RI Designer Kent Stetson’s Creative Handbags Are Now Being Tapped by National Brands
Tuesday, March 07, 2023
Rhode Island handbag designer Kent Stetson just unveiled his latest line of coveted creations — for Jersey Mike’s.
For Stetson, as he celebrates his twentieth anniversary making his creative clutches this year, how he came to land the order for 1,500 bags from the owners of the popular food chain is the story of how he has worked now for decades to establish himself as one the top names in fashion.
“Fierce and severe has had its moment in the industry. I’m more...charming,” said the self-effacing Stetson, a self-described introvert.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“This didn’t happen overnight. It has been a long time coming,” he added.
With Jersey MIke’s — and other big brands waiting in the wings — Stetson and his team in his Pawtucket production facility are maxed out on orders.
“This is the first time I haven’t had to hustle,” said Stetson. “I truly believe this is the start of a new chapter.”
Sandwich Success
According to Stetson, his whimsical designs have always been about the wearer — and word of mouth.
It was a customer who first saw his design at the Newport Flower Show, and then ordered a bag, that set him on the path to “sandwich" success.
“She lives down in Florida, and when I first sent her a bag, she called me and said it was bigger than she had hoped,” said Stetson of this particular customer. “So I said, how about I make you a smaller one then? She was shocked when I said I’d do that for her.”
“Well, she was out with her bag, and [Jersey Mike’s owner] Tatiana Cancro saw it,” said Stetson. “My customer said, ‘Do you know Kent Stetson?’”
An email introduction was made, and the rest, as they say, is history.
“My customers are truly my best ambassadors,” said Stetson.
So Stetson sent some designs to Cancro — as well as a personalized Corgi bag — and then he soon found his next stroke of luck.
“Cancro called from her plane, and said, ‘Do you have the New York Times?’ I said of course. There she was in a spread in the paper, holding one of my bags,” said Stetson. "She said, do you know how much this is worth?"
That relationship blossomed into the Cancros making the massive order for their conference taking place in Florida this week.
“Their conference has started and they’re in their swag bags,” said Stetson of his creations. “My bags are a keepsake and souvenir but also a clever way to market, not so subtly, Jersey Mike’s, and to prompt conversation.”
And Stetson puts the finishing touches on each bag himself.
“I’ve got my signature on each of them,” says Stetson. “My team does the prep and I just do the finish sewing. My hands are on each piece from our little shop in Pawtucket.”
“My website is crazy right now,” laughed Stetson. “Everyone is Orlando is carrying a Kent Stetson.”
A Growing Foodie Future
Now, Stetson has a number of potential new projects in the works.
"I had a meeting with Pepsi Co. a couple of weeks ago, and they asked about 'Cheetos' bag — and evening bag on the variation on the snack bag," said Stetson.
And for Stetson, the trends in the industry not only couldn't be hitting at a better time, but his company is particularly well-positioned for several reasons.
"More and more household brands are trying to market in clever and unexpected ways, and are embracing the nostalgia factor," said Stetson.
And for those companies looking to place large orders, his Rhode Island-based company meets a number of demands.
"Our pieces are cruelty-free and almost all U.S. material, and we’re a no-waste facility. It's not a sweatshop with unethical production practices," he added.
And as for his food-focus, Stetson has nearly perfected the art.
"The pop-food theme has been a big part of my work for a while. It was nearly 10 years ago that Pamela Anderson did a photo shoot with my infamous donut bag," said Stetson. "I remember going to Newport Creamery and petrifying French fries for one of the first food-themed pieces, I found a fabricator who could make me whatever realistic food accents I wanted and from there sushi, pizza, oysters, cookies, and most-recently animal crackers."
You might just be getting hungry for your Kent Stetson creation.
Related Articles
- Stetson Shows Off His Custom Handbags on LIVE
- This Small Family-Owned Business Has Been Keeping Rhode Island Cool For 50 Years
