November 01, 2007
Posted at 10:24PM

Jesse Dorsey of Boyy

From the Designer - Jesse Dorsey of Boyy BagsBOYY BAGS
Q: You have a degree in music. What inspired you to get into luxury bags? Boyy Spring 2008 Collection - new bag - BOYY DRAKE BAG in Red
Well they say, “Make a plan and g-d will laugh.” Honestly, music has been my life since I was a kid and I guess after so many years it felt laborious. I never wanted nor do I think the arts or the creative process should ever result in this feeling. I just love creating and I suppose if one’s of this ilk, any art can become a vessel for this instinct and drive. Timing was a big factor too, when I met my partner, Wannasiri, she was passionate about handbags and was interested in designing. We got talking, then sketching, then sampling. During the process it just felt right.
Wow, can’t say I have one, I go through phases. I get obsessed about someone, learn everything about them, and for a short period of time I’ll become an encyclopedia about the person but as quick as I learn, I tend to forget everything quicker, but it’s ultimately the essence that I’m trying to reach. That’s all I want to be left with. A lot of our bag names are hints of people that have inspired me.
We believe the Boyy customer is an independent, confident and versatile woman. Someone who is looking for a bag to complement them, not to compete with them. See, we think the woman is the main attraction; we’re just honored to be by her side. I think she can absolutely not live without our Frank bag or any of its offspring like the Franky and Francis. We do have an upcoming look for SS 08, the Drake bag; I think this one too will be pretty essential for seasons to come.
Boyy Bags
Boyy RENWICK BAG in Winter Orchid
Well I think it’s a couple of things. One is our initial philosophy which is that we want our bags to complete a woman not make a woman. A lot of “it” bags are designed to be the focal point, we keep the balance of the bag and the woman both in mind. We also feel like a bag is like a companion, or, as Wannasiri likes to put it, a boyfriend, hence the reason why our bags are named after guys. We think bags should have a masculine quality to balance out the woman’s femininity.
Boyy RENWICK BAG in Winter Orchid
Boyy Bags
Boyy Bags Boyy Francis Bag in Blood Ink Patent
Three reasons.

1. Effort, hustle and never bowing down to fear or insecurities. Business ultimately is a cascade of problem solving and the problems only get bigger and more complex as you go but that’s what it’s all about I suppose. One has to be up to the task. They say hard work pays off and I think we’re an example of that. Since we started, we’ve pretty much been working morning ’til night, sometimes around the clock everyday. There’s no real secret.

2. More specifically I think we launched with a product that was fresh and at the same time manageable on our end, on a production level. It was something we could move forward with without getting in over our heads; planning is essential. It’s very easy to dig yourself a hole in this business.

3. Networking and connections. I was fortunate enough to be able to present our product to some influential people in the industry, this by no means was an “in.” If they don’t like the product, no favors are handed out.
His name is Kongpat Sakdapitak, his nickname is P’Ong. He is one of Thailand’s premier pop artists. He’s been a longtime friend of Wannasiri’s and I’ve since become good friends with him since spending time in Thailand. He’s honestly one of the most gifted people I know, he’s just a fountain of creativity. I know he has a tricky name but try and remember it, you’ll hear more about him soon.
Boyy CHARLIE BAG
Boyy FRANCIS BAG in black patent leather
We currently dabble in designing and producing men’s bags, but it’s hard to pursue because the men’s market is completely separate from the women’s and the buyers are a whole set of different people as well. It’s almost like setting up a new company. As of now we mostly do private orders for our men’s designs. Apparel and shoes are definitely on our minds but we want to wait for the right time, that’s not something to rush into. You gotta make sure all the ducks are lined up before that step.
Boyy Bags - Chloe Sevigny with Boyy Frank Bag in Black Leather

Chloë was actually one of the first people I met in New York, this was before Kids even came out! Ever since then we’d bump into each other in the most random places, a recording studio in L.A., a party in London etc. So when this pattern continued last year in New York, I just told her what I was up to. She was very interested in checking it out and thankfully she liked what she saw.
In terms of collaborating, I would love to. We’ll see, a lot of this stuff is about timing.
 

We were planning on doing that last year using a particular recycled fabric, can’t get into too much detail, but we simply ran out of development time. We’re hoping to have an eco-friendly bag ready for FW 08, but we might just spring it up during the summer.
Believe it or not, I’ve never owned an iPod but if I have a radio on I’m listening to ESPN Radio from 12 to 2, “The Stephen A. Smith Show” and the overnight show on WFAN “The Fan.” See, I’m a basketball junky and Knicks fan.

My relationship with music is complex. Being so completely immersed in it for so long, I’d rather not listen to it when I don’t have to. For most people listening to music is an escape, for me not listening to music is an escape. I am a sucker for pop music though.