch accessories designer launched her new handbag line in spring of 2009 — timelessly chic pieces inspired by old world with a futuristic feel. She is a native of Miami and is currently based in New York. She has returned home, where it all started, amongst friends and family. During Art Basel week you may find Ms. Fleming at her new pop-up shop at the F Factory in the Design District.

As a part of the Limited Edition Experiences, Fleming has her one-of-a-kind python Jane clutches displayed as art. Instead of getting rid of an inventory of poorly produced clutches, she decided to give them a new lease on life by transforming them into pieces of art. She commissioned 16 artists to refurbish her python Janes — including Naomi Fisher, Jim Drain, Alejandro Cardenas, Jenna Gribbon, and others. Each artist added a touch of personality to the bags.

These 17 clutches will be auctioned off on eBay with a starting bid of $2,000. All proceeds will benefit Bas Fisher Invitational (BFI), a nonprofit organization started by her close friends Naomi Fisher and Hernan Bas that provides emerging artists a venue to present their work in Miami.

PGM: You just launched your new bag line this spring. How did you get to be a part of the Limited Edition Experiences?

KF: The bag line is just a year and a half old and is sold at Barneys. I was asked by Greg Robins and Fendi to participate in the F Factory, and it was the perfect thing. I am also from Miami. I never had a store and this was a good opportunity for me to see my hometown.

PGM: Tell us about your limited edition pieces.

KF: I had these bags from my first season collection that came out wrong because of the wrong materials used in them. Usually people would destroy their inventory — instead I held on to them. I had this great idea of having an artist paint something on them, but I never found the right artist. When they asked me to do this, it was the perfect opportunity. My friend Naomi Fisher and Hernan Bas have this organization called the Bas Fisher Invitational which recently won a grant by the Knight Foundation. We asked all of our friends to make something special on the bags. They are 17 original pieces and we are auctioning them off on eBay — all the proceeds will go to the Bas Fisher Invitational.

PGM: You are a native of Miami, yet you do not have your store here. Why?

KF: I would love to have a store here. The first stores we sold to were Barneys, Opening Ceremony and Barneys in the Coop. They do not have that in Miami yet. I am dying to be in some other stores here, so hopefully while I am down here I can make that work.

PGM: Tell us a little about your background in design.

KF: I went to Parsons School of Design, then I worked for the Gap, Club Monaco, and Tory Burch for five years. After doing that I decided to start my own line. I really wanted to do something in Italy and I have been working a lot in Asia for all those companies. I always dreamt of being in Italy and forming my own company.

PGM: You are a start-up company. How has the economic climate affected your business?

KF: By the time I launched my first collection, the economy flopped. It has been very challenging but I have been trying to make it through. I just make beautiful things and stay in Italy and try to make more beautiful things. We are very lucky — we are in Barneys, 10 Corso Como, Opening Ceremony, and internationally. People order in smaller amounts than they used to, but we have been selling a lot to our friends and family and having some trunk shows. The first season I had a trunk show in Miami and I sold so many bags.

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