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Lily Imports began in Beijing, China while I was on a
business trip with my husband. We were shopping on the silk street and I saw the most
beautiful beaded handbags. I bought one and brought it home. I started to get comments
about where I found this handbag. Next thing I knew I was designing my own bags. My
designs are inspired by ethnic folk patterns from around the world.
My business partner Jessica found a factory to make the handbags.
She and I traveled from Beijing to the Chinese province of Jiangsu by an overnight
train to visit the factory. I was impressed with the handicraft skills of the workers
at the factory.
Each handbag takes 48 hours to construct. They are
handmade by sewing the glass beads, lining and handles onto a custom pattern for each design. Each bag
has at least one pocket inside, feet on bottom, a zipper or snap closure, a plain or
braided handle and a beaded design on both the front and back. These handbags were
designed with beauty and utility in mind. Most beaded handbags can only fit a lipstick
inside and not much else. I wanted these bags to be used for dress and casual, therefore
they are much roomier then the average beaded bag.
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