FRANK & EILEEN: You began your entrepreneurial journey with custom stationery, inspired by a long-distance relationship with your then-boyfriend, now husband and co-founder, Matt. How did you transition from stationery to handbags, and how did that first experience working together shape your collaboration now at Parker Thatch?
IRENE: We made the transition from personalized stationery to handbags because we wanted to create something that could be a part of your daily life in a meaningful way. Handbags felt like the perfect fit—a necessary yet welcome companion you rely on. We saw an opportunity to bring our unique perspective to this category and haven’t looked back.
Working with Matt for 20 years has been a true journey for us both as individuals and partners. The special thing about our work together is how you can see that journey reflected in the evolution of Parker Thatch and our products. It’s more than design or branding choices—it’s about gaining the confidence to show up authentically. We create pieces we genuinely love and want to use rather than chasing trends and fads of the moment.
Irene is photographed wearing Shirley Everyday Poplin in White and Galway in White.
IRENE: We made the transition from personalized stationery to handbags because we wanted to create something that could be a part of your daily life in a meaningful way. Handbags felt like the perfect fit—a necessary yet welcome companion you rely on. We saw an opportunity to bring our unique perspective to this category and haven’t looked back.
Working with Matt for 20 years has been a true journey for us both as individuals and partners. The special thing about our work together is how you can see that journey reflected in the evolution of Parker Thatch and our products. It’s more than design or branding choices—it’s about gaining the confidence to show up authentically. We create pieces we genuinely love and want to use rather than chasing trends and fads of the moment.
Irene is photographed wearing Shirley Everyday Poplin in White and Galway in White.
FRANK & EILEEN: You began your entrepreneurial journey with custom stationery, inspired by a long-distance relationship with your then-boyfriend, now husband and co-founder, Matt. How did you transition from stationery to handbags, and how did that first experience working together shape your collaboration now at Parker Thatch?
IRENE: We made the transition from personalized stationery to handbags because we wanted to create something that could be a part of your daily life in a meaningful way. Handbags felt like the perfect fit—a necessary yet welcome companion you rely on. We saw an opportunity to bring our unique perspective to this category and haven’t looked back.
Working with Matt for 20 years has been a true journey for us both as individuals and partners. The special thing about our work together is how you can see that journey reflected in the evolution of Parker Thatch and our products. It’s more than design or branding choices—it’s about gaining the confidence to show up authentically. We create pieces we genuinely love and want to use rather than chasing trends and fads of the moment.
Irene is photographed wearing Shirley Everyday Poplin in White and Galway in White.
IRENE: We made the transition from personalized stationery to handbags because we wanted to create something that could be a part of your daily life in a meaningful way. Handbags felt like the perfect fit—a necessary yet welcome companion you rely on. We saw an opportunity to bring our unique perspective to this category and haven’t looked back.
Working with Matt for 20 years has been a true journey for us both as individuals and partners. The special thing about our work together is how you can see that journey reflected in the evolution of Parker Thatch and our products. It’s more than design or branding choices—it’s about gaining the confidence to show up authentically. We create pieces we genuinely love and want to use rather than chasing trends and fads of the moment.
Irene is photographed wearing Shirley Everyday Poplin in White and Galway in White.
F&E: Parker Thatch creates beautiful handbags with limited production runs, emphasizing quality materials and craftsmanship. You also care about environmental impact, selling pre-loved bags through your site under “Worn & Loved.” What are some of your favorite Parker Thatch bags you’ve worn and loved over the years?
IRENE: This question is so tough for me because we really put a lot of thought and time into each bag—it’s why we don’t have a huge assortment! If I had to pick, my all-time favorite is the Mimi bag—it’s the very first bag we started with and is still one of our top sellers to this day. There’s something so classic about it, and I often reach for it in my closet.
Another absolute favorite is the Charlie bag. We recently launched this bag, and it’s a real reflection of myself and my tastes—it just embodies what Parker Thatch is really about. There is something about the shape and the slouchiness of the bag that captures the Parker Thatch ethos: it showcases the ease and elegance we strive for mixed with the fun but also functional sides of the brand.
Irene is photographed wearing our Vintage Muscle Tee, Aiden, in White and Galway in White.
