Erin Lichy: The Woman Behind Custom Accessories Brand FRAMEWORK
We unmask the woman behind one of the freshest brands taking over celebrity closets. With an innovative take towards customization, Erin Lichy along with her business partners has launched a one stop shop for all your custom accessories need called FRAMEWORK. We got the vivacious Erin to give us an insider view of her brand and personal style.
What made you want to start a brand like Framework?
My partners and I knew that there was a serious lack in the market for customized and personalized handbags and accessories. Though brands like this were popping up, they didn’t seem easy to navigate, especially having the customer choose such minute details. We make simple, timeless pieces with fun add-on’s like symbols and letters in different styles.
Erin Lichy with partners Abe and Robyn
What are the struggles of making handcrafted products in New York itself?
We’ve tried manufacturing in many different countries and to be honest making everything in our factory, under our control has been the most effective and easiest option! Our turnaround time is super fast and the product is held to very high standards since we’re the ones monitoring it. In addition, we are able to guarantee safe working environments for our employees and design products in a matter of weeks as apposed to months.
What are some of Framework’s best selling products?
Right now our Mia tote is our best seller. The base comes in Black/White and we have tons of color options for letters and symbols. It’s really fun to design! It was recently featured on the Today Show and we had such an overwhelming amount of orders it was insane!!
Who would be an ideal Framework customer?
FRAMEWORK is for the girl who wants something unique but is still trend driven and quality conscious. Our bags are fun, wearable, and easily transition from day to night. They also stand out and represent your signature style and what you’re all about. While the base of each bag is sleek, modern and well designed on its own, what makes it really special is how you interpret that style and give it your own personal touch.
What is your personal style? What brands would we see in your closet?
I have a very eclectic sense of style and will buy things from luxury designers but also love vintage shopping. I love Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino and Gucci but you’ll also find me in Zara or a vintage T.
Erin Lichy with Husband and Business Partner Abe Lichy
Framework is highly driven by customization, what challenges have you faced in making such a model work as opposed to straightforward retail sales?
The biggest challenge is that we work directly with our customer and sometimes it’s hard to reach them! We are very selective with what stores our Custom Bar (trademarked) pops up in, so reaching our customer base is trickier for us as a primarily direct to consumer brand. Social media has been a great way to communicate thus far!
You have collaborated with New York based clothing store The Vintage Twin for a capsule collection of bags, any other brands that you would love to work with?
Working with the Vintage Twin was amazing because we were reusing vintage product and we’re all about conserving waste and re-purposing materials. We are currently looking to partner with a swimwear brand for our summer collection. We love working with other brands to create new ideas for symbols and letter styles!
Kourtney Kardashian, Iggy Azalea and Taylor Swift in FRAMEWORK pieces
3 accessories trend that you are looking forward to in 2017?
Emoji’s are a serious statement on accessories today and we see it becoming even more common among handbags. We love adding tons of our symbols to FRAMEWORK pieces. It makes it so much fun while still being chic. Monogram has also become a huge trend, one that we love and know well! Finally, I’m loving overly embellished pom poms on beach bags!
Do you have statement pieces that are your fail safe accessories for any occasion?
I am a firm believer in great statement earrings, great handbags, great shoes. You can literally put on a black potato sack and make it look cool with those 3. Lately I love my FRAMEWORK Liz Bag in Python with my initials and Palm Tree add-on’s!
Blogger Elizabeth Savetsky with Erin Lichy
What would be the appropriate kind of bag to carry for the following occasions
Girls Night Out
Definitely the Liz Bag! It has a small chain strap hidden inside so when you start dancing you don’t have to carry it as a clutch!
Date Night
Our Margot Crossbody with tassels is very laid back, cool girl. Perfect for a date night with your man.
Job Interview
The Mia tote is great for this! Its professional in its shape and design but shows some personality with the Letters and Add-On’s!
Sunday Brunch
The Kelly Clutch is perfect for Sunday Brunch. It’s a great size for daytime essentials!
