a bag line named desire.
It seems that fashion has always been a constant theme in designer Linda Ly's life, from being a visual merchandising major at FIT to spending nearly ten years traveling the world as a model. She was an accessories addict and boasted a closetful of handbags and shoes, but never thought she would design fashion herself.

Upon finishing school, Ly left New York for Los Angeles, where she freelanced for several years as a graphic artist. But she started to feel the strain of working twelve-hour days on the computer, which often left her sitting in a dark room at night, staring at a screen. In need of a recharge, she sought a new outlet for her creative energy which would allow her to be more hands-on with her craft.

After a day of retail therapy, scouring sample sales and stores, Ly discovered that with her passion and ability, she could create accessories that offered something more than the mass-produced designer lines she was seeing. That summer, she put out a fledgling collection of handbags that reflected a blend of her Angeleno and Manhattanite style sensibilities. These eclectic bags weren't the kind that could already be found everywhere. Instead of designing for mass market appeal, Ly chose to design for women like herself, who craved the chic accessory that no one else had.

The resulting collection, named begeren, debuted online and quickly became the most blogged-about new handbags of 2006. It has since turned from a little side project into a loving endeavor, yet still retains the charm and exclusivity of a boutique line.

Since the launch of begeren, Ly has stayed true to her instinctual style, creating handbags that exude the quality and social grace of designer brands while offering a fresh design perspective in the accessory market.

begeren is the Dutch word for "desire" and was born from Ly's desire for stylish and substantial bags. Each one is fondly named for a favorite destination from her travels, from the tranquil island of Moorea, Tahiti to the bustling Tribeca borough in New York City. Supple Italian leather and distinctive Japanese-motif lining are the label's signature.

With its originality and commitment to quality, begeren continues to seduce discerning shoppers the world over.