Tyler Ellis has mastered the art of crafting handbags that feel as personal as they are luxurious. Her creations, irresistible to those who appreciate the allure of statement accessories, grace the arms of icons including Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Jenner, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Princess Charlene of Monaco.
Now, as the California-born designer embraces life in Florence, the beating heart of Italian craftsmanship, she steps into a new chapter defined by boundless creative freedom. Dream Weddings sat down with the visionary behind the brand to uncover a sartorial odyssey of heritage, innovation and individuality – one that continues to set the standard for modern luxury.
Could you share the story of how your journey into the world of fashion began? What inspired you to take your first steps toward building a career in this industry? I attended Boston University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in communications, focusing on film and television. But it didn’t take long for me to realise that world wasn’t for me. I left and moved to New York and was fortunate to land an internship with Michael Kors and his longtime creative director, Lance LePere, during New York Fashion Week. There, I saw first-hand how the smallest adjustments could transform a look. Lance would shorten a hemline by just three centimetres, swap a belt or change the colour of a shoe – suddenly, the outfit went from good to unforgettable. Those details mattered, and I absorbed everything, embedding that precision into the very essence of my brand. Every element counts – it’s all about the details! After my internship, I joined Michael Kors full-time, learning the business from the ground up. That experience gave me both the knowledge and confidence to take the leap and start building my own label. One piece of advice Michael gave me has stayed with me: “Always surround yourself with the best people possible.” At first, it seemed obvious, but as I grew, I realised just how true it was. Having a team that not only supports you but also challenges you to be better is everything. Without an A+ team, moving forward isn’t just difficult – it’s nearly impossible.
Fashion and design are part of your heritage through your late father, the iconic Perry Ellis. In what ways has his legacy shaped your vision and inspired your own creative journey? My father passed away when I was 18 months old, so I never had the chance to know him. My mother raised me in Los Angeles, far from the fashion world, to give me a private and grounded upbringing. Fashion wasn’t a meaningful part of my life until my teenage years, when I began to discover his remarkable legacy. I remember visiting The Fashion Institute of Technology and watching videos of my father’s runway shows for the first time. What a stark contrast to today’s serious and sombre presentations! His models didn’t just walk the runway – they smiled, skipped and radiated pure bliss. His shows were full of life, featuring puppies, cheerleaders and football teams, often ending with a beautiful bride. To him, fashion wasn’t just about clothing; it was about happiness, celebration and the confidence that comes from feeling comfortable in what you wear.
Yet, my father was a relentless perfectionist – someone who never took shortcuts and approached his craft with hard work, precision and passion. That balance of playfulness and discipline continues to inspire me every day. These values shape how I approach both my personal life and my business – with a focus on positivity, functionality, authenticity and the belief that life and fashion should spark joy.
Your brand’s logo carries a deeply personal touch, drawn from your father’s own handwriting. Could you share the story behind this meaningful detail and what it represents for you? When I was starting my company, I wasn’t sure what to name it. As I sat at my desk, my eyes kept returning to a framed envelope – one my father had addressed to me for my first birthday. Seeing his handwriting, so personal and full of meaning, everything suddenly clicked. What could be more special than having his signature become the very symbol of my brand? Now, in every piece I design, a part of him lives on – carrying the Ellis legacy forward in the most heartfelt way.
That’s beautiful. What drew you specifically to the world of accessories? I’ve always had a passion for accessories, especially handbags. Before starting my career, I invested in luxury bags – only to feel disappointed when travelling and seeing so many others carrying the same styles. That experience inspired me to create a boutique label rooted in exceptional craftsmanship, distinctive design and everyday practicality. I aim to bridge the gap for those who seek top-quality, unique pieces by creating bags that stand out – not because of logos, but because of their unique design, craftsmanship and understated beauty. My pieces are intentionally logo-less – chosen for their silhouette and artistry rather than a brand name.
