Travel Patterns

When she left U.S. Airways after more than 18 years, Amesbury resident Alyssa Hudson, thought she was ready for retirement. Then during a trip out west, she discovered cowhide—and a second career. The mother of two, who’d long had a love for design but no formal training, enlisted a Danvers-based manufacturer and launched Alyssa K. Designs, a collection of oversize handbags and luggage made of supple cowhide (the better to stow in airline bins) and retailing for $400 to $900. Last fall, upscale area boutiques began stocking the safari-themed styles, which come dyed in prints like leopard and giraffe. With her baggage line taking off, Hudson talked with us about her inspirations, and how she stays grounded:

Jungle Gems
Animal prints date back to ’50s fashion and have never gone out—Oleg Cassini did Jackie Kennedy’s leopard coat. They’re sassy and trendy, yet classic, and I think they work for every type of woman: businesswomen, college students, even grandmothers.

It Moooves Her
A lot of my inspiration comes from home décor. When I went to visit my mother in Santa Fe, I saw she had upholstered all her dining room chairs in cowhide. It was so fabulous that I had her take me to a tannery to buy a hide and thought, I could have a bag made.

Get Out The Tote
The modern-day woman needs a really big bag. In addition to my own designs, my favorites are by Jimmy Choo. And I like the L. L. Bean beach bag, too, because it’s very simple, and I gravitate toward clean lines.

Grand Designs
I grew up in a pretty home, and always wished I’d gone to decorating school. I’m hoping down the road that I’ll be able to do not only bags, but also some furniture. I want to make things that people will keep forever.

Available at Holiday, Hazel & Grace, Stash, and Windsor & Davis Homestyles.