If your fall wardrobe is looking a bit greige, perhaps you need an accessory with a pop of color? Charlotte Nicoladis, New Orleans-based designer of Horn & Hide leather accessories, is here to help. I was recently able to ask the former graphic designer a few questions about her brand and what makes it unique.
Can you tell us about the creation of your brand?
Well, it all started on a trip to Puerto Rico. I went into this shop in Old San Juan and purchased several handbags and a belt. The following year we returned, and I went to the same Old San Juan location and the store owner remembered us. After talking with the owner and learning about the company’s five generations of leather tanners and tradesman, he suggested a business collaboration. I started selling their handbags and belts at house parties; then, as interest grew, I sold at various larger shows such as Junior Leagues in the southeast. After 10 years of selling their designs, I decided to create my own line featuring handbags, small accessories, and men’s collegiate colored belts.
All of your products are made with embossed leather, what draws you to this specifically?
I fell in love with the history of tanning leathers and felt like I could create contemporary styles for today’s woman. Embossed leather is extremely durable and attractive, and the leather softens with age and use. The bumps of the emboss are called the ‘horn’ of the crocodile, hence the name, Horn & Hide. Even the interior lining of the bags is pig skin, which is extremely soft and supple.
What do you think differentiates your product?
The vibrant colors! I started the company during the pandemic. Some said I was brave, but at the time I was worried I was crazy. My husband and I flew to Leon and met with metal fabricators for the closures and buckles, then toured leather tanners in the area. Color was everywhere! That’s when I knew, since covid had made things seem gray and dull, Horn & Hide needed to bring brightness. You can always purchase brown and black leather goods, but bright orange and yellow are more memorable.
What are the most popular items?
I think the most popular item is the Magazine Street Tote. It’s very versatile. It can be used for work (it fits a laptop) but also to give a pop of color to a basic outfit. The collegiate belts are also very popular with both men and women. Ladies love the color options, and men enjoy wearing their team color to a game or while playing golf. Men aren’t afraid of color anymore!
Where can we see your products?
Locally, select styles are carried by Pamela Dennis at the Rink. Otherwise, you can view and purchase our entire Fall/Winter collection online at hornandhidenola.com. Stay tuned for a special holiday show on November 7th at Pamela Dennis and our own holiday show on December 5th. For event details, please visit our Instagram @hornandhidenola.
Meet Penn, Shop Talk Blogger
Penn Larocci is a born and raised New Orleanian. After graduating from Tulane University she lived in NYC for nine years working in sales and marketing at an investment bank. When she missed New Orleans more than she could stand, she moved back home, met her husband and started a family. She’s now raising two rambunctious little boys and spending her free time on environmental sustainability projects.
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