Interview With Bruno Beaugrand of Mhann Bags

Bruno Beaugrand is a French-born industrial designer. He studied Industrial Design in Champagne and in Paris and Graduated with a Master of Arts Degree from ENSAD Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts Decortifs in Paris, 1998.

Bruno moved to New York City in 1998 to work as an Industrial Designer for a company called 4sight and designed packaging for clients such as Pepsi, Unilever, L’Oreal and Johnson and Johnson. In the year 2000 he joined, Tiffany & Co. to create the Tiffany Watch Collection, which he launched world wide in 2002.

In 2002, both Bruno and Sanna started to work full-time for Lumi Accessories. Four years later in 2006, they launched Mhann, a bag collection for men. Today, both collections go hand in hand men might even buy Lumi and women buy Mhann.

I want you to meet Bruno Beaugrand , Head Designer for Mhann.

1. What are the essentials a man should have in his wardrobe?

Individualism. Understated, tasteful material and colors.
Beautiful shoes, because first thing woman look at in the man are shoes, then to be on the top of your game, the leather bag, INDISPENSABLE, this is how to create your own identity, defining where you stand, bags are the best item in a man's closet that has this potential.

2. How did you begin designing Mhann bags? What inspired you?

Men calling for aesthetically pleasing and functional bags.
So sad to see dudes and business men wearing smoochy back packs and nylon bags. A successful guy must have the opportunity to show his status through his bag. We are answering that need by introducing edgy and fine tuned handcrafted leather handbags.
MHANN is a designer label and want to state that not only precious high end over advertised labels deliver luxury leather pieces. We are catering to an aesthetically educated crowd looking for individual handbags that fit and express their style and mindset.

3. In your opinion, what are the elements of a well dressed man?

Individualism, understated, tasteful material and colors.

4. Traditionally men have not been open to carrying a bag. However, these days I see more and more men with messenger bags, bags thrown over shoulders, backpacks. I have even seen a man carrying a bag on his arm and at the same time, he was carrying a messenger bag. It is obvious that this is not a "trend" it is a convenience. Bags are necessary as all of us have more and more things to carry, laptops, PDA's, cell phones, etc.

What advice do you give a man when choosing a bag, perhaps for the first time?

Do not be shy, make your own statement, choose quality piece versus cheap mono-season styling bag, quality is always paying over time. You need to select a volume that is in correlation with your lifestyle, do you go directly from work to gym, do you often carry your laptop, do you walk or bike etc…

5. You are not just the head designer for Mhann you are also cofounder of Lumi Accessories and Lumi on 14. Can you please tell us a little bit about Lumi on 14?

Lumi on 14 is the extension of our thinking, we wanted to express directly our opinion in the retail sector. We are open and share this philosophy with designer labels that are sharing the same positioning. Customers can now understand, appreciate and review an international selection of the best designer brands in Helsinki. High-end quality manufacturing and design integrity are key point in the selection of those labels.

The innovative interior architecture of the store encapsulates the atmosphere of these brands under the same roof. LUMI ON 14 is a two level space – from the street level entrance, an anthracite acetate tunnel opens to the surprising underground main space. A former Spa and Photo studio, the voluminous loft conveys a sentiment of well-being. Original details, such as ceramic walls are treasured, and the interior furniture, lighting and display are custom designed to fit into the vision of this concept store. Three shades of grey for the wall space meet white matte raw wood furniture and black shiny floors, leaving the products free to express themselves. Old world services and comfort are part of the package were customers can appreciate a vast dressing room with restroom and custom tailoring for clothing.

Mhann is distributed is 14 countries, 54 stores and Dept store including Onward Kashimaya, American rag, Galleries Lafayette, Desperado Etc.

Enjoy!

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