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The Interview
Styleforfree: How
was World
of According to Jess born?
Jess: Growing
up in a small, conservative New England town, Jess
always stood out. She'd wear polka dots, fishnets,
and a ton of colorful barrettes. “The world
isn’t according to you, Jessica!” her
mom would exclaim; and that is how her company got
its name. "My last job (being the head of accessories
at U.S. Polo) had me traveling the world at a moments
notice, lugging boring black carry on’s. After
countless trips and lost luggage, I was compelled
to create a colorfully unique bag that would fit
in the over head compartment of a plane, glide through
x-ray machines, and hold a few days of clothes and
work material." And so, in September of 2001, World
According to Jess was born. Her popular diaper
bags have been inspired by her 9 month old daughter,
Willow. They fit under the carriage, include a changing
pad, and can hold both baby and mommy’s goodies!
Jess really focuses on the design and function of
the interior, as well as making the exterior cool
and unique. Especially her doggy carriers; they are
strong and sturdy and have all the fixins.
Styleforfree: Any
early personal reflections?
Jess: Starting
my own handbag line has been a lifelong dream, but
finding the right niche was difficult. Jess noticed
an ever-present need for handbags and travel bags
that fulfill the “all in one” mentality. "I
like to make fun of fashion while emphasizing quality
construction and functional design...think ribbons,
studs and paint by number! The customer should always
expect the unexpected."
SFF: What
makes your line so distinctive?
Jess: From
secret pockets to clever compartments for cell phones
and baby bottles to linings that are as cute as the
exterior design, Jess’s bags are anything but
ordinary. “I’d rather stick push pins
in my eyes than create a boring black bag. My
line of cosmetics, handbags, diaper bags, carry-ons,
and dog carriers are a wildly fun mix of bold colors
and whimsical design. I like to make fun of
fashion while emphasizing quality construction and
functional silhouettes…think ribbons, plaids,
and paint by numbers.”
SFF: Any
inspirational tips for those starting their own ventures?
Jess: Go
to school for business - not just fashion. You really
need to pay your dues in the industry and take it
as an opportunity to learn and grow. “Slow
and steady wins the race” if you want staying
power in the industry, Jess says. You need to work
really hard; there will be plenty of setbacks, but
take them as life lessons.
SFF: What
traits make the ideal World
According to Jess fan?
Jess: “Anyone
who wears their personality on their shoulder!” If
you’re looking for a boring black bag, you
need to look elsewhere. Jess will never create one.
And it helps to have a sense of humor!
SFF: What
celebs tote your designs around the globe?
Jess: Our
styles have been scooped up by Beyonce Knowles, Christina
Aguilera, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lindsay Lohan, Gwyneth
Paltrow, Paris Hilton, Gisele Bundchen, Julianne
Moore, Carson Kressley, Patricia Fields, and Andre
Leon Tally -- to name just a few.
SFF: Any
special offers for Styleforfree readers?
Jess: Absolutely!
First of all, our cosmetic bags and clutches are being discontinued,
so get them while you can, at a fraction of the original
cost! You'll also find amazing deals on older items. You'll
also find lots of web-only markdowns not available at offline
retailers. World
According to Jess is offering a special discount just
for StyleforFree.com viewers! Simply open the Collections
page and select "enter pricing code." The
code is: Style for Free. This discount is for REGULARLY-PRICED
items only and expires 7/31/06. All merchandise shipped to
the U.S. will arrive in 3-5 business days. Shipping worldwide
will take a little longer.
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