IRENE: This question is so tough for me because we really put a lot of thought and time into each bag—it’s why we don’t have a huge assortment! If I had to pick, my all-time favorite is the Mimi bag—it’s the very first bag we started with and is still one of our top sellers to this day. There’s something so classic about it, and I often reach for it in my closet.
Another absolute favorite is the Charlie bag. We recently launched this bag, and it’s a real reflection of myself and my tastes—it just embodies what Parker Thatch is really about. There is something about the shape and the slouchiness of the bag that captures the Parker Thatch ethos: it showcases the ease and elegance we strive for mixed with the fun but also functional sides of the brand.
Irene is photographed wearing our Vintage Muscle Tee, Aiden, in White and Galway in White.
F&E: Parker Thatch creates beautiful handbags with limited production runs, emphasizing quality materials and craftsmanship. You also care about environmental impact, selling pre-loved bags through your site under “Worn & Loved.” What are some of your favorite Parker Thatch bags you’ve worn and loved over the years?
IRENE: This question is so tough for me because we really put a lot of thought and time into each bag—it’s why we don’t have a huge assortment! If I had to pick, my all-time favorite is the Mimi bag—it’s the very first bag we started with and is still one of our top sellers to this day. There’s something so classic about it, and I often reach for it in my closet.
Another absolute favorite is the Charlie bag. We recently launched this bag, and it’s a real reflection of myself and my tastes—it just embodies what Parker Thatch is really about. There is something about the shape and the slouchiness of the bag that captures the Parker Thatch ethos: it showcases the ease and elegance we strive for mixed with the fun but also functional sides of the brand.
Irene is photographed wearing our Vintage Muscle Tee, Aiden, in White and Galway in White.
IRENE: This question is so tough for me because we really put a lot of thought and time into each bag—it’s why we don’t have a huge assortment! If I had to pick, my all-time favorite is the Mimi bag—it’s the very first bag we started with and is still one of our top sellers to this day. There’s something so classic about it, and I often reach for it in my closet.
Another absolute favorite is the Charlie bag. We recently launched this bag, and it’s a real reflection of myself and my tastes—it just embodies what Parker Thatch is really about. There is something about the shape and the slouchiness of the bag that captures the Parker Thatch ethos: it showcases the ease and elegance we strive for mixed with the fun but also functional sides of the brand.
Irene is photographed wearing our Vintage Muscle Tee, Aiden, in White and Galway in White.
F&E: You’ve expanded the collection to include a small line of jewelry and accessories, including bag charms that create unique, one-of-a-kind styles for your clients. Why is offering personalized bags so important to you?
IRENE: The idea to personalize our bags goes back to the intention of really owning your Parker Thatch style. Our mission is to help folks find and express their self-confidence, making each piece highly personal and unique to each person.
Irene is photographed wearing our Vintage Muscle Tee, Aiden, in White and Galway in White.
IRENE: The idea to personalize our bags goes back to the intention of really owning your Parker Thatch style. Our mission is to help folks find and express their self-confidence, making each piece highly personal and unique to each person.
Irene is photographed wearing our Vintage Muscle Tee, Aiden, in White and Galway in White.
F&E: You’ve expanded the collection to include a small line of jewelry and accessories, including bag charms that create unique, one-of-a-kind styles for your clients. Why is offering personalized bags so important to you?
IRENE: The idea to personalize our bags goes back to the intention of really owning your Parker Thatch style. Our mission is to help folks find and express their self-confidence, making each piece highly personal and unique to each person.
Irene is photographed wearing our Vintage Muscle Tee, Aiden, in White and Galway in White.
IRENE: The idea to personalize our bags goes back to the intention of really owning your Parker Thatch style. Our mission is to help folks find and express their self-confidence, making each piece highly personal and unique to each person.
Irene is photographed wearing our Vintage Muscle Tee, Aiden, in White and Galway in White.
F&E: Tell us about your community. What do you love most about being an entrepreneur, and what is one piece of advice you would give to someone starting their own business?
IRENE: Our community is amazing. It is made up of a diverse group of people from different cultural generations, each finding their unique connection to Parker Thatch. Everyone is incredibly supportive and positive. I personally read all the notes and DMs from customers, and they inspire me to keep delivering great products. What I love most about being an entrepreneur is being in charge of your own destiny. It’s a double-edged sword; there’s no safety net like in a big company, but the potential is enormous, and the wins are limitless.
