Insider: Be & D

names: Steve Dumain (left) and Be Inthavong

occupation: Co-Designers/Founders of Be & D

hometown(s): Steve... From Pine Bush, NY (up in the boondocks) / Be... I was born in Laos, but grew up in Texas.

homebase(s): Steve... I live in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. / Be... I'm living in between the West Village and Long Island City.

how did you two meet? Steve... On 14th Street and 3rd at 3am getting an after-bar sandwich in the deli! / Be... Exactly what Steve said, but my sandwich was a BLT!

at age 8, what did you want to be when you grow up?
Steve... A veterinarian.
Be... A plastic surgeon.

what was the deciding factor for evolving from bags to shoes?
Steve... How else to accentuate the beauty of a woman?
Be... Steve really wanted to make shoes so he convinced me.

one thing that is currently on your mood/inspiration board -
Steve... Underwater sea creatures.
Be... A picture of the desert.

favorite online shopping sites?
Steve... eBay. (I've had an addiction) I'm also a sneaker freaker, I like a shop called Sportiela.com and Hanon-Shop.com for some cool indie and limited edition sneakers. I like our site, becuase I helped design it (but I don't look good in handbags).
Be... I'm so embarassed to say, but I don't shop online! I know it's popular and there are lots of great websites out there, but it hasn't really been my thing - yet...

is there any accessory trend that you wish would be forgotten?
Steve... I don't know about one to be forgotten, but I wish they would bring back the hand fan that women used to stay cool - like in old Asian movies. Be loves them too :)
Be... Oversized sunglasses should be forgotten! I miss seeing people's eyes.

favorite drinking spot or eatery below 14th Street?
Steve... Bacaro
Be... I have a confession. I go drinking and eating more above 14th Street.

what's in your man bag?
Steve... It's a bag Be and I made for ourselves that although we have some, have never sold them - just us for now. I have a book, my Blackberry, my iPod, gym clothes, keys, some snacks, a metal water bottle, some Netflix I need to return and a pad that I should be writing ideas in.
Be... Mine is a Be & D. I have my passport, old travel itineraries, tons of pencils and pens, old "trash mags" (as some of my friends call them) and gym clothes.

For the love of Garbo!

In celebrating their 5 year anniversary, Be & D's iconic Garbo returns for Spring/Summer '09 anchoring a capsule collection that signifies a new generation of luxury clients and is the epitome of punk modernity. The Garbo satchel remains in its signature lambskin, this time awash with new spiked studs. Original buckles have been removed to streamline the effect, while adding stitched handles to reinforce the intricate artisanal craftsmanship synonymous with Be & D. Also included in its celebration collection, the Garbo matching waist belt as well as wallets. Buy the Garbo and other forever items at BeandD.com