In Conversation With Kasia Gaborec-McEvoy Founder of My Name Is Ted

Can you tell us the story behind My Name is Ted?

My Name is TED is a multi-award-winning Irish heritage brand creating luxury handbags collections inspired by life. The fascinating story of Ted Carbery using his mouth and left hand in the 1950’s to make leather bags and accessories inspired Ted’s grandson Brendan McEvoy and me to bring the family tradition and brand back to life.

When we set out to follow the vision of Brendan’s grandfather Ted in 2017 and started researching, designing, and producing luxury handbags according to Ted’s notes in his diary, little did we think our designs will travel far beyond our native country Ireland. The brand has since established a reputation for exceptional standards of functionality, practicality, and most of all its uncompromising luxury standards of only the finest Italian leathers & solid brass hardware. The well-known signature Door Bag Collection has fans and proud owners around the world from New York to Singapore. Each piece is designed Ireland and handcrafted in Italy, to last for generations

How do you ensure the Irish Heritage of timeless craftsmanship stays known throughout production of My Name is Ted?

Irish heritage is the foundation of My Name is Ted. We ensure this legacy is represented at every stage of our production by working with highly skilled, 3^rd generation Italian artisans who knows Ted and brand story and honour traditional craftsmanship. Every detail, from the choice of materials to the intricate stitching, reflects the timeless methods passed down through generations. We emphasize storytelling, where each bag embodies the spirit of Ireland, combining modern elegance with our rich historical background.

How has your brand evolved over time?

The evolution of My Name is Ted has been marked by a balance between honouring our roots, Ted’s story and adapting to modern luxury standards. We began with a strong foundation in craftsmanship as men’s brand, bringing old Teds designs back to live but over time, we noticed that 75% of our customers were women buying for men. We’ve created our first women’s Door Bag Collection that became our signature and is loved by many ladies from all over the world. We’ve embraced Irish heritage, storytelling and sustainable practices. Our Door Bag Collection have grown in versatility while maintaining our core values of quality and authenticity.

Where did the unique designs of your handbags originate from?

One rainy day in Dublin my husband was stuck in traffic and he was looking at these beautiful Georgian Doors that are different and unique with families behind it with their own stories. He thought that it would be great to incorporate a door into the handbag. The design principal in the Door Bag Collection is one of Features, that Function give Feeling,  an element of surprise in the functionality of each design that the tells a story you can attach to. The Crossbody’s Door bag Feature (The Door) is to Function  (Open & Close) to give Feeling (A Special Place, Memory or Time).

Integrating a solid brass Georgian door into the flap feels like the perfect combination to complete our vision for the Door Bag Collection.

How do you choose high quality leather to use in handbags? What colours work best?

All of the leathers used by us are a by-product of food production and sourced from Italy. All our tanneries are certified by the European Leather Working Group and all of them have been awarded Silver and Gold ratings, guaranteeing the highest standards of sustainability and sourcing.

We meticulously source our leather from trusted suppliers known for their ethical and sustainable practices. Each hide undergoes a stringent selection process, ensuring it meets our standards of durability, texture, and finish. When it comes to colours, we find staple colour like classic black, heritage green and taupe resonate best with our clientele, though we also explore seasonal and trend-forward palettes to keep the collections fresh.

Who is the most inspirational celebrity you have spotted wearing My Name is Ted?

Seeing influential figures embrace My Name is Ted is always a proud moment, but spotting someone like Jo Malone, who is known for championing authenticity and quality was amazing. She built iconic perfume and home products from the scratch and its truly inspirational to me.  

Have you any exciting launches planned in the coming months?

Absolutely! On the 26^th of September we are excited to be launching a brand-new collection that reflects the evolution and growth of our brand as we embark on an international journey to redefine luxury. The new collection will be showcased in Paris during the Paris Fashion Week we can’t wait to reveal. It is a new era where our vision to scale within the international luxury market becomes a reality.

Name three things you believe a handbag should be.

A handbag should be timeless, ensuring it transcends seasons and trends. It should be functional, with smart design elements that cater to modern lifestyles. Lastly, it should be authentic, crafted with integrity and true to its origins, much like the values at the heart of My Name is Ted. I believe the bag should elevate your look whether you dress casual or chic. Its always a perfect addition to complete your look. It also needs to be made from good quality materials to last.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

In five years, I see My Name is Ted continuing to grow as a global luxury brand, known for its deep roots in Irish craftsmanship and commitment to quality. Beyond the business, one of my biggest ambitions is to support and empower women in business. I envision creating mentorship programs and partnerships that help women entrepreneurs develop their brands and navigate the challenges of building a business. By sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve gained, I hope to contribute to a future where more women can thrive as leaders and innovators in the business world.

Do you have a special scent memory? As we know, fragrance has the power to emerge us in an instant, and our sense of smell is the most powerful of all our senses, closely linked to memory and mood. Is there a special scent that connects you to a place or to a person?

Yes, there is a very special scent memory that will stay with me forever. My granny had a perfume with the scent of rose, a fragrance she barely ever used. It was kept in a small bottle with a wooden finish that she brought back from Siberia, where she had been sent to a gulag camp during the Second World War. The scent of that perfume always transports me back to her and that extraordinary story of resilience. It’s a reminder of her strength, and it carries a deep emotional connection to both her and that time in history. I will never forget it.