ANDI New York—a new functional fashion handbag brand designed to support awesome humans – formally launches with the debut of its Resort 2017 collection. Founded by designer, Andrea Weinberg, the brand caters to on-the- go, globetrotting health enthusiasts who refuse to sacrifice style for comfort and ease.

The arrival of the ANDI Brand follows a three-year development period in which Founder Andrea Weinberg immersed herself in a process of user-focused iterative prototyping, making, using, and refining each new sample for enhanced strength, functionality and aesthetic. Accordingly, every snap, strap, and hook on her pieces enjoys strategic significance, perfected through no less than 67 iterations.

In speaking of her start, Weinberg explains, ”At the time, I was working full-time while simultaneously pursuing my MBA, both of which required extensive travel. I really wanted an easy- to-carry and stylish solution to get me, and all my things, from point A to B and beyond. My first aim was weather-proof, compactible and beautiful, but as I began to build and use my own design, I realized that I wanted more! This inspired the non-slip shoulder grip, high-quality hardware, structured feet, luggage attachment and eventually the backpack transformation.”

The ANDI Brand Resort collection launches with a bevy of versatile and fashion-inspired silhouettes, including some core pieces that will remain signature to the brand season-to- season.

The ANDI, a weather-proof and virtually weightless carry-all, features a transformative, expandable and collapsible design that enables it to be carried as a classic tote, satchel, crossbody bag, and a hands-free backpack. The bag measures 20.5” x 12” x 5” and compacts to 8” x 3” x 2” with top handles and detachable, adjustable shoulder strap. $198 retail

The ANDI (Small) is identical to The ANDI with the exception of scale. Designed approximately 30% smaller, this piece comfortably fits a large wallet, book, tablet and a pair of shoes, while still maintaining its shape when empty. The ANDI Small measures 17” x 10” x 4” and compacts to 7” x 3” x 2” with top handles and detachable, adjustable shoulder strap. $158 retail

The ANDI XL is roughly 30% larger than The ANDI Signature. The ANDI XL is a carryall in a class of its own – a statement piece and ideal weekender duffel and travel companion. Flexible construction of its oversized shape allows this piece to fit in an overhead compartment and also to withstand the demands of checked luggage. The ANDI XL measures 26” x 17” x 7.5” compacts to 10” x 5” x 2”. $258 retail

The ANDI Too is a futuristic clutch with a streamlined design that allows it to function as a portfolio case, electronics cover or for accessories, apparel, and cosmetics storage. This style measures 13.5” x 10.5” expanded and 13.5” x 5.5” compressed and can be easily attached to The ANDI totes. $58 retail

The ANDI Pocket is a two-piece cosmetic set with a special interior nylon lining that incorporates enhanced coating for a wipe-able finish—perfect for messy make-up spills. The large pouch measures 10”x 3”x 5” and the small at 6” x 2” x 4.” $58 retail

Each design is 100% vegan and is available in a myriad of colorways including: signature camouflage with neon accents, bold metallic, and refined black diamond patterns in black, smoky charcoal, or ocean (limited edition for resort).

ANDI’s heartfelt mantra “Be Good to Yourself” remains the driving force behind its purpose and creative processes. With a unifying take on humanity, the ANDI brand embraces the notion that the better individuals care for themselves, the stronger capacity and ability they possess to care for others in a world equally shared. “Be Good to Yourself” embodies the brand’s mission to create and craft purposeful pieces that extend ease, comfort, well-being and aesthetic to awesome humans – who in a large or small capacity, spread joy, love and adventure.

In soft launch phase, the ANDI Brand has already been embraced and carried by 55 doors of Equinox, Exhale Spa, Bandier, Carbon 38, Four Seasons Gift shops and more. To learn more about the collection, visit the ANDI New York website: http://theandibrand.com