Veronica Jibodh

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Veronica Jibodh ("VJ") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

VJ : I didn't attend any design school. I literally typed in google: "How do I become a bags designer?"

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

VJ : I was searching for a luxurious fanny pack and when I couldn't find it, I decided to design it myself. Now I have my own label and everything I design, I design for myself. My motivation is that I have to walk in it so it HAVE to be perfect.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

VJ : I choose :-).

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

VJ : Bags, and I wish to design my own clothing label, shoes, watches, jewellery.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

VJ : Hahaha... Legend??? Oh my... I don't see myself that way. But I say: whatever you do, do it with passion and perseverance and you will be successful.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

VJ : Creativity? The dosis of creativity I think.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

VJ : Quality, user friendly and perfection.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

VJ : Everyone should invest in good design to stand out and profit of the long-lasting use. If a design is really good, I can assure you that the quality is perfect.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

VJ : One of a kind bags for our Queen of the Netherlands Maxima (I adore her) and for the stunning motivational and strong Michelle Obama (You gotta love her!).

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

VJ : Watches and sexy lingerie.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

VJ : Passion, perfection and uniqueness.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

VJ : One of my best friends Loes Vrij: I am so proud of how she is doing it. But to be honest... I don't know much about other designers, legends etc. I hope this is not a bad thing. I get my inspiration from everywhere.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

VJ : Loes Vrij: Quality and the playful devil ears on her bags. New collection Gucci: The embroideries. Chanel: Timeless.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

VJ : Mine so far is the first multifunctional fanny pack with two mini pockets, croco embossed calf leather. Why it's great? Because you can wear it classy and casual, as a fanny pack, a shoulder bag, a cross body, a wallet, a clutch. The size is perfect to carry your most important belongings with you such as: phone, creditcards, keys, lipstick, and some other small stuff. The leather is of the highest quality. The finishing touch is our POUCHI logo.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

VJ : Always always try to better your self in everything you do, thus also in your designs.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

VJ : I have no idea! But, one thing I am sure of: I will always be an entrepreneur. I don't like easy and boring. I am too adventurous to not to try to do something unusual.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

VJ : Design is art. Sounds cliche but it is.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

VJ : I worked alone all these years but have many friends motivating me, loving me and my designs, buying my designs, my family who is very proud of me and have my back in any circumstances. My boyfriend.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

VJ : My creativity, perfection and google ;-)

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

VJ : Obstacles becoming a designer? - I had no design experience but that didn't hold me back. Becoming a designer was easy for me... but in my entrepreneurial life I had many obstacles... One of the biggest is: Not having enough money to do what need to be done to set up a successful business. But again, it didn't hold me back... I create success in all kinds of creative ways.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

VJ : In their own style, clear and with a touch of perfection.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

VJ : Matching shoes, Perfume, Clothing, Jewellery.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

VJ : To make the most beautiful products and to be the next international well known brand.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

VJ : Matching shoes and Perfumes.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

VJ : The multifunctional POUCHI bags because I make my customers happy with these designs. It's a proven success.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

VJ : 3 to 4 months.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

VJ : Sketching, choosing materials.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

VJ : Life motto, not only as a designer but as a person: "Always, always better yourself, in everything you do"

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

VJ : I think my designs sets the trend ;-)

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

VJ : Paper and pen.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

VJ : The most importent aspects in my opinion because they are the clothes of the soul (design)

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

VJ : Where can I buy? ;-)

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

VJ : Why didn't I think of that? ;-)

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

VJ : One of my best friends, Carmen. Carmen is a beautiful, elegant woman, 50 plus. When I told her that I was going to design a luxurious fanny pack, she began to laugh. She laughed so hard and while laughing she asked me: "Who is walking with a fanny pack nowadays?" This was medio 2011. Because of her comment I tried to find ways to develop a multifunctional bag so that my friend would want to wear my design. I don't know if she is aware of this matter.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

VJ : Michelle Obama.. Not about politics, nor about fashion.. just about everything and nothing.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

VJ : It really feels great to win this award because it gives me more motivation to do what I do. I am not famous (yet) ;-) - but I hope my brand will get the famously recognition worldwide.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

VJ : Favorite color: I don't have one specific color but many I really like. Place: I am too adventurous to have only one favourite place... I enjoy many places, many countries, many styles of food etc. Favourite food: Japanese and Surinam food... but then again, I just LOVE food... all kinds of food ;-). Favorite season: Summer! I love the SUN. My most favourite thing to do: Dining at fancy restaurants ;-).

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

VJ : I was wandering at the Burberry store in Miami and store employee was observing me. A couple of minutes later he came to ask me what kind of bag I was wearing. He asked: "is it a fanny pack or a shoulder bag?" - That day I was wearing my bag as a fanny pack. I explained to him that it was a multifunctional bag. He expressed how he really liked it, then left me to shop in peace, but still was checking my bag out. A while later he came back to ask me what brand it was. I got a little shy but at the same time I was so proud to tell him that it was I who designed the bag. His whole team surrounded me to admire my bag.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

VJ : Born and raised in Suriname, South America by the best parents a child could have. I have 2 sisters. They are both mother of two. My family and friends are my VIP's in my life. I love pictures, to make and to take. Instagram is my most favourite app at the moment because it contains only pictures. Follow me @veronicajibodh and @veronicajibodhofficial and follow POUCHI @pouchiofficial and @pouchimoments.