Is there a unifying narrative or signature theme that weaves through all of your designs? I design with timeless, understated elegance in mind – creating seasonless pieces made to remain relevant for generations. My handbags, as mentioned, feature no exterior logos, just subtle signatures like my Thayer Blue lining, inspired by my childhood favourite colour. Not only is it beautiful, but it also allows you to see your belongings easier inside the bag. Custom pinecones appear as handbag feet, zipper pulls and clutch clasps. Quality is non-negotiable. Every detail is designed by me and handcrafted in Florence, from the clutch frames down to the dog clips. As Karl Lagerfeld famously said, “Trendy is the last phase before tacky.” My goal is to design pieces that transcend fleeting trends – luxurious, distinctive and made to last.
Pinecones feature prominently in your designs. Could you share the meaning behind this motif? The pinecone, rich in history and symbolism, represents spiritual awakening and perfection – a motif dating back to ancient Egypt, where it adorned the staffs of pharaohs.
Interesting. Owning your own brand is both rewarding and demanding. What have been the most exhilarating highs and the most challenging lows on your journey? Like many entrepreneurs, I started with a grand vision for my business, but reality brought unexpected challenges. The most rewarding moments are seeing my designs come to life, receiving heartfelt feedback from clients, and watching my bags make their way onto red carpets. Yet, behind those highlights are the intricate details that make it all possible. As a global brand, logistics play a crucial role – delays can lead to lost sales or missed opportunities for major events. I never imagined how closely I would work with companies like DHL, FedEx and Worldnet, yet they’vebecome essential partners in ensuring every piece arrives on time. Despite the complexities, I’m constantly inspired by the resilience and creativity of fellow entrepreneurs. The fashion industry is a dynamic, ever-evolving space, and I’m grateful to be part of its ecosystem.
Your creations have illuminated red carpets and exclusive events worldwide. Looking back, what have been the most unforgettable pinch-me moments? It’s always surreal to see my bags on red carpets. These incredibly talented individuals have access to anything they want, so when they select Tyler Ellis, it’s truly humbling. There have been so many unforgettable client moments. Jennifer Lopez is always a vision – flawless, powerful andradiating excitement in every look. I often share photos of her carrying our bags as inspiration for clients on how to wear a piece with confidence. Then there’s Rihanna – effortlessly cool and unapologetically herself. When she completes an outfit with Tyler Ellis, it feels like a touch of her magic rubs off on meì a girl can dream! And Princess Beatrice of York – the royal world has always fascinated me with its rich history and sense of mystery. Seeing her step onto the carpet with one of my designs feels like a fleeting glimpse into that world, if only for a moment.
I can only imagine the incredible moments you’ve experienced along your journey. Beyond what you’ve shared, are there any other career highlights that truly stand out for you? I love collaborations! One of my favourite collaborations was a capsule collection with Abu Dhabi-based designer Hamda Al Fahim, where we meticulously incorporated her hand embroidery onto my clutches. It was an intricate process – but absolutely worth it! The results were stunning.
One of my favourite bridal moments was when Olivia Culpo chose White Diamonds for her wedding to Christian McCaffrey. This piece was truly a work of art.
The Tyler Ellis Couture Bridal collection feels like a celebration of artistry and individuality. Could you share the inspiration behind this collection and the vision that guided its creation? Weddings and bridal parties are among the most lavish celebrations, yet handbags have rarely played a significant role in these festivities. My father always ended his runway shows with a breathtaking bridal gown, simply because it created a truly special moment. That sentiment inspired me to weave bridal elements into my designs. We offer custom embroidery in a range of luminous shades, allowing brides to commemorate life’s most unforgettable moments. Clutches can be personalised with a new surname, romantic phrases or meaningful words exchanged between partners. This bespoke touch also makes for a thoughtful detail on bridesmaids’ accessories, creating a lasting keepsake. As the perfect finishing touch, each clutch is lined in our signature Thayer Blue – making it both your something blue and something new. A bridal clutch can be carried long after the big day, serving as a beautiful reminder of the wedding, evoking cherished memories each time you hold it.
