Living in Italy sticks with a person.

While living in Italy for 3 years working for a study abroad program, I was deeply inspired by the beauty and quality of the myriad fashion-oriented leather bags I was seeing, but I kept asking herself, "Why aren't there more options for ‘regular’ people who work for a living to carry their stuff in a way that makes their lives more convenient and shows they have a sense of style?" Italy has long been known for beauty and quality craftsmanship, but function - in my opinion - is often considered a lower priority than the visual appeal of the piece. I’ve spent a lot of time pondering the balance between form and function and the exercise never gets old.

My first design - a computer backpack - was a conceptual one in that I took the germ of an idea and set about aggregating resources to make it come to life. That was 2002 and I didn’t know how to sew a thing at that time. I was also obsessed with the Italian language and the pursuit of perfect, accent-free command of the language, so this whole endeavor only served to facilitate that goal. I took my idea to a cobbler named Sergio in Perugia (who spoke no English) and over a year-long series of capers involving meetings, road trips to the outskirts of Florence, mistakes and modifications, we arrived at the very first prototype for what is now called "Zaino" - or "backpack" in Italian. It then took 11 months to produce 11 pieces. (Yes, really!) I sold those initial pieces via word-of-mouth and through placement in a high-end shop in Barcelona (where I moved in 2005 to set up and eventually direct another study abroad program). The rest is a story for another day…

Twenty years later, I’m proud to say I’m not only a designer, but a maker as well. Odd, isn’t it? Designers often begin their careers as makers and slowly make their way to having others produce their designs. Instead, through close interaction with master craftsmen and -women, I realized that not only did I have the capacity to learn the ‘mestiere’ myself, but that I would find it deeply rewarding to do so. I’m not a huge fan of labels, but if one must be chosen, I suppose ‘designer-maker’ is the one that suits me best.

For my other designs, I’ve evolved into a process of ‘doing through learning.’ That is, I create a new design conceptually and then work with one of my mentors in Italy or the US to simultaneously produce a pattern and a first prototype. I then tinker with these to improve or modify the final version before producing the piece in small batches - usually around 10 -12 pieces, but also less if I’m working with a very special hide that is only available in one or two pieces.

“Inspired in Italy / Made in America” is the company’s tagline because it highlights the fact that, while much of my inspiration comes from Italy, my pieces are being made right here in the U.S. of A. My studio is in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Sometimes I have help. Other times it’s just me. But it’s always done with care and attention to detail.

I hope you’ll come for a visit if you’re ever in the Boston/Providence area or check me out at some of the contemporary craft shows. (Next up is the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, November 11-13, 2022.)

Thanks for taking the time to learn a little about me and my process.

Arrivederci!

Laura

OUR MISSION

Our mission at Laura Burkett Designs is to create the bag you simply can't do without - the bag that simplifies your life yet expresses your individuality and sense of style. All of our products are made of rich, sumptuous leather whose character deepens over time. Human hands have crafted them one by one, with care and attention to every detail. Our pieces draw unsolicited compliments – they look good, they feel good, they smell good and - perhaps best of all - they function well. If you don't see the bag you simply can't do without for functional reasons (size/shape/compartments/closures/etc.), drop us a line at burkettdesigns@gmail.com. We'd love to hear your ideas about the ideal 'cant-do-without' bag. 

WHAT WE BELIEVE…

We believe that being different is what makes life interesting. Small-batch production is a way to allow craftsmen to express their passion and skill, as well as to carry forth a tradition that existed long before them. We strive for excellence in the products we create and don’t believe in cutting corners.

WE DON’T BELIEVE…

We don’t believe “faster is better,” which is why we produce in small batches that may take 8 to 12 weeks to complete. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted by me or by me with other artisans who are passionate about the work they do.

We don’t believe in mass uniformity. Each Laura Burkett item will have its own individual character and will grow in richness over time.

We don’t believe that “more is better.” That’s why our products are built to last and convey a timeless feel.  We believe that having one special handcrafted bag for 20 years is better, both environmentally and economically, than having 15 mass-produced bags each last a year or two. Our brand is about style, sophistication and longevity.

We don’t believe in making more to make more – meaning our line is deliberately streamlined to allow for focus on quality. We plan to make these designs – the few but mighty – for quite a while.

We hope you’ll enjoy them and send us your stories of how they’ve accompanied you through your life’s adventures.

Buon viaggio!