(Photographed with eye of hours matching cuff and clutch set)

When I contacted Terina “Meca” McKinney of Jypsea about our blog launch and offering a donation she was generous enough to offer one of her handcrafted fringe belts for a contest. I first became acquainted with her on ThisNext.com. I went to her website and browsed her online shop and fell in love with everything in it and knew I needed to share my findings with my fashion savvy website visitors. Here she is designer extraordinare.

1. I’m so excited to interview you because I love your work. Can you let the visitors know what inspired you to launch a line of products?

I have been sewing since I was 6 years old. After finishing school at FIT and working in the industry as a designer and technical designer for years, the time is now right to do my own thing full-time.

2. Where did you come up with the name Jypsea?

I was teased by a friend because in my early twenties I bounced around ALOT…from Philly to ATL and even a stint in the Army. I was being called a gypsy and because I can relate to the eclecticism of the gypsy lifestyle/culture, I simply remixed the spelling and kept the name for my line.

3. What kinds of things inspired your new line?

There are hieroglyphics and Egyptian motifs throughout the collection. Egyptians are recorded as the first civilized people and they were indeed fashionable. No other people have been more ingenious, in my opinion.

4. I attended the Fashion Institute of Technology for a semester before changing my major, but did you always know that you wanted to be a fashion designer?

Yes, since the 6th grade. I was always considered “artistically talented” and attended a magnet program in junior high and high school. Ever since I understood what a fashion designer was, I knew I would be one. It just made sense to combine my sewing and art capabilities.

5. I love that your pieces aren’t mass produced. Where can people go to get ahold of your custom pieces?

Each piece is custom. All are made from leather coats, skirts, and the such that have been discarded. Therefore, no two bags are ever alike. The new collection will be available at www.jypsea.comon 4/15/09 and in stores 5/1/09. There are new boutiques that will carry the line. Please check the “stores” tab at the my site to find the store near you.

6. Are there any famous people that you’d love to see adoring and sporting your designs?

Well, actually I feel that jypsea is for the everyday celebrity. Whether she is the coolest accountant or lawyer at her firm or the flyest student on campus, she is a celebrity in her own right. My bags have been sported by Imani Coppola of the rock group Little Jackie and Judith Jamison, Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, two cool women I deeply admire.

7. I am smitten with the cuff linked clutch and the sketchbook series lambskin clutch, but with all the designs you’ve created do you have a favorite piece?

Yes, its from my latest collection. It’s called the Pyramid Hobo. It’s huge and its so much fun splashing paint on the leather to add to the specialness of each bag done in that style!

8. Do you have any designers that inspire you?

Not particularly, although I do pay attention to what is being done. I am aware of the trends but ultimately, I simply make the bags that I know I would love to carry and that would look amazing on beautiful, sophisticate, smart, stylish, cool women.

9. Your designs are made of gorgeous leather and suede are there other fabrics that you’d like to work with?

Nope. I love leather, suedes, and exotic skins but to remain eco-friendly, I use mainly re-used leathers only.

10. Where can visitors learn more about you and stay up to date with upcoming shows and new products?

Friending my company on Facebook is a great way to know all that goes on with me and Jypsea. There is a link to do so at my site. Also, the blog has a lot of info as well, jypsea.blogspot.com

Thank you for giving us a sneak peek!