Michelle Frantz started her creative endeavors as a painter.
After receiving her undergraduate degree at Otis Parsons and her
masters from UCLA, she began experimenting with hand-cast resin
and vintage fabrics to create a collection of handbags completely
unique to the fashion and accessories market. These one-of-a-kind
handbags developed a cult following among stylists and editors and
after one very successful season, Hand Maid by Michelle Frantz was born.
The Collection quickly expanded and within a year the collection was
sold in over 200 exclusive boutiques and department stores worldwide
with showroom representation in New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo.
After 10 years of Hand Maid Michelle decided to try something new
and move to New York. Upon arrival, she accepted a position at
Donna Karan as Design Director for Collection Accessories. There she
helped Launch the new accessories division. Her focus was on creating
a brand identity and a defined iconic handbag language that paralleled
the vision of Donna Karan RTW. The outcome was "The Eldridge"!
The bag was very well received. Cristina Ricci and Sting's son directed
a viral video around the versatility and elegance of the bag. It was
inspired by both Donna's “infinite ways of dressing” and by Michelle
Frantz's first resin interchangeable handbags.
In 2010, Michelle decided to focus on raising a family while starting
her own consulting firm, Michelle Frantz Inc. The business model includes
consulting for new businesses, merchandising as well as design. Clients
range from The Gap and Jones NY to smaller more independent labels such
as Falconiere. In October her son Leonardo Frantz Del Pozo was born.
Michelle currently resides in Brooklyn.
