How did you come up with the brand name Felix Rey?

While museum hopping, we saw a Van Gogh portrait entitled Dr. Felix Rey. It was Doctor Felix Rey who tended to Vincent Van Gogh after he cut off a portion of his ear and was admitted to an asylum. The two men befriended each other and Van Gogh painted a portrait of the doctor in lieu of payment for his services. We loved the painting, we loved the name and we loved the story.

Describe your customer?

She is feminine, sophisticated and has a great sense of humor.

You recently collaborated with Target to launch a limited edition handbag collection. Do you have any similar collaboration in store for the future?

We have fun collaborating - it's exciting to see how our sensibility will mesh with others. We're currently gearing up for some great collaborations in China and Japan.

What inspires you as designers?

Paintings, textiles, people, places, colors, a vintage find in a flea market, an old movie. We draw inspiration from anywhere and anything.

If you weren't designers what industry would you be working in?

Given her love of animals, Sulaika would be the most stylish zoo-keeper in America. Having read Jane Eyre at the age of 10, Lily would love to teach (or just re-enact scenes from the 1800s).

How do you see Felix Rey growing in the near future?

Over the last few years, in addition to our signature handbags, clutches, wallets, cosmetic cases and umbrellas, we've expanded the product line to include scarves, diaper bags, tech cases, and jewelry. There is no accessory we won't tackle - we want women to embrace originality and break away from the norm, one accessory at a time.

To date what is your favorite Felix Rey/Celebrity moment?

We're just as thrilled to see a woman on the street carrying Felix Rey than a celebrity. That said, we were excited to see Penelope Cruz carrying the Lola Clutch at the SAG Awards.

What do each of you bring to the brand to make it so successful?

We each have our own unique fashion sensibility and the collection is truly reflective of both our personal styles. We try to find the perfect balance in every collection between creativity and demand. We both like to see tongue-in-cheek pieces in the collection but we both recognize that while our customer has a sense of humor, she is also chic and sophisticated.

What is one trend you would never like to see repeat itself?

Reinventing old trends is part of the creative process! But, if perms and frosted lipstick never come back, we won't sulk.

What 3 things are always in your handbag?

A Blackberry, a Felix Rey key/coin purse, and Fresh lip balm.

Famous last words?

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." - Oscar Wilde

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