Interview With Designer Mimi Lombardo
1. You spent decades shaping visual narratives as an editor. How did that trained eye influence the design of your new handbag collection, Child of the Universe?
As an editor, I was always looking for that “special” and unique accessory or piece of clothing that would set a story apart and inspire people. With my nascent collection, I’ve created a bridal accessory that feels just as special—something a woman can truly treasure.
2. What was the moment when you realized it was time to transition your talents from editor to designer and create your own collection?
Entrepreneurship has been in the air for a few years, and I had been waiting for the right item to produce. The idea of Child of the Universe has been swirling in my mind for at least five years. I met with several manufacturers in New York but couldn’t find the right factory to execute my vision—many wanted to take it in a completely different direction. I persisted until I found my factory in Sardinia, Italy. We worked together for over a year through monthly Zoom meetings, multiple samples, and constant WhatsApp communication until everything felt right.
3. The bridal market is incredibly emotional and symbolic. Why did you choose bridal as the starting point for your handbag brand?
Exactly for those reasons—fashion can be incredibly fickle, while the bridal market is deeply emotional. I love the idea of cherishing an accessory worn on your wedding day or honeymoon—something that holds meaning. I hope to expand the collection into other colors—black and blue (for “something blue”)—and eventually into additional accessories.
4. The collection is handcrafted in Italy. What does Italian craftsmanship bring to these pieces, and why was it important for you to produce them there?
It was crucial to produce the bags where luxury, sustainability, and quality are truly respected. I didn’t want a throwaway accessory—this had to be made with intention and craftsmanship. Italy represents the highest level of artistry in shoes, handbags, and fashion. There is a deep respect for accessories there, along with a passion for sustainability.
5. The name Child of the Universe is poetic and evocative. What does the name represent, and how does that philosophy translate into the design of the bags?
The story goes back to my childhood, when I watched my mom and my aunts carry handbags—it represented becoming a woman: elegant and sophisticated. The design is inspired by a bag my cousin had when we were young, which I loved and coveted but never owned myself. The name Child of the Universe comes from the poem Desiderata, which has always helped me make sense of the world. I love that it carries a universal meaning—we are all children of the universe, no one better or worse than another.
6. You are launching with three styles. Can you walk us through the design thinking behind them and the role they play for a bride on her wedding day—or beyond it?
The yarns are sustainably sourced from deadstock, so there is no waste. It was important that the bag could hold an iPhone and a few small essentials, but also that it felt charming. Women love carrying a bag with the right shape—something that sits beautifully on a table or is carried like a little companion. The bride can tuck the handles inside and wear it as a clutch or carry it traditionally. Each bag comes with its own storage box and branded dust pouch so it can be treasured for years to come. It easily transitions into the honeymoon and beyond.
I’ve launched with three styles—one features hand-crocheted flowers with a choice of pearl or rhinestone centers, hand-sewn upon request. Another style incorporates rhinestones and threads that give the bag movement; that style comes in white and cream, as brides often want to match their dresses. I am also creating a baby blue version to pair with those iconic Manolo Blahnik “something blue” shoes.
7. Having worked inside fashion media for so many years, how does your understanding of storytelling, imagery, and audience shape the way you are building this brand?
Having worked inside fashion media for so many years, my understanding of storytelling, imagery, and audience is rooted in creating an emotional connection. Whether in media or product, it has to feel authentic. I’ve served as Fashion Director at Travel + Leisure, Ritz-Carlton, and of course World Bride Magazine, which was my entrée into the bridal world. Bridal is such a joyful, optimistic space to work within, and that is why I chose to focus on this industry. The story behind Child of the Universe is deeply personal—it’s a coming-of-age narrative rooted in my belief that a handbag symbolizes stepping into womanhood, with places to go and people to see. The design is intentionally sweet and nostalgic, representing childhood on its way to becoming a woman.And what better moment to carry it than on a wedding day—when two lives merge and a new chapter begins?ns?
8. You’re debuting the collection during NY Luxury Bridal Week and seeking retail partners for trunk shows. What kind of boutiques or collaborators would best understand and champion the vision of Child of the Universe?
Ideally, I would love to place the bags with boutiques like Spina Bride, Designer Loft, or Bridal Reflections—retailers that understand craftsmanship and support emerging designers. For now, brides can contact me directly at Mimilombardo14@gmail.com while my website is being completed.
