Rachelle Copeland and Emily Ironi

Who: Rachelle Copeland (seated), Minneapolis newcomer and design half of luxe handbag line Alexis Hudson. Named after Copeland’s daughter and business partner Emily Ironi’s German wirehaired pointer, the line features organizational functionality. Her newest bags transform from daytime tote to more of an evening style. Eva Longoria, Jessica Biel, Cindy Crawford, Katherine Heigl, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson, and Keira Knightley have all jumped on what  Copeland calls “absolute therapy for handbag addicts.”

Venus in Poppy Ombré, $525

Form and Function: “Our bags have to be beautiful and they have to be functional—those are the only two guidelines I adhere to,” Copeland says. “I always use Italian leather and my hardware makes a statement. Bags and designs change as fashion evolves, and we’re always staying true to what’s going on in the moment, but we’re not too trendy—I believe people want to be able to wear it for years.”

Never Say Never: “I started as a buyer and moved into planning to production, design, and sales,” she says. “It helped me start my own company and understand different aspects of ownership. I fell into designing. As a buyer, I started doing product development and realized how passionate I was. It’s my way of thinking that you take things day by day and never say never. Keeping an open mind enriches your life.”

Electra in Stone Ombré, $895

Near and Dear: “There are a couple of fashion relationships women hold near and dear to their heart: handbags and shoes. The handbag you select makes a statement about who you are and defines your style on a day-to-day basis.”

Carry the Load: “It’s important to be organized, so inside my bags there are little aspects—a keychain clasp, a pen holder, zip pockets, cell phone pockets—so you don’t have to dig to find the things you’re constantly using. It’s something to make a woman’s life a little bit easier.”

Movin’ on Up: “We are continuing to grow the business in different areas, especially in Japanese and European markets. Eventually, I’d like to expand into a footwear line.” 

Available at Pumpz & Co, Galleria, 952-926-2252; Ivy, Calhoun Square, 612-827-2764; StyledLife, Gaviidae Common, 612-746-5400; and online.