Inside Patricia Nash Designs: How Craftsmanship, Family, and Vintage Inspiration Built a Timeless Handbag Brand

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In the world of classic shoes that last the test of time, Patricia Nash is a name you should know. The women-owned and founded business makes patterned handbags, shoes, and accessories that both look good and feel great on. I own multiple bags, accessories, and shoes from the brand and can safely say that Patricia Nash’s designs are not just beautiful to look at, but durable, too.

Among her most well-known designs is the Benvenuto Tote, available in various unique designs — including the brand’s quintessential floral print. While totes are originally what Patricia Nash was known for, the brand also has a great line of footwear, which is now finally back in production. I recently tried the Sicily boots in Wien and could wear them for a 10,000-step day without ever breaking a sweat. Numerous people asked me where I purchased these boots, complimenting their sleek, classic style and true-to-size fit.

Shop Sicily Boot in Wine

But that’s not all — the brand offers many more styles, and I spoke to the founder herself to learn more about her latest collections, classic looks, and journey behind building the brand. Keep on reading for the full story.

Let’s start at the beginning. You’ve told the story of finding a vintage handbag in your mother’s closet as the spark for Patricia Nash Designs. What about that bag made you think, “This could be a whole brand” rather than just a beautiful keepsake?

When I found that vintage bag in my mother’s closet, what struck me most, after all the memories it evoked, was the workmanship. The leather, the stitching, the way it held up after decades… It reminded me how uncommon that level of quality had become. It was a very straightforward realization that there was a gap in the market and a chance to bring true craftsmanship back.

Patricia Nash Designs is often described as a family-driven company, especially with your daughter Jennifer working alongside you. What does building a family business look like day to day?

Day to day, it means we’re fully invested, personally and professionally, in everything we do. Jennifer and I don’t separate “family” from “work”; the conversations, the decisions, the problem-solving flow through both. It also means there’s complete trust. We challenge each other, we are agile, and we confront difficult situations head on. A family business works when everyone is willing to roll up their sleeves and act with integrity, and that’s exactly how we operate.

Shop Patricia Nash

Your pieces are instantly recognizable — the map prints, tooling, florals, and rich leathers. How did you land on that visual language, and how do you keep it feeling fresh 15 years in?

Our visual language began with the materials and techniques I trust and am drawn to: rich leathers, hand-tooling, vintage-inspired prints. Those weren’t branding decisions; they were craftsmanship decisions, and they naturally became our signature.

What keeps it fresh is staying curious and staying close to the customer. I’m constantly traveling with my family, meeting people, listening to feedback, and letting those real interactions spark new ideas. And I also keep my original vision front and center — trusting my gut and keeping quality at the forefront, always.

When you’re designing a new collection, what comes first for you — the story, the material, or the woman who’s going to carry it?

For me, it always starts with either the material or the vintage styles I pick up on my travels. I need to feel the leather or be inspired by an interesting silhouette or function — that’s what sparks the ideas. From there, the story and the woman come naturally, and I always design around how she’ll use it and how it fits into her life. It’s a very hands-on, instinctive process.

For Nakhra readers who might be discovering you for the first time, which handbag is the best “first Patricia Nash” purchase — and why?

I usually point people to one of our classic crossbodies or totes, something like the Martell Crossbody or the Benvenuto Tote. They show exactly what we stand for: great leather, thoughtful construction, and a design you’ll use every day. They’re practical, they age beautifully, and they give you a real sense of what our brand is about. I also love our frame bags, which are a signature for us, and the Serafina and Sofia prove that great design stays relevant.

Shop Martell Crossbody Clutch

What are your personal everyday go-tos from the current collection?

I tend to carry pieces that are functional but have something special to them. Lately, I’ve been reaching for the Sancia Woven Satchel, which has such a unique look with its carved wooden handle, and the shoulder strap makes it easy for everyday wear.

Shop Sancia Woven Satchel

I also love the Pomezia Satchel. That east-west shape is really trending right now, and it’s incredibly practical with plenty of space. It’s one of those bags you can throw over your shoulder and wear from day to night without thinking about it.

Shop Pomezia Satchel

Are there any underrated pieces on your site that you wish more people knew about?

Our frame bags get a lot of love, but many other pieces deserve attention too. The Cassola Satchel, for example, has a beautiful bell shape and is incredibly functional with great leather, thoughtful details, and is perfect for everyday organization. I also think our woven pieces don’t get the spotlight they deserve. They take a tremendous amount of handwork, and people are always surprised by how lightweight and durable they are.

Shop Cassola Satchel

The Pisticci is a classic for us, with every leather link hand-linked — the skill behind it still amazes me. And our footwear is another hidden gem. We relaunched this year, and the styles are comfortable and classic: oxfords, heeled booties, all full-grain leather. Future classics in the making.

Shop Pisticci Flapover Bag

Your bags are often described as “heirloom” or “forever” pieces. How do you think about durability and repair when you’re designing something new?

Longevity is one of the things I’m most proud of. Our bags are built to be durable and to get more beautiful with time. We also have a repair studio at our headquarters, and every repair is done by hand. Our goal is always to make a piece as good as new, if not better, so women can carry these bags for years.

As you look at the next 5–10 years of Patricia Nash Designs, is there a new category, collaboration, or direction you’re especially excited about?

I’m always excited about creating and about what’s next. A big part of that is the chance to keep working, growing, and traveling with my daughter and with my family. I also love the possibilities that come with the right collaborations; when the partner and the craftsmanship align, it opens the door to ideas we might not explore on our own. Most of all, I want to keep introducing this brand, which means so much to us, to more people who connect with the story and our values.

Finally, for the young designers or founders reading this — especially women — what’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before you started?

The most important thing you have is your integrity; staying true to your word and your vision. Don’t compromise that. And remember that this business is built on relationships. I’ve been lucky to work with suppliers and retailers who’ve supported me from the very beginning, and that comes from treating people well, listening, and showing respect. If you focus on your craft, trust your instincts, and build good relationships along the way, you’ll go farther than you think.

You can shop Patricia Nash’s full collection on the brand’s website, or find select styles on Amazon, too.

Shop Patricia Nash at Amazon

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