CELEBRATING 25 YEARS
It all started with a chance encounter; in 1999 Monica and Lucy bumped into each other at the Union Square Farmer’s Market and the seed for MZ Wallace was planted. What began as a shared vision has grown into 25 years of designing bags for wherever you’re going.
Born in New York and shaped by its energy, this limited-edition graffiti print is our tribute to the city MZ Wallace calls home.
100% of proceeds will benefit GrowNYC, supporting their mission to give all New Yorkers access to fresh, locally grown food, thriving green spaces, and a healthier environment.*
As native New Yorkers they met early on in their careers, Monica working as a stylist and Lucy in PR at Manolo Blahnik.
Lucy and Monica ran into each other at the Union Square Farmers’ Market, reconnected, and began to collaborate on an idea to launch a nylon handbag brand. In December, they incorporated MZ Wallace.
The first flagship store opened on Crosby Street in Soho. At that time, Crosby Street was not the retail destination it has become; they took a chance transforming a former cold storage storefront into what became the first MZ Wallace store.
Japanese customers discovered the brand at the Soho store and became fast fans leading MZ Wallace to set up distribution in Japan where they opened a store in the Ginza neighborhood of Tokyo.
They launched their website (well ahead of the curve) making it possible to shop MZ Wallace anytime, anywhere.
The Metro Tote made its debut, quickly becoming an icon and MZ Wallace’s signature style.
A second and third New York City store opened on the Upper East Side and West Village.
The MZW Gives Back program began with a limited-edition Raymond Pettibon tote, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Artists for Haiti, an organization that raised funds to support the people of Haiti after the devastation of the 2010 earthquake.
The Independent Handbag Designer Awards honored Monica and Lucy with the Lifetime Achievement in Handbag Design Award.
MZ Wallace started development of recycled nylon, a process that led to every collection being crafted from 100% recycled nylon by 2022.
They became both Bluesign® and B Corp certified, milestones that underscored the brand’s commitment to responsibility and sustainability.
That same year, a new Flagship opened at 49 Crosby Street, designed by Charlap Hyman & Herrero. Later that year, the first Chicago store in the Bucktown neighborhood.
MZ Wallace partnered with David Shrigley and photographer Raymond Meier on its first-ever global ad campaign, blending humor, wit, and artistry.
Supporting the next generation of artists, MZ Wallace announced its sponsorship of Cultured’s Annual Young Artist Prize.
New stores opened on Boston’s Newbury Street and in Miami’s Aventura Mall.
The journey continues…new stores coming soon by the end of this year!
