Yerevan

As I gathered the contents of my purse, I ended up in the all too familiar dilemma of how to fit my Blackberry, wallet, compact, and numerous “can’t leave the house without” items into my palm sized attache. As oversized totes slowly fade into the racks of last season, diminutive clutches are being seen on the hangs of fashionable women. Just as shoes make a statement about where one has been, handbags show where one is headed. They speak wonders without saying a word.

Rows of sewing machines, swatches of fabrics, and unpredictable inspirations fill the space as I make my way into the family run factory where Maria Argyropoulos’ creations come to life. As she approaches me, I notice that she is expecting. “The second one,” she said, pointing to her belly, “I need to sit down.” The studio is filled with swatches, designs, frames, and people buzzing around trying to make last minute touches on her new Spring 2010 collection for m.andonia. With the husband-wife team’s collaborative forces they are able to bring the most innovative handbag designs to life. As her recent collection becomes both a domestic and international sensation, I was able to sit down with the power duo.

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