I had a fabulous time as a handbag designer at last week’s Luther Vandross: Never Too Much Music & Style Celebration in New York, where I showcased my niece Jacklene Creekmore’s Modafluer collection.

Jacklene’s collection of bold and beautiful clothing is not just a fashion statement but a reflection of the wearer’s unique personality, allowing them to express their individuality and stand out from the crowd.

To add a touch of Southern charm to the New York audience, Allicia Mitchell came up with big Nashville hair wig designs inspired by Priscilla Presley, Sissy Spacek in ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter, and Lynn Anderson (“Rose Garden”). I sent Alicia my ‘mood board’ with a collection of Nashville superstars sporting the biggest hair I could find!! Thankfully, Alicia and the models were up for the challenge. How many cans of Aqua Net did it take to create these mountains of curls in the 70’s???!!!

One of the night’s showstoppers was my kitschy Piggy Bank purses, which I designed as accessories. I worked in the costume rentals department of the American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) in San Francisco, and I have designed costumes for a few theater shows in the past. So, I thought of bringing some humor to the fashion show and designed these fun purses.

I found plastic piggy banks for just $2.99 at the Dollar Store, and I thought they’d be perfect to add a touch of whimsy to Jacklene’s beautiful dresses. I went to Rainbow, a women’s clothing store near Port Authority, to find women’s belts, and my hunch was right! Their sequin tube tops and pastel sherbet-colored leggings were perfect for a New Jersey girl out for a disco night in New York. I found silver hoop belts for $5.99 each and attached them to the piggy banks with adhesive silver metal hooks ($1.99 each). To make the purses practical, I added small change purses ($4.99) from Target in Saginaw, MI.

I started doubting my Piggy Bank purses when I entered the dressing room and saw all the other designer clothing. I thought, “Are they any good? Will they look stupid on the runway?” But once I pulled them out, the models swarmed around and giggled over them. To my surprise, three models approached me at the show’s end, inquiring about them. I gladly gave them away with a smile!