Lisa E. Davis and Bruce Kirchofer, founders of Texas-based Hampton Road Designs, sign their brand story “with gratitude,” a gratefulness for a way to express their passion for textiles, design and making things.
In 2016, Lisa, a lawyer, was reflecting on the loss of her father and the subsequent need for her mother to move out of the big family home on Hampton Road in Austin, when her thoughts turned to her beloved Longhorns, who had implemented a clear bag policy for their football games.
Lisa and Bruce, also a big Longhorn fan, took up the challenge to create a clear bag that was more than just a game day accessory. After many trips to New York, London and Mexico — as well as, their site says, the sewing machine shop — they launched Hampton Road Designs in July of 2018.
Now their shoulder bags, guitar straps for purses, cases and hair ties are in more than 100 retailers nationwide.
“Whether you’re looking for a new everyday purse, an elegant party clutch or a clear bag… Hampton Road Designs provides high-quality customizable leather, silk, and vinyl products with unmatched attention to detail and vintage beauty,” a spokeswoman says. “All of Hampton Road’s products are manufactured by women-owned businesses. The leather bags are handmade in Mexico by personally selected artisans and the silk products are handmade by a veteran-owned business in San Antonio.”
Prices for the bags range from $219 to $345.
For more, visit hamptonroaddesigns.com.