The Bag With Many Faces: Young, Savvy Fashion Designer Puts a New Spin on the Common Purse

Growing up in New York City, Melissa Urfirer Gottesman used her style savvy to land internships at Saks Fifth Avenue and W magazine. A few years post-graduation from the University of Pennsylvania, she took a weekend trip to Miami — where she realized the one bag she’d brought clashed with most of her packed clothes.

A novel solution struck her: a single bag with interchangeable faces. Dubbed Riley Versa (“’Riley’ has always been my favorite name, and I used ‘Versa’ because the bags are versa-tile,” she explains), Gottesman’s New York-based brand features bags with magnetic clasps so that the front can match with any ensemble.

In Dallas, Riley Versa is available at Market in Highland Park Village, where Gottesman will host a trunk show on Tuesday, March 6 and Wednesday, March 7, from 11 am to 5 pm. In advance of her personal appearance, PaperCity chats with the designer about fashion, her inspiration, and what the future holds.

Have you always wanted a career in fashion?
I come from a family of lawyers and bankers, so I didn’t really know a career in fashion existed at first. But I was inspired by a family friend that works at Condé Nast; I think I was about 10 when I found out what she did, and my life has never been the same.

What gave you the idea to use magnetic covers?
I wanted the bags to be easy and seamless. I didn’t want our customers to have to fumble with various buttons and clasps. I’m proud that the technology we use is fumble-free and simple.

Are all the covers magnetic?
Yes. The “Versa” bag has two hidden snaps on the top corners, and magnets line the perimeter of the bag. Our “Riley” bag doesn’t have any snaps and is completely magnetic.

Your favorite piece in the collection?
We recently launched our leopard-hair “Wildcat” cover, and I’m so excited about it. I’ve been wearing that [one] most often.

The most amount of times you’ve switched purse covers in a day?
Great question — probably four!

Do you hope to expand beyond handbags?
I’m actually prepping for the launch of our first wallet. I see Riley Versa as a handbag line, but I can see it expanding into different product categories. It’s fun to leave that door open — you never know!

Who is your greatest inspiration?
My grandmother. She is the most fashionable woman I know. I have so many vintage pieces of hers. Whenever I put one on, I’m instantly inspired.

For more Riley Versa, track the label on Instagram.