Custom Style Makes a Statement at Zavala Bespoke

If your handbag could talk, what would it say? For Lauren Zavala, artist and founder of Zavala Bespoke, the answer could be anything – from croissants to Care Bears. Through her hand-painted designs, Zavala transforms everyday accessories into wearable expressions of identity. “Fashion and art are the same thing,” she says. “What they evoke in people is the same. I love watching my clients express themselves through my art that they can wear on their body.”

Zavala first picked up a paintbrush to decompress during her master’s program in London. “I was dying of stress and started painting to make myself relax,” she recalls. She created her early pieces – holiday gifts for family – using Angelus leather paint. The enthusiastic response encouraged her to turn the hobby into a business. With support from her boyfriend and mom, she launched Zavala Bespoke in 2018.

Today, Zavala works out of her studio on the East Side of Providence, painting everything from designer handbags and denim jackets to skateboards and even car dashboards. “The line between art and fashion is nonexistent,” she says. “What they evoke in people is the same.”

Color plays a starring role in her work. Vibrant jewel tones like sapphire blue dominate her current projects, while softer hues, like butter yellow, and high-contrast pairings, such as pink and olive green, add visual interest. “To me, more is more, and more color is in right now,” she says. “Everything I paint is colorful – it’s how I splash personality and love onto pieces that already have a story.”

At the heart of Zavala’s process lies customization. Whether she’s painting a charm bracelet of friends’ initials on a jacket or adorning a bag with symbolic insects for each family member, every detail matters. “Anything that gives me insight into that person I think is so special,” she says.

While her designs reflect current trends, they remain rooted in personal storytelling and sustainability. “Right now, personalization is super in,” she notes, pointing to the growing demand for pieces that celebrate individuality, like birth flowers, medieval fonts, and custom monograms. Her work also champions upcycling. “Painting on something you already own to give it new life – that’s powerful,” she adds.

With custom design collaborations and live art activations for brands like Coach, Neiman Marcus, and Staud under her belt, Zavala is no stranger to the spotlight. She anticipates even more of these interactive experiences in the future. “It’s so exhilarating,” she says. “People can pick something bespoke and watch it come to life in real time.” For her latest designs and more info, visit ZavalaBespoke.com.