Interview with Bene Handbags Founder Ellie Schwing

This month we are so excited to be sitting down with the incredible founder behind Bene Handbags, Ellie Schwing. She spends most of her days working in Italy, but her hometown of New Orleans holds a special place in her heart. The brand is a visual representation of worlds colliding and continues to showcase the beauty of distinctive influences. We’re diving into the inspiration behind the brand, the journey of building something meaningful from the ground up, and what’s next for Bene. Let’s get into it!

Where and when was the brand founded?

BENE Handbags was founded in 2016 – being born in Rome and launched in New Orleans. The brand is a true representation of worlds colliding; our bags are produced in Italy (where I live now) and showcases custom artwork designed by female artists from New Orleans (my hometown!).

What was the catalyst in starting the brand?

When I moved from the US to Rome in 2015, I was constantly on the go and utilized the opportunity to travel any chance I could. I quickly found a missing piece of my staple wardrobe – a travel bag that was both stylish and functional for weekend travel. I wanted something that fit everything but also didn’t feel like I was carrying a piece of luggage. I needed it to be comfortable and stylish so I didn’t feel like I had to go straight to check into the hotel – I could carry my bag right off the train + into the bar for a coffee or spritz, to meet my friends shopping, or to hang in the piazza! After continuously searching, I decided to make my own! That’s how BENE Handbags was born. 

A major goal of mine from the beginning was to bridge the gap between name-brand, luxury bags and the subsect of low-quality, leather bags catered solely towards tourists. I worked with a group of consultants to help me find the studios in Italy known for continuing the generational craft of fine, leather craftsmanship. These same studios that we partner with also make bags for so many luxury brands; BENE proudly provides the same top-tier, quality product – without the designer price tag. 

Was there a design/fashion muse you can tell us about?

I love vintage bags and bags with very subtle design detail – details that could only be appreciated by someone with a trained eye.

What is the dream for the brand in the next 5 years?

It’s been such a joy to watch BENE grow and transform over the past nine years. All of our bag styles are custom to the brand; you won’t find them anywhere else. I am constantly feeling inspired by fashion of the past and present, and I would love to introduce more new styles to the brand over the next few years! There’s never a shortage of ideas or possibilities running through my mind.

We also have the opportunity to work with amazing, female artists; each handbag is lined with custom artwork designed by a New Orleans female artist.  I am passionate about finding innovative ways to showcase our partners’ work and love having the opportunity to work on collaboration products that cater to this aspect of our mission. Additionally, I would love to continue to grow the “BENE Crew” and share the love + story of the brand with as many people as possible. I love connecting with our customers – and also think it’s so fun to see a BENE bag “in the wild!”

Do you have a favorite collection or piece to date?

I am usually excited about whatever is coming in the next season. We work so far in advance that sometimes I forget what leathers I chose for what bags, so when they arrive it is so fun to see them in person! Unboxing day almost feels like Christmas morning.

What’s your favorite thing in your closet right now?

My white Alexander McQueen skirt. The perfect transitional segway into Spring and Summer weather!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“If it was easy, everyone would do it; it is about the journey, not the destination.”

Is there one unforgettable defining time in your career that changed you?

COVID

Who is your style icon?

Carolyn Bessette- Kennedy

If you could be from any other decade (or era), which would it be?

If I could have been in my 20s in the 90s! 

If you could have any three classic icons over for dinner – who would they be?

Michelle Obama - Diane Keaton - Princess Diana

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Jennifer Lawrence 

Best gift you’ve ever received?

A gold bracelet from my husband 

What does the word “Classic” mean to you?

Timeless 

Quickfire Questions

• • Sign:

    • Scorpio 

  • Dark chocolate or milk chocolate:

    • Dark 

  • Coffee or Tea:

    • Coffee (Specifically Italian coffee!)

  • Favorite Classic Movie:

    • Little Rascals, Parent Trap, The Notebook, First Wives Club, Catch Me If You Can, You’ve Got Mail.  

  • Never without:

    • Chapstick

  • Color you couldn’t live without:

    • Black 

  • Your favorite accessory:

    • My BENE bags – of course!

  • Your favorite wardrobe piece:

    • My black Sandro Paris pants 

  • Favorite city:

    • Tokyo 

  • Last trip you were on:

    • I travel a lot for work, but for pleasure – Capri and Paris 

  • Last book you read:

    • First Lie Wins 

  • Favorite Restaurant:

    • Restorante da Tonino in Capri

  • Hotel you’re dreaming of:

    • The Maharajas Express 

  • Design is:

    • Creating

  • Fashion will always:

    • Exist 

  • Art can:

    • Captivate and change the way we see something or someone 

  • If you were a color it would be:

    • Turquoise

  • If you were a texture it would be:

    • Silk 

  • I’m a firm believer in:

    • Sleep and kindness 

  • I’m deeply grateful for:

    • My family 

  • The world needs more:

    • Love 

  • If you had to pick one Classic Six piece, what would it be?:

    • The classic button down - it’s a staple and should be in every woman's wardrobe