“Here you will find the surprising yet satisfying blend of ordinary and extraordinary things and ideas; the correct combination of contradictions that create something new, harmonious and right; a rebelliousness that gratifies because it works; an unconventional approach to the ordinary, the anti-fashion fashion.”
Goodbags Designer, Carol Pearlman

Carol Pearlman, visionary and designer of Goodbags, has traveled throughout the world – roaming markets and villages and backwater towns in some of the most remote areas of the world. Her “Goodbags” have been snatched up and sold in Betsey Johnson’s stores all over the United States, Anna Sui personally purchased Goodbags for her shop in downtown Manhattan and celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Michael Stripe and Spice Girl Mel C are among the many stars that carry Goodbags. What’s not to love about these, well…Goodbags? They’re nothing but good!

Factio Magazine: What are your inspirations?
Carol Pearlman: I’ve always been interested in color and style. My influences started in childhood from the family decorating business in New York, then as an adult in Europe where I lived for 25 years. With a knack for spotting “great finds” in the flea markets of London and Paris, and years of browsing the salons of haute couture, I developed an eye and taste for the unique.

I love the surprising, yet satisfying blend of ordinary and extraordinary things and ideas; the combination of contradictions that creates something new, harmonious and right; a rebelliousness that gratifies because it works; an unconventional approach to the ordinary, the anti-fashion fashion.

Factio Magazine: Being a world traveler, what country has given you the most inspiration to date? And why?
CP: It’s not so much a particular country that has inspired me as the markets off-the-beaten-track where I found the most beautiful and interesting handicrafts not available in mainstream shops. I would say this was true everywhere I went, from the souks in Africa, mercados in South America, local backwater markets in Thailand, India, remote islands in Indonesia -- to less exotic places like small Swiss mountain villages.

Factio Magazine: Did you study design? How did you become a designer for handbags?
CP: I did not study design but have discovered my own style over many years of being a consumer and a lover of beautiful things. I love to look at & feel unusual materials and imagine how they would work to make a beautiful purse.

Factio Magazine: Tell me about your new collection for spring “Frida”.
CP: I’ve always admired Frida Kahlo, as an artist and extraordinary person, and after seeing the recent movie about her life I thought how much she would have enjoyed carrying the SWEET flower bags. I imagined her shopping in a sunny market with a flouncy skirt, a fresh flower in her hair, and carrying a Good Bag such as RACHEL or VAL filled with fresh-cut flowers. If these bags weren’t already named, I would rename them after FRIDA.

Factio Magazine: What has been the biggest success to date in this business? When did you realize that Goodbags is making it as a label?
CP: The biggest success? Well, I hope that’s yet to come, but, I would say when Betsey Johnson placed a large order and let me chose the variety of styles for each of her shops, I was very pleased. Most of all I enjoy talking on the phone to individual internet retail customers who tell me how much they love their Good Bags. That’s the most satisfying experience for me.

Factio Magazine: Do you still have the bag (the red and cream-colored peacock) that was dubbed as the original good bag, and undoubtedly created the name for your company?
CP: Red & cream Peacock bag: That particular bag went to a shop in Japan. But it doesn’t really matter because they’re all good bags – each in it’s own special way.

Goodbags is based in California, but can be found in stores all over the U.S. Please visit their website at
www.goodbags.com.