Throughout history, creative individuals have flocked to Paris in search of inspiration to refine and evolve their craft. Monet, Picasso, Dali, Josephine Baker, Langston Hughes, Miles Davis, and most recently, Lenny Kravitz (prepare to be envious of his life). Lured by the city’s beauty, cultural diversity and widely supported art scene, all types of artists – from writers and painters to musicians and photographers – make Paris home for an inexplicable sense of creative freedom and energy unlike anything they’ve ever felt before.

Designers and stylists also reap the benefits of being in a city where fashion is a crucial component of everyday life and where they may be surrounded by some of the world’s greatest and most influential fashion powerhouses. It’s easy to understand why emerging designers would want to introduce their collections in one of the fashion capitals of the world to the savviest and most discerning of consumers.

Unfortunately, much of what is available in the way of unique, quality apparel and accessories will max out the average woman’s budget. Enter Kasia Dietz– a former ad girl and authentic New Yorker with an unrelenting passion for design and an infectious love for travel. The Kasia Dietz collection of bags and totes is affordable, wearable art with motifs inspired by her travels, minimalist art and 70’s prints designed by her mother; truly one-of-a-kind creations. I sat down with my friend Kasia at a local café for an espresso and a tête-à-tête to find out more about how she got into designing, her recent re-launch and the hurdles she has come across bringing her brand to Paris.