It isn’t uncommon for a group of people—either who are part of the same demographic, live in the same area or share common interests—to inadvertently adopt a similar style. This is certainly the case for the women of Brooklyn, where, as “The New York Times” pointed out in a recent article, a new trend has swept the streets. That trend is the Salt strap, a thick, woven strap that attaches to luxury handbags, offering an easier, more comfortable wear. Reminiscent of friendship bracelets one would make at summer camp, the straps are colorful and eclectic—“the perfect accessory to your accessory,” as co-founders Kacy Lubell and Marla Toplitzky say. Fashion Mannuscript sat down with the duo to learn more about their inspirations, design process and experience in the fashion industry as creators of the must-have bag add-on.
The concept of the Salt strap is amazing. What inspired the idea?
Kacy Lubell: Marla and I have always had complementary aesthetics. Starting at the beginning of our friendship in college, we would go on these style-driven quests together for everything from the best chambray shirt to the perfect gold cuff.
We were obsessed with finding the most ideal version of every staple. Practically everything we would see the other wearing would spark this continuous conversation about how the product could be cooler or more comfortable or more our vibe.
Marla Toplitzky: Then, on a girls’ trip to Mexico, Kacy was toting a Wayúu mochila bag that she’d found at a local Brooklyn flea market. I was super into it, and we got to talking about the wide strap, which offered a comfort upgrade from the standard thin leather kind that digs into the shoulder, plus a touch of a cooler style. It reminded us of the friendship bracelets we’d woven and traded as kids—evoking our own sisterly bond.
We thought, how chic would it look (and practical would it be, especially when trekking around with kids) if we could attach it to a more structured leather purse? That way, we could turn any silhouette into a cross-body and reinvigorate the bags already in our closets.
Just like that, Salt was born—the perfect accessory to your accessory.
What has the process of launching your own brand been like?
KL: It has been an amazing ride so far! Picture working with your best friend—it’s exactly like that. We’ve reached the point where we joke that we share a brain because, when we’re apart, we text each other the same ideas at the exact same time. And we have this ridiculous habit of answering people in unison when we’re together. It’s hard to not think about Salt all the time. We’re obsessed with building a brand for which we believe in the product and mission.
“The New York Times” wrote about the Salt strap being a part of a “uniform” worn by the women of Brooklyn. What does this mean for you? What is it like to see a large group of women proudly embracing what you’ve created?
MT: We were totally overwhelmed! Truthfully, we didn’t think of it as a “uniform” before for a specific group of people. We just thought of the straps as a cool, easy way to differentiate your bag and make it your own. It’s a fun add-on accessory that provides comfort, color and style. We also love the idea of updating a previously owned or vintage bag and making it your own.
What have your experiences been like as women in the industry?
MT: Fashion is a fierce industry. I’m lucky enough to have worked for some of the most notable icons and contemporary brands and have learned from incredible mentors. As a woman, working for DVF was so empowering. DVF believed in her team, encouraged us to try and always said “fear is not an option.” I am grateful
for the relationships that stemmed from years of working with some of the smartest and most driven people, who have inspired me along the way.
It’s amazing to have such an incredible group of women who I have worked with in the past be so supportive of Salt and cheer Kacy and I on.
KL: I’m completely new to the fashion industry. I spent the better part of the past eight years as a stationery designer for my own small letterpress line and raising my three boys. I feel so lucky to have launched Salt with Marla at such an exciting time for women-led companies. There’s a huge sense of community, opportunity and empowerment—coupled with a major learning curve for me.
What kinds of obstacles have you had to overcome? How did you overcome them?
KL: We have evolved a lot since launching, and continue to learn. We’re working with an incredible group of artisans, who are creating beautiful handwoven work. Our supply can’t always keep up with the demand recently (which we recognize as a good problem to have!), but we refuse to sacrifice the craftsmanship or authenticity of the product. Our business is growing so rapidly, and we are meeting with the challenge of expanding, but remaining true to our mission. Sometimes, we get negative feedback for not moving faster or not having more stock, and we’re working to solve that problem. Luckily, most people have been very supportive and understanding, and we’re learning to communicate as clearly as possible, as we believe in full transparency.
Do you have any advice for women who would like to launch their own line some day?
MT: Believe in yourself and run with it. If you believe in yourself, you are more than halfway there.
KL: Do you something you love, with people who inspire you.
Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about Salt?
MT: Just that our intention is to create something special, that improves and brightens your everyday, while also helping the planet. We’re still a small business, but we’re so grateful to the people who have shown an interest in our brand and we’re so excited for the future.
Check out Salt online at www.shoppesalt.com or on instagram at @shoppe.salt.
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