ABOUT
Michelle Frantz started her creative endeavors as a painter. After receiving her undergraduate degree at Otis/Parsons and her masters from UCLA, she began experimenting with hand-cast resin and vintage fabrics to create a collection of handbags completely unique to the fashion and accessories market. These one-of-a-kind handbags developed a cult following among stylists and editors and after one very successful season, Hand Maid by Michelle Frantz was born. The Collection quickly expanded and within a year the collection was sold in over 200 exclusive boutiques and department stores worldwide with showroom representation in New York, Los Angeles, London and Tokyo.
After 10 years of Hand Maid, Michelle sold her line and decided to try something new and in 2007 moved to New York for a position at Donna Karan. As the Design Director for Collection Accessories, she launched the new accessories division. Her focus was on creating a brand identity and a defined iconic handbag language that paralleled the vision of Donna Karan RTW. The success was "The Eldridge!" Inspired by both Donna's “infinite ways of dressing” and by Hand Maid’s early resin interchangeable handbags.
In 2010, left Donna Karan to launch a consulting business, Michelle Frantz, LLC. This gave her time to spend with her newborn son Leonardo. The business model includes consulting for new ventures, with a focus on brand building, merchandising and design. Clients include The Gap, Coach, Jones NY and many small independent labels, such as Falconiere and All Pretty Girls.
While consulting Michelle was introduced to the SVP of Design at The Limited who asked Michelle to join him as the Director of Accessories and to launch an in house accessories line for the brand. During her tenure with The Limited she translated the conceptual view of the season into multiple accessory categories…..Identifying, informing and directing trend while creating multiple collections that support the apparel and brand message. Michelle demonstrated a clear understanding of The Limited’s client which supported strategic growth and most importantly, her designs elevated the aesthetic of the brand.
Michelle was then approached by Nine West who was in search of a VP of Handbags to help align, structure and elevate their handbags and SLG’s. During the first year, Michelle made a huge impact. She seasonally presented design direction and trend to all departments. Making sure that all collections were balanced, not duplicative, met target costs, on trend and applicable to the customer. Michelle introduced an entire new brand language through hardware and elevation of the design in both Mainline and Mid tier. She made sure there was synergy amongst all departments and that the brand message remained in tact. The elevation of the design drove business globally. Michelle also launched a very successful gifting program and the new ” fast track” concept that allowed Nine West to more quickly deliver the trends.
Michelle resides in Brooklyn with her son Leo, loves to travel, ride her bike and collect vintage accessories.
Contact: frantzmich@me.com