Motivated by creative spirit and armed with boxes of remnant fabric and her trusty "Blue Magic" sewing machine, Melbourne based designer Carla Limosani established Emotional Baggage in 2004 in an effort to share with others her passion for textiles and handmade products.

Spending her daytime hours working for a manufacturing company, Carla used her nights and weekends to nurture her growing desire to explore the world of handbag design and construction.

Encouraged by family and friends, it wasn’t long before Carla took her gorgeous creations to markets around Victoria and consigned them to a number of Melbourne boutiques. Her products were eagerly received by customers and storeowners alike, inspiring Carla to continue her quest to create handbags and accessories from beautiful fabrics and textiles that evoke an emotional response.

Emotional Baggage expresses the love and energy Carla commits to each of her handmade pieces, ensuring that not only do they meet her high standards of craftsmanship and style, but are also hardwearing and functional. As a result, a number of handbags in the Emotional Baggage range combine the durability of denim with the luxury of soft leather and vibrant cotton prints.

At the beginning of 2007, drawing on feedback from her customers, Carla explored the idea of offering a custom-made service in addition to producing one-off designs. She began to take fabric swatches to her markets and discovered that many customers relished in the experience of customising their Emotional Baggage handbag or purse by having it made in their choice of fabrics and leather. This opportunity meant that each custom-made piece truly reflected the owner’s individual style and personality and ensured that finally, they could happily show off their Emotional Baggage!

Many cotton reels later, this custom-made concept has been developed into an online interactive boutique so that those who do not live in Melbourne or simply prefer the convenience of shopping online, still have an opportunity to experience Carla’s continued aspiration to create unique handbags and accessories that her customers will cherish.

For the time pressed, a range of ready-made handbags and accessories are also available to choose from as well as a number of limited edition and one design pieces.

All custom made and ready-made products are cut by hand and sewn individually ensuring each Emotional Baggage item harnesses the unique expression and creative spirit that initiated Carla’s journey.

For Carla, Emotional Baggage is truly a labour of love…