Helen Barr, designer and owner of barr + barr, earned degrees in art education and art history from Virginia Commonwealth University, with graduate work in photography at Parsons. After twenty years in magazine and fashion industries – including work as the founding publisher of Sassy magazine – Helen founded barr + barr in 2000. barr + barr is the expression of Helen's lifelong love for classic, enduring American style. Every handbag she creates is influenced by her fine arts background. She is often inspired by her own artwork and studies in weaving, sculpture, and fabric design. Her work as a designer was recognized in 2004 as the recipient of Fashion Group International's Rising Star Award.

Helen continues to work with international craftsmen to ensure that every barr + barr product meets her standards of excellence. After ten years of growth and success, Helen remains hands on in her role as barr + barr's designer and sole owner. And she still believes, "style is the outward expression of a woman's inner grace and unique personality."

Through the years of growth and expansion, the company's vision has remained the same: a commitment to high quality production, design excellence, and enduring style. In both handbags and shoes, style meets comfort; each barr + barr product remains a valued possession for our loyal and satisfied customers.