Minimalism Takes a Backseat: Designer Elena Protko on Bags, Unique Orders, and Fashion Trends

Elena Protko, a renowned designer, is known for her ability to create accessories from your wildest dreams, her commitment to eco-friendly practices, and her dedication to staying true to oneself. She recently shared insights about her business and the trend of tote bags. Her journey began with an unexpected twist—biker jackets.

The Journey to Success

Elena’s path to her own business was long and winding, starting in the early 2000s. During that time, the biker movement was gaining momentum in Belarus. Alongside her brother in his workshop, she crafted leather jackets, pants, vests, and other biker attributes that were hard to come by. This experience allowed her to master the art of working with leather and gain invaluable expertise, as each piece was unique.

It was in her brother’s workshop that Elena created her first bag.

“I was preparing for a bike event in Brest and realized I didn’t have a suitable accessory. I had to quickly rectify the situation,” Elena recalls. “The first bag turned out so great that I sold it to a girl from Moscow right at the event and even took a few more orders.”

Later, she was invited to work for a company where she designed and crafted custom bags. This experience solidified her love for one of the most important women’s accessories.

Striking Out on Her Own

After working for someone else for a while, Elena felt it was time to venture out on her own. By then, she had already amassed a loyal following.

Without hesitation, she registered as an artisan, rented a small space for her workshop, renovated it, and purchased the necessary equipment. The government provided her with a grant to start her own business, which helped with the initial capital.

Master of Her Craft

Today, the renowned designer Elena Protko works alone in her workshop. She believes that there is no need to maintain a large staff of specialists, so she manages the entire process herself, from design to presentation. She collaborates with trusted photographers, stylists, and marketers.

“First, an element is born in my mind, and over time, an entire bag emerges,” Elena says. “I draw inspiration from travels, exhibitions, new acquaintances, vivid emotions, and sensations. I try to make time for everything and learn something new.”

Elena can nurture ideas for years but perfect a piece in just 2-3 days. Once the image of the future bag is formed, she develops patterns, selects leather, hardware, and lining materials. She cuts the bag and assembles all the parts by hand.

The designer admits that her business is not just a creative endeavor. It involves a lot of routine tasks: finding suppliers, dealing with rent, and repairing equipment. While these tasks can be draining and lead to burnout, the pros of being a designer far outweigh the cons.

The Joy of Creation

“I love my work because it allows me to bring beauty into the world,” Elena confesses. “I enjoy not only the process of creating bags but also the joy of seeing a client’s face light up when they receive the bag of their dreams. It’s an indescribable feeling.”

Moreover, she has all the opportunities to grow and develop in her favorite field, as well as to help other people become happier.

Collaboration and Integration

Elena Protko regularly participates in fashion events, enjoys collaborating with colleagues, and integrating with various brands. For example, in the 22nd season of Belarus Fashion Week, the designer collaborated with the brand glo™.

“The organizer of Belarus Fashion Week, Yanina Goncharova, invited me to develop an exclusive line of accessories for the brand glo™, which complemented the models from the TARAKANOVA brand. My collection of accessories was aimed at personalizing the image of a modern person. In creating it, I considered that exclusive accessories, relevant gadgets, and bold solutions would make the image memorable and stylish. I think we did a great job embodying the ideas and presenting the result to the audience,” Elena shares.

Popular Creations

Among Elena Protko’s most popular creations are tote bags and spacious backpacks that can hold a laptop or gym clothes; small python crossbody bags for evening outings, and belt bags for a walk in the park.

Elena admits that working with clients is a joint creative process. If a buyer cannot find a suitable bag among the offered ones, the designer will create it according to the specific request.

The portraits of admirers of designer bags are absolutely different: businesswomen, dentists, accountants, bloggers, artists—bright and bold, tender and romantic, confident and vulnerable personalities. They are all united by one thing: individuality and the desire to always be themselves.

“Most often, women buy bags from me, but there are also men among my regular customers. Their orders can be very specific,” Elena says.

One such order was the creation of a leather case for a bokken (a wooden replica of a Japanese sword used in various martial arts). The item was intended as a birthday gift for a sensei (a teacher, a significant person in Japan).

The deadline for the order was tight. Elena had to quickly study an unfamiliar topic and understand the nuances of producing such accessories. But she managed. Her order flew to Japan, and in return, she received many words of gratitude from the client and his teacher for the excellent work.

The Rules of the Game

It’s no secret that during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, bags were on a “forced vacation,” relegated to the far shelves of wardrobes. Many people worked remotely, and the need for accessories diminished. But that time has passed, Elena believes, and interest in bags is growing. Moreover, people are striving for bright and unusual designs.

“Minimalism is taking a backseat,” the designer observes. “There are more details in the pieces, and the palette of stylish collections is richer. Feathers and sequins are back in fashion because everyone wants a celebration. At the same time, the bucket bag has become the favorite of the spring-summer 2022 season.”

Elena Protko shared with us her advice on which accessory to choose for the spring. For different life situations.

In spring-summer, bags made in crochet and macrame techniques will be relevant.

“If your small crossbody bag is overflowing with disinfectants and mask packages, then an actual and voluminous tote bag will be the ideal option. You can also choose elongated cylinder bags and baguette bags. In a neutral design, such options look quite laconic and are suitable for both office dress code and special occasions.”

By the way, in spring-summer, bags made in crochet and macrame techniques will be relevant. Another fashionable trick that my clients actively use is a set of several bags at once. You can combine them to your taste and discretion. Preference should be given to bright and rainbow models that will be a breath of fresh air after a long and gray winter.

Today’s fashion is very ambiguous and, in general, strives to be eco-friendly. Elena Protko also thinks about this within the framework of her business.

“I try not to create ‘overproduction,’ sort waste, and transfer leather scraps to workshops for shoe and clothing repair, to children’s creativity centers,” Elena shares.

For more insights into fashion trends and eco-friendly practices, you can visit Vogue, a leading authority in the fashion industry.