Style Profile: Susie Straubmueller

Luxury handbag designer Susie Straubmueller is shaking up the norm, one piece of arm candy at a time.

With an abundance of styles available these days, it can be tricky to choose the perfect look for each occasion. Cue in the ever-so-chic Susie Straubmueller, who excels in the art of the attache. As one of the top purveyors of exquisitely crafted handbags and accessories, her eponymous brand has caught the eyes of top-brass players in the fashion industry, A-list celebs and Dallas society. We caught up with the design darling to hear more...

Sourcing the finest materials and skins, Straubmueller’s handbags are true works of art.

Tell us about your creative process.
Initially, as I begin designing each piece, I always strive to honor the art of old-world leather crafting while also keeping a delicate balance between future-forward and classic aesthetics. I source inspirations from many different elements: from travel, art and interiors, intriguing stories from strangers and friends alike, and cutting-edge street fashion. Sometimes it comes from the actual luxurious leather I am working with. It can happen anytime and anywhere—it’s this gut feeling, an “aha” moment that just lights my fire. This is when I grab my sketchbook, napkin, or anything I can find to put my idea down on paper.

How did you find yourself in the world of fashion?
It all started out so serendipitously and very memorably. I would be out carrying a bag I created and strangers, friends, celebrity stylists and boutique owners would stop me to inquire about who made it and how they can get their hands on one. I was pleasantly surprised they noticed and loved my bags. And it just kept happening. I am so moved by the connections people have to what I make, and it’s this very thing that opened up new opportunities and experiences.

Tell us more about your involvement in the community.
I have been involved with many charities over the years, the American Cancer Society, DCAC, Crystal Charity Ball, in addition to a charity that I founded, STRIPPED, for breast cancer research. My co-chair Jonika Nix and I are excited to launch another STRIPPED Forget Me Not event that will benefit Alzheimer’s research. For more information, you can check us out at @‌strippedforalzheimers.

What are you loving for spring/summer?
My current obsessions for spring and summer are safari chic and the prettiest pastels. Everything in verdant greens, warm golden hues, sugary pinks and blues. And you can’t forget python and ostrich to complete the ultimate glamorous safari adventure.

Let’s talk shop...what are some of the products you always have in tow?
For my hair, I am totally devoted to Oribe. I love the smell, and the products work perfectly for my hair texture. I am also obsessed with the Cle de Peau Beaute Radiant Fluid Foundation. It’s a light foundation with just the right amount of coverage and gives skin a radiant, dewy glow. I can’t live without the Le Volume de Chanel mascara. It creates the perfect va-va-voom volume and doesn’t dry out as fast as other mascaras.