About us
Our Story: A Colorful Journey of Creativity and Purpose
Founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, Vera Bradley was born out of a casual airport observation and a profound spark of entrepreneurial vision. While traveling together, the founders noticed a distinct lack of luggage designed specifically for women—most options at the time were heavy, utilitarian, and drained of personality in dark shades of brown and black. Recognizing an untapped market for accessories that combined practical functionality with joyful, vibrant style, they set out to transform how women travel and express themselves.
Armed with an initial investment of just $500, a handful of colorful cotton fabrics, and a few borrowed sewing machines in a basement in Fort Wayne, Indiana, they began crafting quilted duffels, totes, and handbags. Named in honor of Barbara’s mother, Vera Bradley quickly captured the hearts of consumers seeking warmth, individuality, and charm in their everyday accessories. What started as a kitchen-table enterprise blossomed into a beloved global lifestyle brand defined by signature patterns, thoughtful organization, and enduring quality.
Our Design Philosophy: The Art of the Quilt
At the heart of the Vera Bradley brand is an unmistakable aesthetic: a rich tapestry of vibrant colors, intricate hand-drawn patterns, and the signature tactile comfort of our classic quilting.
- Hand-Drawn Motifs: Every single pattern in our collection begins as a blank canvas in our Fort Wayne design studio. Our talented team of in-house artists hand-paints and sketches each floral, geometric, and seasonal print, ensuring that every piece tells a unique artistic story.
- Thoughtful Functionality: Beauty is nothing without purpose. We engineer our products with the modern lifestyle in mind, incorporating dedicated compartments, secure closures, lightweight materials, and machine-washable fabrics to effortlessly simplify daily routines and travels.
- The Quilted Heritage: Our signature cotton quilting is more than just a visual signature; it represents our commitment to comfort, durability, and tactile luxury. Over the decades, we have evolved this craft, introducing innovative, sustainable materials such as ReCotton and Recycled Cotton—made from repurposed garment cuttings—to honor our planet without compromising on softness or style.
Going Global: Vera Bradley International
As our community of passionate fans grew beyond the borders of the United States, we embraced the opportunity to bring our colorful perspective to a worldwide audience. international.verabradley.com serves as our dedicated digital home for international customers, bridging continents to deliver our signature joyful designs directly to your doorstep.
Our international expansion is guided by a simple mission: to empower women across the globe to embrace their personal style and brighten their everyday moments. Whether you are navigating a bustling metropolitan commute in Tokyo, enjoying a weekend getaway in the European countryside, or running errands in Latin America, Vera Bradley international brings a touch of warmth, optimism, and exceptional craftsmanship to your journey. We carefully tailor our shipping, logistics, and localized experiences to ensure that wherever you are in the world, shopping with us is seamless, reliable, and inspiring.
Our Core Values and Commitments
We believe that a brand is defined not only by what it makes, but by how it impacts the world. Our culture is rooted in a deep sense of community, empowerment, and responsibility.
- Empowering Women: From our leadership team and global network of independent retail partners to the women who carry our bags every day, female empowerment is woven into our DNA. We champion initiatives that uplift, support, and inspire women to lead vibrant lives.
- Sustainability and Mindfulness: We are dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint through responsible manufacturing practices. By incorporating recycled cotton, water-repellent recycled polyester (ReActive), and eco-friendly packaging solutions, we strive to protect the beauty of the natural world that inspires our designs.
- Philanthropy and Community Care: Giving back has been a cornerstone of Vera Bradley since day one. Through the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, we have raised tens of millions of dollars to fund critical research and support programs, proving that fashion can be a powerful catalyst for healing and hope.
Join the Vera Bradley Community
Vera Bradley is more than an accessories brand; it is a celebration of color, connection, and individuality. We invite you to explore our latest collections, find a pattern that speaks to your personality, and let us add a little more brightness to your everyday adventures.
Welcome to our global family—where style meets substance, and every journey is beautifully yours.