Mariana Goschin spent most of her chidhood at her father's atelier, in small town Constanza, Romania, watching him craft all sorts of leathers into jackets. She remembers how fascinated she was by his trade, "I was drawn to the smell and feel of the leathers he fashined. I began assisting him by sewing the quilted linings... that's how I got my start in creating and designing".
After graduating from the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest, Mariana moved to America. In 1990, she met Richard Elgrichi, founder of the company. The joined talents created the trademark Carla Mancini in 1995. "he observes my passion and allows me to run with my ideas. We balance each other and we consider ourselves notjust partners, but good friends" Mariana explains.
The company's philosophy is to produce a unique product, crafted in the USA using the highest quality leather. The bags are easily recognizable by the signature saddle-stitched walnut linen thread found in every piece. Mariana and Richard frequently travel to Italy where they hand select the leather they will feature in the coming season. Just three times each year, the duo travels to New York to the Accessorie Circuit and unveils the upcoming seasonal line. The collection releases only a limited amount of bags each season.
Mariana views handbags as a necessity of life and passionately produces patterns and styles that fit each individual. "your bag is really an extension of yourself and should look and feel right on you she explains. "Italy inspires me, vintage bags inspire me too" she says.
Embrassed by the likes of Elle, Lucky, WWD, Audrey, and other fashion publications, the duo cultivated a list of renown retailers including Verve-NY, Traffic-LA, Fred Segal-SM, Siany, Tootsie's-Dallas, and Miss Jackson's. Through it's association with product placement leader the Ross Group, Carla Mancini has accessorized Hollywood's A list celebrities Jennie Garth, Kate Hudson, Winona Ryder, Rachel Bilson, and Lake Bell. The designs have also been featured in "My Best Friend's Girl", "Dirty Sexy Money", "The Gossip Girl", and "Fool's Gold", just to name a few.