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Touch and Go
When celebrities want classic handbags with luxe, modern feel, they turn to New York City’s Elezar.

Names: Julie Lazarus and Esther Barron
Business: Elezar (Elezar.com)
Location: New York City

When did the two of you meet, and what sparked your interest in design?
Lazarus: Esther and I have known each other since we were children. We went to the same school and lived in the same area, and she was the nicest person I’d ever met. I’m so happy to have her as a friend; our business partnership is just icing on the cake. I was always interested in design and started taking private art lessons when I was 8 years old. Many years later, I studied graphic design at Syracuse University, and after college, I knew I needed to find a creative way to make a living.
Barron: I went in a completely different direction, working in corporate finance law and then becoming a law professor. But I’ve been interested in starting a business ever since I was a kid, and I’ve always admired Julie’s sense of style and design.

After Julie moved to New York City, she began designing handbags to complement her outfits. When did you decide to channel that creativity into Elezar?
Lazarus: My family is full of entrepreneurs, so it seemed natural to turn my handbags into a business. When I asked Esther for legal advice, she said that she was interested in joining me on this adventure, and I was honored. Trust is a huge issue between business partners, and I knew that I could trust her. Plus, she’s smart, savvy, and fun to brainstorm with, so it was a perfect fit.

Was it difficult getting the business off the ground?
Barron: There are so many challenges to starting a business, and we’re still facing new ones almost every day. To me, our continued passion for the product is the reason we’ve been successful.

You’re known for creating bags that combine timeless elegance with edgy, modern details. How does the design process work for you?
Lazarus: I have relatively conservative taste, but I also have a flair for drama, an obsession with shapes, and a taste for the tactile. When I go for walks, I grab trees just so I can see how the bark and leaves feel, and these sorts of experiences inspire me to create handbags using fine leathers and materials like cork, burlap, python skin, and Swarovski crystals.

Do you have a signature design? Which styles are your celebrity clients wearing?
Lazarus: Our most popular bag is the Cork Nathan, but it all depends on the customer. Lindsay Lohan and Fergie like the Small Boskin; Kim Stewart and Marissa Tomei prefer the Large Boskin; and Demi Moore and Leelee Sobieski both have the Rigsby. Rachel Bilson, Hilary Duff, and Taryn Manning are all fans of the Highbury, while Mischa Barton, Naomi Watts, and Natalie Portman love the Fairfax.

How would you describe the Elezar customer?
Barron: She’s a sophisticated woman with discerning taste and an appreciation for beauty, quality, and function. And she’s not afraid to be a trendsetter.

The Boskin Burlap Blue Tote ($236; elezar.com) features clever pockets for easy access to cell phones and business cards.

The Caraway Clutch ($136; elezar.com) comes with a versatile chain strap that can be worn on the shoulder or tucked inside.

The Rainbow Nathan Tote ($218; elezar.com) is embellished with aqua trim, rivets, and double-braided leather straps.

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