ZÜR

I was recently in Colombia when I came across a wonderful handbag collection called ZÜR, so I am very excited to interview Catalina Freiye and her business partner Juliana Azcárate that conceptualized their brand in October 2003. Catalina Freiye received a degree in political science and international relations from Javeriana University in Bogotá, and has always had a passion for design. Juliana Azcárate graduated from Bentley College in Boston and got a degree in fashion marketing from the Art Institute of Art and Design in Miami. Both take a part in all roles of the company, which go from design to business strategy and I am looking forward introducing their brand and wonderful products to the International market.

How did you begin ZÜR Handbags?

We started talking about the idea of having our own business and we concluded that there was a lack of handbags stores in Colombia, and the ones that were in the market didn't offer exactly what we wanted or were looking for. We wanted to design big handbags, mochila bags that incorporated many colors, textures and different artisan craftsmanship.

Challenges of starting your own brand?

One of the challenges is waiting to become profitable. When you start a new business you have to work with passion and persistence in order to start seeing results. You can't quit at the beginning because it takes time and lots of dedication, but once you start your own business you want to work harder day by day because you know it is yours. That is a great sensation.

Inspirations for the designs of the brand.

The ZÜR philosophy is to develop designs that incorporate contrasting colors and designs for feminine and modern women.

All the different cultures that exist in Colombia inspire us. The idea is to rescue all the glamour and creativity of these ancestral techniques and apply them to a modern a sophisticated product.

Any plans to bring ZÜR to NYC?

Our plan is to find a good representative that can represent us in high end boutiques that like our product.

Differences in the fashion industry between NYC and in your experience in Colombia

In NYC you have all the information, the industry gurus, and all the technology to create and to compete in the market. In Colombia you need to travel in order to be able to be a pioneer in the industry. We have great workers and lots of artisans that are very talented. As designers from Colombia we must travel a lot, especially to NYC to get some inspiration and to buy hardware, fabrics, etc.

Favorite stores?

Corso Como 10. Milan, Italy. One of Milan's most frequented and fashionable spots with great music, food and shopping. First the restaurant, then the shopping :).

Cavalli at Fifth Avenue NYC: when you enter the store you feel like in a disco. The decoration is very modern and elegant. He plays with mirrors very well.

Dior Homme at 57 ST NYC: We love this store because is very chic and elegant. It has dark mirrors all over the store and dark carpet. The decoration is very clean and sober, creating a gallery-like setting.

Apple store in NYC: Glass cube on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue is an incredible structure. Apple has been a leader in design, in advertising, and their products are beautiful.


Favorite brands and why?

Y-3: This brand is an exclusive collaborative project between Adidas and Japanese designer, Yohji Yamamoto. This designer is one of the most avant-garde designers of our time, and the fusion between Adidas and Yohji is great!!

GUCCI: Gucci has been on the market for a very long time, but has been able to revive its brand, its image and the designs. The designs of each store are super cool and extremely elegant but still modern.

ZARA: Zara is a perfect example of a great idea. Zara incorporates the best quality stitching, great designs and affordable prices. Zara stores are always located with the top stores in the fashion industry. Zara strategy and positioning of the brand has been perfect and the image of Zara is "the best designs for the best prices". Love it.

Favorite websites

- www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp
- www.etro.it
- www.isseymiyake.co.jp

What is your favorite color?
We love the color black, and it's my favorite color because it's great to wear a black outfit or a black t-shirt etc for the day or for the night. When you wear the color black you tend to look thinner and elegant. It's a color that is always fashionable, it doesn't matter the season.

Favorite quote?
The greatest pleasure of intelligent being, is to pretend to be stupid in front of an idiot who pretends to be intelligent.

www.zurhandbags.com

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