If I could be reincarnated, I would come back as a Tucker Tweed handbag, for they have very adventurous lives.
High-end design, extravagant detailing and adventure are just some of the things Jill Tweedy embodies in her equestrian handbag line, Tucker Tweed. Her collections feature everything from weekenders to wallets and essential accessories for multifaceted equine girl bosses on-the-go.
I caught up with Jill to learn more about her creative process and find out why equestrianistas everywhere are losing their minds over her opulent handbag creations.
1. What is your favorite part about being an accessories designer?
Two parts, really. One, the people. I’ve met the most amazing people on this journey: Stylish equestrians, fearless riders, amazing women. Second…creating something unique that did not exist before
2. Who have been your industry mentors?
There are SO many, but I can think of five stand out women who have been instrumental in mentoring me. The first was Linda Cole, owner of Countryride Saddlery in Mooresville, North Carolina. She taught me a great deal about the equestrian industry and retail partner relationships. Sheryl Rudolph, F.I.T.S. founder, was another phenomenal influence in encouraging me to follow my own voice. (Her unique and groundbreaking design of segmented leather patches on her breeches was revolutionary, particularly for dressage riders.) Most recently, Kerri Kent, founder of Kerrits, was instrumental in advising me as a business owner and even booth ideas at the AETA trade show. Throughout this journey, Kristy Lake, the creative genius behind Dreamers & Schemers Boot Socks, has been a trusted friend and sounding board for all things equestrian. I could not be more grateful for these women!
3. What was your biggest fear when going out and starting your own line?
My biggest fear was whether or not other riders wanted what I wanted at that time. Was the “need” there as I saw it? I truly craved something that spoke of my passion when I wasn’t at the barn. When I was out in the real world, I wanted a reminder of my love for jumping, the excitement of foxhunting, or the discipline of dressage. I hoped that other equestrians wanted that too, but you just can’t know until you present the product.
4. How does a Tucker Tweed bag stand out from other bags within the highly competitive market?
We stand out in two ways: 1) quality 2) we are discipline specific. Our handbags are designed with luxury in mind as women can feel the quality the moment they touch it. Being discipline specific has really set us apart from any other handbag in the equestrian environment. I wanted options for myself and I suspected other riders did too. Offering a hunter/jumper option, dressage, fox hunting or even our signature logo is unique. Certainly an investment for us on the front end but it was worth it.
5. How do you react to being copied?
We always have our minds and eyes on what’s next for Tucker Tweed Equestrian. So if we were to be copied, it’s not something that we would focus on.
6. What are some other challenges that face small independent luxury brands
today?
Keeping up with growth! Delivering stock on time and in abundance is a challenge…but it is a lovely challenge to have. I am grateful for it.
7. What makes the perfect bag?
Well, I could talk about this all day. The perfect bag must most of all be supple. The leather has to feel warm and inviting next to your body. When it’s resting against your hip it needs to be comfortable. Straps need to be thoughtfully designed so that they stay on your shoulder but distribute weight well. Rolled handles are very comfortable on your shoulder as are wide single straps. Quality hardware is a must. It must feel heavy and durable. Interiors need to be finished in a luxurious fabric. Additional pockets, whether open or zippered, are big requests in our world. Where a handbag drops below the shoulder matters too. A woman shopping in a heavy coat in the winter will want to adjust her shoulder strap so that her purse fits comfortably under her arm. We think about these things and so much more. Bottom line: supple luxurious leather, sturdy hardware, refined interior, thoughtful design.
8. Do you have a favorite material to work with and why?
Yes, three come to mine. Leather for its organic quality and the fact that it warms against your skin, a quality satin for it’s slick nature that doesn’t attract stains but its appropriate for an interior fabric, Saffiano leather for it’s water resistance and durability.
9. The aesthetic of your collection is quite understated yet elegant, is this part of your personal style?
Absolutely. You won’t catch me wearing something that is a crazy trend, as in here today and gone tomorrow. My taste is more classic, refined, with a hint of what is current but not overbearingly so. Our styles reflect that as well as our choice of colors.
10. What is your favorite piece from your current collection?
I must admit that whatever is the newest becomes my favorite. The purse on my arm at all times right now is currently the Sedgefield Legacy. I’m in love with that bag! Lady-like, refined, but very spacious in the interior. We call that bag a “she” for sure because it’s quite girly. I could not be more proud of that design. At the same time, I’m also super excited about our Tryon Travel Series debut with the Overnight bag. If it weren’t so big I’d be carrying it every day too!
11. Do you design with trend in mind, or do you ignore it and go your own way?
Great question. Honestly, I would say a little bit of both. For example, when I was studying trends in purses over the last couple of years, I was noticing a return to a more refined, structured purse. In the back of my mind, I knew that was a design that I wanted to pull off as many women had asked for a purse that closed with a zipper at the top but had separate compartments inside. I knew that design was ahead in our future, but we had waited to pull the trigger. So that trend did influence when we finally debuted that style. But, sometimes I definitely do go my own way. When we added Rosé in our Sedgefield Legacy, Camden Crossbody, and our Wellington Wristlet this past spring, it was purely because it was something I was inspired to do. I knew we wanted to do a fundraiser for breast cancer research, so pale pink was on my mind for quite some time. Interestingly, shades of pink have become quite popular in the real world in both apparel and handbags.
12. Your bags have been spotted on a number of equestrian influencers, is there
one particular look you loved?
We appreciate the style both inside and outside the barn of many influencers for different reasons. For example, our scarlet Camden Crossbody on The Styled Equestrian (Jennifer Sims) when she visited Portugal was a dramatic look. Still nailing that knack for color, her choice of our turquoise Tweed Manor Tote on her recent trip to a Colorado dude ranch really stood out. The East Coast Equestrian (Taylor Bodson, owner of 3 gorgeous horses) has beautifully paired our wristlet with the James River, showing how our pieces complement one another. Bethany Lee (My Equestrian Style) shows how useful our creations can be, such as her James Ricer Carry All literally carrying all. Andrea Wise (Horse Glam) is quite versatile with our handbags on the town or also right beside her horse, Chloe. We really love seeing how each of these influencers carry different products, but wear them so well.
13. And now you offer a Special Edition Rose Wellington Wristlet to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. What motivated you to support this nonprofit organization?
This one honestly makes me cry to think about it. My trainer, Danielle, was diagnosed with breast cancer last fall and I took her dinner two days after she came home from surgery. It was profound to see my brave, fearless trainer affected in such a way. When I hugged her mother, I said “I am making something pink in honor of her”. I had to do something. I’m so grateful for the response to this wristlet. We have sold nearly all of them, which was the largest single order ever placed for a color in that style. Women understand and we all know it matters.
14. Where do you hope to see your brand in the future?
That’s an easy one. On the arms of every stylish equestrian.
15. What’s the best advice you would give for staying ahead of the fashion curve?
It’s definitely necessary to keep your ear to the ground and listen for what’s new, what’s trending, and what’s coming next. But at the same time, particularly in my world, I like to listen to what other equestrians tell me they want. We are HUGE about listening to others. Meanwhile, I always have in my mind future designs that I want to begin producing, I just don’t know which season speaks most for their debut. Marinating in these three influences is how we intend to stay ahead of the fashion curve.
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Follow Jill:
Website // Facebook // Instagram // Pinterest
