Nelle
The Wisconsin native got her start in handbag design at age 23 with no more sewing experience than a shark pillow she had constructed in a home economics class. In the spring of 2003 Laura set out to master the art of handbag design with a load of determination, a used sewing machine from the Goodwill and a library card.
In 2004 Laura Nelli started Nelle, a handbag company focused on creating luxurious handbags and clutches. By combining natural fabrics with her keen attention to detail Nelle handbags and clutches illustrate Laura’s deep appreciation of vivid colors and textures. Respect for independent and slow design led Laura to develop a handbag label that prides itself on crafting well-constructed pieces that are produced locally.
Since then Nelle handbags have attracted the attention of style editors and industry insiders. In 2008, Nelle was named one of 5 finalists in the Independent Handbag Design Awards for Best Handmade Handbag Category. Nelle’s entry was picked out of more than 600 entries from around the world.
As an emerging accessories designer, Laura hopes to find her way in the industry by providing her clients with a bit of casual luxury. Based out of Minneapolis, MN, Nelle handbags and clutches are sold at upscale boutiques as well as on-line at www.nellehandbags.com.