Meet Accessory Designer and Model Constance Victory Small

In 2018, she launched the diffusion line, VF x VICTOIRE FOCX, an elegant and affordable selection of classic bag silhouettes with a contemporary edge. Each bag is named after someone who inspired her in her personal and professional trajectory.

VM - Your background merges both design and modeling. How has these dual perspectives being in front of and behind the camera influenced your approach to creating handbags?

Being in front of the camera, I understand how the design and feel of a product enhances the demeanor, or swag of the model advertising the product. Having worked behind the scenes with editors and photographers, I understand what photographs well, and stands out under the lights, against the backdrops and even on the glossy editorial layouts. I design with an emphasis on details that will catch the flashing lights of the camera.

VM - Your time studying at RISD and Brown University must have shaped your creative vision. What’s one lesson from your design education that still guides you today?

My education taught me to respect the ongoing and ever evolving nature of the design process. I can’t be too attached to final product because the “end result” is never “the end”. As long as something exists, it can always be further designed, and redesigned, including our lives.

VM - Working with icons like Alek Wek and Patti Wilson exposed you to fashion at the highest level. What did you learn from these experiences that helped you define your own design voice?

Patti Wilson showed me the strength, beauty and magnificence of pushing the envelope, and doing it audaciously. She believed in the unusual ways that I articulated my aesthetic vision, more than my RISD professors did. Her confidence in my know how, empowered me to take more risks in design, and trust the beauty, flavor and integrity of my vision, exploring beyond boundaries. Working with Alek was great for showing me the ins and outs of communicating with factories and managing relationships with manufacturers.

VM - Travel seems to be a major source of inspiration for you. How did the architecture and stained glass artistry of Tuscany and Venice translate into the visual language of Victoire Focx handbags?

The classical structure of Renaissance cathedrals lots of circles, lines and geometry within the stained glass windows inspired the structured geometric shapes and silhouettes within my collections. The kaleidoscopic effect of stained glass inspired my explorations with mixing textures, patterns and colors to create a similar, tactile effect.
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VM - Each Victoire Focx piece carries an air of timeless elegance. How do you strike the balance between classic sophistication and modern relevance in your designs?

Classic is identified as classic because it’s always modern. I think of myself as always relevant because I respect the past, honor the present and embrace the future. You don’t loose relevancy if you stay plugged into multigenerational perspectives. I share as much time with 19 year olds as I do with forty something year olds, sixty something year olds, and thirty year olds that act like they’re in their twenties. That’s how I keep my perspective fresh design wise, and in my personal life.

VM - The use of exotic leather patchwork is a signature element of your brand. Can you walk us through the craftsmanship process and what makes these details so special?

Leather and exotic skins are among the most expensive and sustainable materials one could work with, and to honor this quality is to exalt it by marrying it with top-notch workmanship. 

VM - In 2018, you launched VF x VICTOIRE FOCX as a more accessible line. How does this collection differ creatively and philosophically from your main luxury collection?

VF x Victoire Focx is more streamlined in details. Instead of a focus on intricate and exotic leather patchwork, the key design component is the hardware and ubiquitous motif a semicircular leather adornment bedazzled with snaps, and circle ring enclosed by those snaps. 

VM - You name each bag after someone who inspired you. Can you share the story behind one of these names and why that person holds a special place in your creative journey?

The MONICA bag my fastest and best selling bag was named after Monica Vargas, an effervescent and vivacious woman who encouraged me and uplifted my self-belief at a time that I most needed it. The VALERIE bag is named after my mom, who has long championed my creative expression, intellectual excellence and spiritual development. The two bag styles have very similar shapes, and very different textures, materials and hardware specifications. ​

VM - With a Master’s in Historical and Sustainable Architecture, how do you incorporate sustainability and architectural structure into your design philosophy?

Because I honor sustainability, it makes perfect sense to me to work with leather, the most sustainable and durable material. Timelessness includes design, material, and durability of the handbags. Structure like the lines and shapes that you see in historical and contemporary architecture is exemplified in all of my silhouettes.

VM - As a woman designing for women, what message do you hope Victoire Focx handbags send about empowerment, luxury, and individuality in today’s fashion world?

Be the best, most authentic version of yourself; no one else can surpass you at that. Do this, and you’ll live a fulfilled life, regardless of what you’re wearing, how much you’re spending, and who’s noticing.

Check out her website at https://www.victoirefocx.com/collection.html

Globsity Magazine