About the Designer

First impressions are everything, and Leylani Cardoso will leave you saying wow! This savvy business woman and designer is both an international powerhouse and a mother of two; balancing these roles with class and style. This Cuban native founded “Duty Free World International” along with her mother and business partner Mayra Del Valle. She wasted no time turning her business into a multimillion dollar company even before hitting the five year mark. Cardoso spent over a decade working in the international retail business dealing with every major retail brand. This experience gave her insight into what today’s women look for in a handbag—fashionable, travel friendly and refined. With this in mind, Cardoso ventured into a world in which she excelled—designing. The concept of Bolzano was born in 2002 as a result of Cardoso’s quest to create the perfect line of “it” handbags for the 21st century woman.

How did it all start? Cardoso saw a void in the handbag industry and looked to create a brand that offered style and sophistication while still catering to the needs of the everyday woman. She recalls, “I was sitting outside in a café in Rome and saw a woman stopped at a street light riding a Vespa who was dressed in a suit and high heels, had her hair and make up completely done and I thought, now that’s style!” Cardoso works to emulate this attitude—never compromising style and femininity while meeting life’s practical needs. The Bolzano Collection captures this perspective through its varying shapes, styles, colors and exceptional leathers, which allow women to express this attitude in an everyday accessory. “I always think of myself when designing and I try to bring a certain level of practicality to the designs,” Cardoso says. “I love to draw and I prefer to sketch all the bags by hand personally before they’re created.”

Cardoso concentrates on designing styles that effortlessly translate from events and meetings to kids’ soccer games. She is realistic about the Bolzano woman, who is not defined by her age, ethnicity, or culture, but is the transcendent 21st century woman—working, going out with friends, taking care of the kids and maintaining her image as a naturally attractive woman. From a design perspective she uses her own personal experiences as a busy executive. Always asking, “Will it work for women who are juggling so many hats at once?”

Miami is the home of Bolzano Design Studios and designer Cardoso, who is inspired by the city. “I love bringing bold colors into the designs,” she says, which is reflected in the bright reds, pinks and oranges in the collection. Cardoso appreciates how important it is to bring fun to her luxury line, creating perfect looks for any occasion that takes style to the next level.

She travels incessantly, gathering not only inspiration but business acumen from different cultures and fashions worldwide. Cardoso has her pulse on issues pertaining to women in business and is actively involved in the organization WIPP (Women Impacting Public Policy). She also believes in social causes and giving back to the community.

“Bolzano is not about compromising style for convenience,” Cardoso says. “We achieve true luxury because we offer the entire package.”