Which is your favourite style, and why? The Perry Clutch holds a special place in my heart, as it is named in honour of my father and inspired by the elegance of my emerald-cut engagement ring. Its sleek, bevelled silhouette is designed to fit perfectly in the hand, while the metal frame reflects the beauty of fine jewellery – striking an exquisite balance between practicality and sophistication. Thoughtfully designed with versatility in mind, it features a detachable chain and fits a large iPhone, along with all your essentials – seamlessly blending style with function.
You also offer a bespoke service. Can you share details, and what customers can expect? Bespoke by Tyler Ellis offers clients a personally tailored experience, connecting them directly with our dedicated concierge team to customise a one-of-a-kind handbag. We work with personal stylists to curate multiple looks for their clients’ jet-setting lives and international red-carpet galas. We also work closely with corporate event and wedding planners to deliver the perfect gifts for large affairs, and team with elite sporting corporations to create one-of-a-kind trophy-carrying cases, and much more. This highly curated service allows clients to personally select every decorative aspect of their bag including material, hardware, embroidery or engraving. Our devoted team collaborates with our exclusive network of premier Italian and French tanneries to source the exact colour or shade of your dreams. Straps and chains will be cut to your precise measurements, and your personalised handbag will be delivered to you within a matter of weeks.
That’s incredible! When it comes to iconic wedding style, is there a celebrity or well-known bride whose look you’re absolutely captivated by? What makes it stand out for you? Grace Kelly! On her wedding day, she redefined what it means to be a princess. Her look was nothing short of iconic – timeless, sophisticated and effortlessly flawless. I love how she embraced tradition with the intricate pearl embroidery on her lace bodice, adding a subtle touch of allure with delicate buttons just below her neckline. The silk taffeta skirt brought a sense of modernity, its clean lines and crisp finish balancing the gown’s romantic details. And that breathtaking train? The perfect hint of regal grandeur. She truly embodied a real-life Cinderella – a vision of effortless elegance that continues to inspire brides to this day.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of your label, and how do you see it evolving in the ever-changing landscape of luxury fashion? My family and I recently moved to Florence, where we purchased the atelier I have been working with for over a decade. It has given me creative freedom like never before. I now spend more time developing designs, exploring local tanneries and collaborating with craftsmen, which continually inspires new ideas. Relationships are everything in Italy, and being here has deepened those connections and opened new opportunities to grow and evolve my brand. I also hope to spend more time growing the brand in the GCC region, now that I’m physically much closer than when I lived in Los Angeles.
We can’t wait to see what’s next. Can you share a secret with us? My design inspiration often comes from my travels. I love exploring new places, delving into their history, immersing myself in the culture, and, of course, savouring the local cuisine. Tokyo has long been my favourite city – its respectful culture, methodical attention to detail, immaculate cleanliness and extraordinary cuisine is unmatched. My husband and I have become (dare I say) sushi snobs. After experiencing exquisite omakase meals crafted by highly skilled Japanese chefs using the finest fish, it’s hard to go back to a California roll! One of my personal highlights is the Uni, or sea urchin.The beauty of the sea urchin shell sparked an idea – it could serve as a stunning clasp closure for a clutch. As with all my designs, I started with a small sketch and gathered images of sea urchin shells that captured the shapes and textures I envisioned. From there, my team in Italy passed the information on to a local production house, creating the initial cast. Developing this piece, however, was more complex than usual due to the intricate details. After several rounds of adjustments, I realised we needed a fresh approach. Switching to a factory specialising in jewellery craftsmanship added time to the process, but I refused to compromise on quality. This new direction paid off, and we finally achieved the perfect urchin. We are now in the final stages, meticulously placing tiny Swarovski crystals and mounting the clasp onto the clutch frame. At the same time, we’re also exploring Plexi versions of the clutch featuring 3D-printed urchins – a modern twist I’m particularly excited about. The bag will be called The Nohara, named after Shinji Nohara, also known as @tokyofixer. Shinji was the one who first introduced me to Tokyo and continues to unveil the city’s multitude of hidden treasures. Watch this space.
Images courtesy of Tyler Ellis
