Designers Suzie Rapp and Amy Posavek

By Samantha Read

      If the recent boom of actors-turned-singers-turned-fashion designers makes you stifle a yawn, Suzie Rapp and Amy Posavek's line of accessories might tickle your fancy. Models at a young age, Rapp and Posavek strutted down catwalks and basked in the hustle and bustle of New York City, quite the different atmosphere from their native Texas. It wasn't long, however, before both set their sights on designing, and trekked back home to enroll in fashion at the University of Texas.

"Modeling gave me my first glimpse into the fashion world," says Rapp. "I learned a lot about the business...I always sketched and constructed clothing and with a better understanding of the fashion industry it just made it easier to move into design." Adds Posavek: "I became more interested in how the clothes were made rather than modeling them."

Their partnership didn't materialize overnight. As both were finishing up their degrees and contemplating what direction to head next, Posavek called Rapp with an intriguing proposition: relocate to Austin with her and design their own line of accessories. Rapp agreed and the business was formed. Initially self-financed, it garnered the attention of investors in a mere four months. Now two years later, the duo is sitting pretty thanks to their creative designs.

Rapp and Posavek have been named "the ones to watch" by Lucky Magazine and have attracted a lot of celebrity interest thanks to enormous exposure at last year's Emmy Awards. They contributed handbags and belts to the "Style Lounge", a shopping pre-party event for the awards. "Celebrities and members of the media are invited to check out the works from different designers and then pick items to wear to the Emmy Awards," Posavek explains. "We had to make lots of promotional products to give the media and prepare for celebrities. It was really a time crunch for us," says Rapp. The effort was worth it, they gained exposure on E! Television and in magazines like US Weekly and In Touch.

Their handbags and accessories combine high-end luxury with a more street-wear edge – girly with tough materials like leather and brass. "In the beginning our styles were very different, but since we have been working so closely with one another for over two years our styles have somewhat merged," says Posavek. "Suzie has more of a downtown vintage feel and designs bags that are reminiscent of the 70's with tough details. I tend to design bags that are more fashion-forward with feminine silhouettes." Adds Rapp, "We always work on every design together. We have very different personal styles but we always seem to agree on what makes a great bag. If one of us doesn't love it, we drop it or change it."

Rapp and Posavek show no signs of slowing down. The pair is in talks to bring their line to over 250 boutiques around the world and they hope to foray into the world of apparel and shoes. Keeping a close eye on Hollywood, they envision their clientele as "the bohemian rock'n'roll type ladies – Kate Moss, Liv Tyler, Kate Hudson, Sienna Miller" says Rapp. Posavek adds the Olsen twins and Cameron Diaz to the list and says "they are very cool, and have their own style and are always trend setters to celebrities and the public eye."

Entering into the partnership was a gamble for the designers, but it clearly paid off. Rather than collaborating with a team of fashion moguls like some new converts to the design game, the business is exclusively theirs, which both agree makes it all worthwhile.

We spoke with the designers to get the inside scoop on how their personal styles have evolved, and had them dish about what looks will heat up 2005.

HILARY Magazine: You started out in the modeling industry. What did you learn from that experience?

Suzie Rapp: Modeling gave me my first glimpse into the fashion world. I learned a lot about the business and the way things worked. Being a young teenager I learned a lot in general. I always sketched and constructed clothing and with a better understanding of the fashion industry it just made it easier to move into design.

Amy Posavek: I really fell in love with fashion while I was modeling. I became more interested in how the clothes were made than modeling them.

HILARY Magazine: Since you started, how has your personal style evolved?

Suzie: I think my style has become more feminine like Amy's; Amy has begun to take more risks.

Amy: I definitely agree!!

HILARY Magazine: What accessory will be the must-have item of 2005?

Suzie: Heavily studded bags - like our Mallory and Brianna.

Amy: Bags that look different than the norm. Different shapes, strong bohemian styles, studded bags etc.

HILARY Magazine: How does being from Texas influence your designs?

Suzie: Texas has a laid back, relaxed atmosphere and especially in Austin, music and art are very prevalent, that definitely influences our designs. Both Amy and I have lived in various places in the U.S. and traveled a lot so there are influences from many different places as well.

Check Rapp & Posavek out online at www.RappAndPosavek.com

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