Hunting Season Handbags: An Exclusive Interview with Founders Danielle Corona and Jason Salstein

Breaking Into the Luxury Handbag Market: The Hunting Season Story

Establishing a foothold in the designer handbag world requires more than just a beautiful product. Establishing a foothold in the luxury handbag world takes more than a beautiful silhouette. Hunting Season, a relatively young brand, has achieved what many strive for: a coveted spot on the main floor at Barneys New York. Founders Danielle Corona, formerly of Valentino, and Jason Salstein, previously with VBH, bring a youthful energy matched by deep industry knowledge and an unwavering passion for quality. Hunting Season has done just that, earning recognition for a collection that blends polished design with a thoughtful, seasonless sensibility. These high school friends, who grew up just down the road, have become a formidable design duo.

A Conversation Over Italian Cuisine

Over a long Italian lunch in Miami’s Fashion District, we learned about the founders’ journey. A relaxed Italian lunch in Miami’s Fashion District offered a window into the founders’ approach. They spent years learning the trade and becoming trusted resources within the fashion industry. Their background includes time spent in Italy and years of fashion consulting in New York City, experiences that helped shape both their aesthetic and their business instincts. After lunch, they presented an array of Hunting Season bags, allowing us to experience the brand firsthand.

Quality That Speaks for Itself

Hunting Season handbags are priced from $995 to over $6,000. After lunch, they shared an assortment of Hunting Season bags, giving a closer look at the details and construction that define the line. Every element is carefully considered, from the choice of materials and hardware to the selection of factories. Upon touching and seeing the leathers and exotic skins, the exceptional quality is immediately apparent. Each piece is designed with careful attention to proportions, hardware, and fabrication. The Weekender is an ideal travel companion, while the City bag, a smaller version, is perfect for daytime wear. The City bag is priced at $995, and the Weekender at $1,530. The collection includes elevated materials such as leather and exotic skins, and that craftsmanship is apparent in both the look and feel of the bags. com, where custom orders can also be placed.

The Inspiration Behind the Name

PurseBlog: How did you end up with the name Hunting Season?

The Weekender works well for travel, while the City bag provides a smaller daytime option. We drew inspiration from imagery spanning the 1920s to 1940s, including artists like Louis Icart and Erte, as well as still-life works by Jean-Baptiste Chardin and George Stubbs. We also referenced iconic women such as Greta Garbo, Catherine Deneuve, Morticia Addams, and Cruella de Vil. The name Hunting Season emerged after the first designs were completed and the founders began shaping the brand’s broader identity. We loved the concept of English manor houses, libraries, chesterfield sofas, and moors. Their references ranged from 1920s through 1940s imagery to art, film, and classic portraiture, creating a mood that feels both refined and slightly dramatic. We wanted to build an aspirational brand, not just a product. The name Hunting Season felt like a natural fit with a sinister edge.

Designer Favorites: Envelope, Crescent, and City

That combination of elegance and edge helped the founders arrive at a name that matched the line’s aspirational, quietly unconventional spirit.

Dani: It is extremely difficult to choose, but if forced, I would say it is a tie between the envelope clutch and the crescent bag. The envelope is a classic, practical style that works with almost any outfit, day or night. The envelope clutch stands out for its versatility and classic shape, making it easy to pair with both day and evening looks. It is timeless and chic. The crescent bag feels like a jewel: delicate yet powerful. The crescent bag offers a more sculptural feel, with a delicate but polished presence.

Jason: The Duchess bag for the upcoming fall season, especially in Purple Rainbow Python, is climbing my list. The contrast between the edgy skin and the ladylike shape turned out beautifully. Together, these styles show the range of the collection, from understated everyday pieces to more distinctive statement bags. You can throw it on with jeans and a t-shirt and look chic instantly.

The Challenge of Entering the Accessory World

PurseBlog: The hardest part about breaking into the accessory world?

The space is crowded, so a new brand has to stay focused on its identity while building the right manufacturing and retail relationships. The fashion industry is oversaturated, so you must believe in your vision and product and remain true to it. For a label like Hunting Season, success depends on consistency, restraint, and a commitment to quality at every stage. With the right formula, hard work, and perseverance, it all becomes worthwhile.

Plans for 2009 and Beyond

PurseBlog: Plans for 2009?

The founders described a plan to grow carefully, with an emphasis on select retail partnerships and a measured expansion of the brand. We remain selective, catering to consumers who understand quality and beauty. We are slowly adding international and domestic accounts strategically. They also mentioned interest in exploring additional categories and special projects, though they emphasized that such developments would only be introduced when fully ready. Several projects are in development, but we will wait until they are ready to launch before sharing details.

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