Name:
Hayden Lasher
How your clients refer to you:
Hayden
Company:
Hayden Lasher
Contact Info:
ph. (646) 684-472, e-mail: hayden@haydenlasher.com, website: www.haydenlasher.com
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
3 years
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I have been in the fashion industry since I was 16. I studied at Parsons in New York and Paris and I worked at Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Oscar de la Renta in the shoe and handbag arena. I was inspired by Belgian Shoes; it is an incredible store that my great uncle, Henri Bendel, started and I have been going there since I was little. Belgian Shoes is an incredible brand and it certainly has a cult following. One of the things I really admire about them is that to be as successful of a brand as they are, you must make a lot of right decisions all the time. One of those things they do right is consistently deliver a stylish, high quality product.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
All our handbags are handmade in New York with beautiful Italian leathers. I describe the bags as a place where form and function meet... not only are they beautiful, but they are also practical. They all have classic silhouettes that complement any woman’s wardrobe or lifestyle.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
The idea was never to be an overnight sensation. I want to be recognized for creating something meaningful that will last. The bags are classic and I think that’s important - when you are investing in an outfit, a pair of shoes, or a bag, it should be something that can last more than one season. I think the best accessories aren’t there to make statements, but they are there to compliment the woman.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
I think the fact that we don’t mass-produce makes each customer feel special because each bag is unique.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love picking out color combinations and materials. I really enjoy putting unexpected colors together without making a huge statement – I like blending those colors together to make it seem as though they should have always been paired that way. It is fun to show people that even the brightest colors can become neutrals.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
Bon Vivant - a tiny shop that has the most beautiful and delicious petit fours and cakes.
How do you benefit mamas?
Our new diaper bags are so cute and functional. They are big enough to fit anything and everything a mom needs on the run and they are still super lightweight and easy to maintain.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
I spend a lot of time in the store listening to the customers and they are always so excited to share what color combinations they think should come next. It is always fun and very helpful to hear their thoughts. I designed the bags pre-baby and I took it into the store to test it and a mom pointed out that the straps needed to be long enough to go over the stroller handles, which I hadn’t thought of!
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
Meggie Kempner – Kempner NYC, Marisa Witkin, Manuela di Prima – Maison di Prima
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
Trust your instincts. There are a million people out there with a different opinion about any number of decisions that you make, but at the end of the day only you know what is right for you, whether it relates to business or family.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
I am a newbie to motherhood so I’m still trying to figure those tricks out. At this point I would say just skip brushing your hair.