The vision of three friends, an interior designer, an ad exec and a fashion designer, Jo reflects a classic and no-nonsense style. Inspired by the understated beauty of clean design, vintage leathers, and the belief that less is more, Dee Arguelles, Delia Kosowicz and Wendi VanHorn created Jo in January of 2010.  Two years since the launch of Jo, we are seeing our most successful season yet. In this time, the line has sold in over 150 doors – and a mix of specialty stores.

Jo's unique designs artfully blend mixed materials like boot leather, distressed soft leathers in classic shapes. Finished with unique touches the bags reinforce the commitment to craftsmanship and quality. The deconstructed classic look of Jo appeals to wide audience. However, regardless of age or location the Jo consumer appreciates an understated polished look. They are sophisticated but in a casual way.

Dee's an interior designer who loves to design furniture in her spare time. One creative, sleepless night, she started designing bags and hasn't stopped since. Her sensibility of cool, tough girl from the Bronx with a love of classic style is reflected in the bags. Delia, a veteran ad exec and Wendi, a fashion designer, recognized Dee's unique take on handbags and in 2010 the three partnered to create Jo. The brand’s signature is a colorful ruffle inside each bag - a wonderful juxtaposition to Jo’s clean design aesthetic.

Too dark, too light, too short, too long, too deep, too narrow. The design process is organic and nebulous by nature. We have learned to listen to our gut and be true to our vision. It keeps us centered and focused. If something doesn’t work - for whatever reason – than we say goodbye to that idea and move on to the next.

From a personal standpoint, the greatest achievement is finding the balance between being moms, friends to each other, wives, daughters and business owners.  From a designer standpoint, it’s being stopped on the street and being asked where we get our bags. This is a weekly (and sometimes) daily occurrence. It’s just the thing to keep us going.