Meet our BSWANKY Collectors

Meet our BSWANKY Collectors

Meet Collector Alexy

Meet Collector Alexy
Alexy, a successful sports agent from the Main Line of Philadelphia became a BSWANKY collector when she attended a trunk show in the chic shoe boutique Vivi G’s.

She had the opportunity to meet our founder, Gretchen and purchased one of our early stage bucket bags. Fast forward to four years later when she reached out to Gretchen to create a bespoke purple handbag to become an expression of her partnership in an exciting new company, Purple Urkel with her business partner and actor Jaleel White of Stevie Urkel fame.

BSWANKY rose to the occasion creating a one-of-a-kind exotic matte amethyst python handbag meticulously lined in shocking metallic lime Italian lambskin and taking bespoke to a whole new level by surprising her with custom Swarovski crystal leaf tassels.

Meet Collector Christine

Meet Collector Christine
A purveyor of the arts contacted Gretchen, BSWANKY’s founder and designer, to invite her take part in a private exclusive art exhibition she was curating in her water front home with 3 other notable artists. The day arrived and Gretchen found herself surrounded by 4 acrylic cases each showcasing a work of art curated for this discerning audience.

Enter Christine, a former CFO and next-door neighbor. She immediately approached Gretchen and asked to purchase the Casey Petite crowned in flawless opera pink alligator and Italian lime green lizard embossed calfskin in the case AND the very design Gretchen was carrying that was situated on a side table. This creation in the most magical turquoise and lime Op Art embossed Italian calfskin to be custom made to her specifications, including extra pockets and a special lining. Gretchen asked her which was her absolute favorite. Christine shared that it was the one she was carrying.

Believe it or not Gretchen insisted that she only purchases one at this time and to see how she felt carrying her BSWANKY for two weeks before she purchased her second one. Exactly two weeks after receiving her custom BSWANKY Christine returned with a friend to be reunited with her Casey Petite she had left behind. Nothing haunts you like the bag you didn’t buy.

Meet Collectors Sandy & Sharon

Meet Collectors Sandy & Sharon
BSWANKY is rooted in giving back with our live auction experience. Raising $155,000 in one evening alone. Sandy was introduced to us after her best friend bid on our live auction package that includes creating your very own one of a kind handbag, behind the scenes tour of our atelier and gallery and a bespoke champagne and food pairing.

With no knowledge of our brand or handbags Sandy attended the exclusive event benefited The Florida Center For Early Education. Within only a few minutes of entering our atelier Sandy had committed to her first BSWANKY, our Casey Petite Kaleidoscope, one of four finalist in the international industry expert, The Accessories Council’s, Excellence in Design Awards. Within 6 months Sandy had collected a total 4 bespoke heirlooms.Just a few short weeks later they both attended Sandy’s private atelier tour. At this event Gretchen revealed an extremely rare python hide sourced from a small boutique Spanish tannery that had been featured in a custom BSWANKY for Sutton Stracke, RHBH. Upon this reveal chaos ensued as 3 of the guests attempted to order their BSWANKY from this exotic that would only yield one additional custom work of art. When Sharon expressed that she could not live without this one, the other ladies stepped aside and customized their own heirlooms

Meet Collector Kathi

Meet Collector Kathi
Kathi is the dynamic owner of Red Thread Pilates Ranch in addition to being a professional handler in the competitive showing of pure-bred Australian Shepherds. This stylish influencer attended an intimate tour with a fashionable group of ladies at the atelier. 5 days following her tour she returned to our studio for a private one on one design experience and selected her very first, a one-of-a-kind Casey Serengeti handbag showcased in our design gallery and three additional completely custom designs.

What makes this incredibly personal and truly bespoke is that our designer Gretchen sourced an exotic metallic tribal print python hide with the illusion of RED THREADS being sewn through it. To top it off, our nameplate which is hand-sewn on was done so with RED THREAD!

Meet Collectors Elizabeth & Julianna

Meet Collectors Elizabeth & Julianna
Both collectors attended a BSWANKY reception at the exclusive gallery at North Star Fine Jewelry.
Elizabeth a vivacious woman originally from Venezuela, familiar with the design house, already possessing the Boca Chica design. Julianna, one of the premier real estate professionals in the area had never been introduced to the brand. BSWANKY’s founder and designer, Gretchen Bauer presented the Casey Rubellite in shocking pink python foiled in France and the Casey Reflection a one-of-a-kind mirrored alligator embossed Italian calfskin creation to Julianna. It was clear to Gretchen that Julianna’s heart skipped a beat when she held the Rubellite.

From out of nowhere Elizabeth had pulled aside a sales concierge and purchased the very Casey Rubellite that Julianna was admiring. When this came to Julianna’s attention it was is if she had had the wind blown out of her sails. She exclaimed to Gretchen that she did also like the Casey Reflection. Gretchen knew that was not her forever BSWANKY. Serendipitously, there was a very special BSWANKY in a gift-wrapped display case waiting for a grand reveal. Gretchen turned to her new friend and shared that she believed that Julianna would love what was in the case even MORE than the Casey Rubellite that was stolen away by an ambitious collector.

At that moment Gretchen announced to the intimate group attending she was about to reveal a one-of-a-kind Casey handbag in a metallic amethyst and turquoise custom created holographic calfskin that not only transformed its very color in the natural sunlight but was to be featured in a larger-than-life NFL publication! As soon as Gretchen tore away the large bow and metallic wrapping paper, Julianna gasped and then grabbed for her credit card and gratefully purchased her forever BSWANKY. Julianna became a BSWANKY collector!

Meet Collector Gina

Meet Collector Gina
Gina, owner & founder of A Vine Affair, sommelier & champagne expert, was introduced to our founder through their membership in an elite women’s business group. The two ladies immediately envisioned a partnership of the two bespoke boutique brand experiences. Their live auction package was born.

Having been immersed in the international fashion world for a decade, BSWANKY spoke to Gina’s passion for wearable art and exclusivity in ownership. Her collection now includes 3 curated statement pieces she covets and carries on her travels across the Globe.