The new line of KATCO bags is designed to be organized, so their owners don't have to be.

GIVING IN STYLE {fashion in the philanthropy lane } Growing up with a mother who suffered from macular degeneration, Kathryn Gandal recognized the value of an organized handbag. She realized women’s bags were often in a state of disarray, and that keeping them organized was a daunting task. And she recognized it was nearly impossible for women like her mother, whose eyesight was severely compromised. After a fluke accident in a flight, where her cell phone and car keys created a spark and started a fire in her bag, she understood how important an organized handbag could be. It was not only an issue of fashion, but also of function and safety. Gandal combed the market for a bag that had the organizational features she was looking for. To her dismay, she found nothing. She worked on the idea for years, but the timing wasn’t right for the launch of an innovative, fashion-oriented, organizationally adept bag. After an encounter with Jessica Leila Adnani and a thought-provoking conversation about the lack of innovation in department stores, the bag began to take shape. Adnani had just relocated to Phoenix and happened to connect with the resources at F.A.B.R.I.C., the fashion incubator in Tempe, that could help the women bring their idea to life. Angela Johnson, the co-founder of F.A.B.R.I.C., helped the women sketch their bag, mind- mapping the interior components and a design that would enable the KATCO bag to be manufactured. Together, the three created not only the leather bag itself, but also a wallet/ wristlet that fits cards, coins and cell phone; a makeup bag; dual eyeglass case; leather folio for papers/laptop; key-ring lanyard; and a KATCO insulated bottle perfect for water, smoothies or wine. Their goal was to create a bag fit for the chicest, most organized woman. Gandal and Adnani went about sourcing materials to find the right match for their luxe design. They connected with CLi Digital Media for their logo design, ALKEMY AZ for their media, and Laura Madden, a local fashion advocate and model, who will be featured in their commercials. The project, for the most part, became one by women, for women. The bags are already receiving visibility, having been featured in a variety of runway shows benefiting nonprofits. With their official launch date set for June 1, the duo is keenly fixed on POSH AND PRACTICAL Tyler Butler | Fashion Writer With KATCO, a luxuriously organized lifestyle is in the bag APRIL 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 33