Melissa C. Hardware clutch designer and more!

The girl behind the hardware clutch, and fashionista at its best. 

Icons 1-You create hardware clutches, how did this all started? 

Mel- It started out as a DIY project. I wanted to created a clutch like the ones in stored. That I refused to pay for As soon as I made my first one from a folder, someone asked about buying it and the requests kept

 on coming , so it evolved from there. Pretty soon I was experimenting with fabrics and different closures for 

them. 

Icons- 2- Your style and fashion sense is unique, can you share some fashion tips with us? 

Mel- I don't consider myself a fashionista but there is a rule I abide by when shopping. I don't buy things that are two trendy. I'm cheap and trends fade too quickly. Before purchasing anything make sure it is flattering

 to your body and you can wear it in different ways until you (not the crowd) gets bored with it.

Icons- 3- In a nutshell, how will you describe yourself to others?

Mel- I'm a weirdo. Lol... A creative weirdo. I like art in all forms and love self expression. If I'm not creating

 purses I'll be creating something else. 

Icons 4- You balance established designs and incorporated in to your own how does that work for you? 

Mel-I wish I could say its all me, but I can't. All the designs stem from a collective effort . I like to give 

people creative liberty so  that's why I have them email me. I want them to give me ideas and bring them to 

life with some minor adjustments. For example, someone will want "hot pink with leopard and purple and 

orange" and it's my job to translate that into something that isn't obnoxious but still what they asked for. 

5- Who would you consider a style icon? Feel free to share anything else with us, we will love to know.

I absolutely adore Solange. I know everyone is on the a Beyonce train right now but I love Solange effortless style. She makes me want to paint her. She is art on legs. There's something so understated but completely bold about her. She speaks volumes without uttering a word. I love and am inspired my understated elegance. Kudos to the outgoing and vivacious people but I connect with those that are in the background.

for information about having one of these fabulous clutch customize. email hardwareclutch@gmail.com

follow her on instagram @clarmeli86