When abbi NY was launched in the US in 2005, it filled a void in the high-tech market that considered men and women just a little too equal. What woman worth her heels would consider carrying her laptop in a padded PVC black sleeve if she had a choice? Back then, there was no choice; the computer bag market (what there was of it) was decidedly unisex. The most a fashionista could hope for was a splash of patronizing baby-pink across the plain, black- padded case that held her computer.

Then along came abbi. The first season saw ubiquitous black give way to jacquards, oriental prints, and thoughtful design with women in mind. A thinly-disguised shopper with a laptop compartment (for the lady exec who was also mother-wife-chauffeur-cook); beautiful briefcases with a laptop compartment for the Grad student on her way to the top; and most elegant of all, simple sleeves that were pink all over...and hot pink at that. These were computer bags intended for fashion-conscious women, SMART women, who wanted to do business, live their multi-tasking lives efficiently, AND look good at the same time. abbi bags were well made, functional, and PRETTY.

Very soon, and not surprisingly, the young company found itself with more business than it could handle; it quickly became clear that it had no way to go but up. The computer bag as a feminine accessory was an idea whose time had come, and now abbi had to find someone to steer the growing company in the right direction.

Chris Hodge is the Man:
We all know that there is no such thing as chance, and serendipity put abbi's directors in the right hands almost as quickly as they could say, " Abracadabra...wish we had a new creative director!" Renowned designer, Chris Hodge, is considered an icon in the industry-- the guru of handbags. Today, as abbi's partner and creative director, he works his magic from the company's international base in Modena, Italy. Chris has been in the handbag business for over 30 years, and has designed for such famous names as
Bottega Veneta, Salvatore Ferragamo, Donna Karan, Gucci, Coach, Escada, Nina Ricci, De Vecchi, Bruno Magli, Tory Burch ...and many, many others

Chris overlooks design and production at every stage-- insuring not only beautiful results, but quality products at minimum cost: Affordable Chic at its best. With the launch of abbi International this year, Chris has added handbags to the computer accessories line... always practical, feminine, and PRETTY.