Proenza Schouler isn’t the only design collective selling out of Manhattan – Have you met Felix Rey?

The handbag line belongs to Sulaika Zarrouk and Lily Rafii, a glossy-haired team who named their brand for Van Gogh’s infamous doctor. For six years, they’ve made handbags to crave like candy, and amassed a steady stream of US Weekly hits – Lindsay, Sarah Jessica, and J. Lo have all snatched the purses.

Meanwhile, Sulaika and Lily – who come from Donna Karan and the world of finance – prowl the streets of New York in search of inspiration. “We’ve definitely stalked a girl down the street to get a better view of her bag,� confesses Lily.

But what happens in their Soho studio?

You guys, your studio is so beautiful!
Lily: It’s not, we just have the nice part sectioned off. Behind that curtain… it’s like the Wizard of Oz.

Okay, what’s happening behind the curtain right now?
Sulaika: Lots of sketching and lots of swatches and boards – it’s a huge mess. We’re culling ideas for next year and it’s exciting but right now, it’s just a clump.

How do you usually create the line… does one of you dominate the design process?
Lily: It’s equal opportunity fashion –we’re both so involved. I see Sulaika more than I see my fiancé. But Sulaika is better with the technical details, I can see something and draw it out, and she’ll materialize it.
Sulaika: We don’t agree on every piece, but generally we have the same vision. Our style is different but that’s…
Lily: It’s so good, because of the contrast. But our friends will know, they’ll be like, oh this was your version.

If handbags were people, yours would be…
Sulaika: Previously it was described as Sex and the City meets Breakfast at Tiffany. But we want it to be more encompassing – days and night, umbrellas, bags, cosmetics – we’re growing!

Want to give handbag advice? What should I do if I’m going from work to a party, and I need lots of stuff?
Lily: Don’t pretend you don’t need a big bag! Take a bag that can fit a pair of shoes! A big bag that’s black patent is perfect because you can use it from day to night. Our patent bag is called the Margot bag; that’s why we designed it. Also, if something has a chain on it, it gives it a touch of sophistication.
Sulaika: You can always put one of our clutches inside a bigger bag, too, and then check the bigger bag with your coat. Women in the city do that all the time. And metal hardware, patent, something luxurious like leopard print or velvet – that will translate and take you through. Denim or canvas wouldn’t work.

Any other trendy bags that don’t work?
Sulaika: The clear bag trend is a little hard to pull off. I mean, there are things you put in your bag that you really don’t want other people to see. We made a bag that’s clear, but it comes with a black pouch inside, for the things that should be kept inside black pouches. You know, you could also pull out that pouch and use it as a clutch…
Lily: Sometimes you see these Hermes bags on the beach? That really rubs me the wrong way.

And Now, the Proust Questionaire!

What’s your favorite word?
Sulaika: Serenity
Lily: Also chocolate!

Least favorite word?
Sulaika: Bikini wax!
Lily: It starts with a C and ends with a T.

What’s your favorite sound?
Sulaika: The ocean.
Lily: I like the sound of rain against windows

What sound do you hate?
Sulaika: Garbage trucks and cars drive me crazy
Lily: Yes! Unnecessary honking in New York!

What inspires you?
Lily: There’s many things so this is hard to answer, but art museums and galleries
Sulaika: Colors!

What makes you never want to work?
Lily: Being on a beach makes me never want to work again.
Sulaika: Hey, that was mine!

What other job would you take?
Lily: I would want to be a curator
Sulaika: Surgeon!

What other job would you never do?
Lily: Tax man. Or Tax woman!
Sulaika: I think being a janitor would be very difficult, cleaning other people’s messes.

What’s your favorite swear word?
Sulaika: Lily doesn’t swear. And she gets mad at me when I swear.
Lily: I said the F word the other day and my fiancé freaked out. So you know I was really pissed off!

Last question: What will God say to you when you die?
Lily: You’ve made a mark and taught people.
Sulaika: That’s weird. I don’t see God as a talker… that’s pretty profound.