Is there anything more vogue than Vogue? Probably not. That's why when American Express wanted to help educate aspiring fashion entrepreneurs, they went straight to the source: Ms. Lottie Oakley, President & Founder at HARALUX and former Associate Publisher of Vogue.

On the heels of MAGIC Market Week 2013, the Vegas fashion enterprise tradeshow, three up-and-coming designers participated in the ultimate challenge: creating a luxury handbag on the spot in front of pretty much everyone in the industry. (No pressure✌️) Luckily Mary Lai, Aimee Kestenberg and Spencer Devine were up for task, and Open Forum shared the secrets to their success.

THE CHALLENGE: How do you find a pattern among three very different designers against the wear and tear of unfeasible advice?

THE SOLUTION: The common string? Putting the work in. The stars-to-be didn't get their start by sitting back or playing it safe. They saw potential in what they had... and pulled the rest out of a (very chic) hat.

THE TAGLINE: Helping Businesses Do More Business

FUN FACT: I’ve always to buy one of the bags in the article.