My advice for budding entrepreneurs is that you really have to find grit. There are going to be good days and bad days. There will be challenges. You must have real grit to return to it daily and tell yourself to keep moving forward. You have to be ok with making errors and learning to overcome setbacks. It’s a real mental long-term game with no shortcuts.
Irene is photographed wearing Anna in Black Triple Fleece and our Bella sweatpant in Black Triple Fleece.
IRENE: Our community is amazing. It is made up of a diverse group of people from different cultural generations, each finding their unique connection to Parker Thatch. Everyone is incredibly supportive and positive. I personally read all the notes and DMs from customers, and they inspire me to keep delivering great products. What I love most about being an entrepreneur is being in charge of your own destiny. It’s a double-edged sword; there’s no safety net like in a big company, but the potential is enormous, and the wins are limitless.
My advice for budding entrepreneurs is that you really have to find grit. There are going to be good days and bad days. There will be challenges. You must have real grit to return to it daily and tell yourself to keep moving forward. You have to be ok with making errors and learning to overcome setbacks. It’s a real mental long-term game with no shortcuts.
Irene is photographed wearing Anna in Black Triple Fleece and our Bella sweatpant in Black Triple Fleece.
F&E: Tell us about your community. What do you love most about being an entrepreneur, and what is one piece of advice you would give to someone starting their own business?
IRENE: Our community is amazing. It is made up of a diverse group of people from different cultural generations, each finding their unique connection to Parker Thatch. Everyone is incredibly supportive and positive. I personally read all the notes and DMs from customers, and they inspire me to keep delivering great products. What I love most about being an entrepreneur is being in charge of your own destiny. It’s a double-edged sword; there’s no safety net like in a big company, but the potential is enormous, and the wins are limitless.
My advice for budding entrepreneurs is that you really have to find grit. There are going to be good days and bad days. There will be challenges. You must have real grit to return to it daily and tell yourself to keep moving forward. You have to be ok with making errors and learning to overcome setbacks. It’s a real mental long-term game with no shortcuts.
Irene is photographed wearing Anna in Black Triple Fleece and our Bella sweatpant in Black Triple Fleece.
IRENE: Our community is amazing. It is made up of a diverse group of people from different cultural generations, each finding their unique connection to Parker Thatch. Everyone is incredibly supportive and positive. I personally read all the notes and DMs from customers, and they inspire me to keep delivering great products. What I love most about being an entrepreneur is being in charge of your own destiny. It’s a double-edged sword; there’s no safety net like in a big company, but the potential is enormous, and the wins are limitless.
My advice for budding entrepreneurs is that you really have to find grit. There are going to be good days and bad days. There will be challenges. You must have real grit to return to it daily and tell yourself to keep moving forward. You have to be ok with making errors and learning to overcome setbacks. It’s a real mental long-term game with no shortcuts.
Irene is photographed wearing Anna in Black Triple Fleece and our Bella sweatpant in Black Triple Fleece.
F&E: How would you describe your personal style, and what are some of the most treasured pieces in your wardrobe you reach for again and again?
IRENE: I would describe my personal style as classic. I love everything timeless in my closet—those amazing Belgian loafers, the perfectly imperfect vintage Levi’s. Classic menswear is a big inspiration for me. While I’m not drawn to frilly things, I do love feminine pieces. I love a good puff sleeve blouse, but I pair it with relaxed trousers or baggy pants to make it feel more like me. One of my all-time favorite outfits is the classic Eileen white button-up shirt, vintage Levi’s, and loafers. It’s the ultimate effortless yet put-together look in my book!
Irene is photographed wearing Anna in Black Triple Fleece and our Bella sweatpant in Black Triple Fleece.
IRENE: I would describe my personal style as classic. I love everything timeless in my closet—those amazing Belgian loafers, the perfectly imperfect vintage Levi’s. Classic menswear is a big inspiration for me. While I’m not drawn to frilly things, I do love feminine pieces. I love a good puff sleeve blouse, but I pair it with relaxed trousers or baggy pants to make it feel more like me. One of my all-time favorite outfits is the classic Eileen white button-up shirt, vintage Levi’s, and loafers. It’s the ultimate effortless yet put-together look in my book!
Irene is photographed wearing Anna in Black Triple Fleece and our Bella sweatpant in Black Triple Fleece.
F&E: How would you describe your personal style, and what are some of the most treasured pieces in your wardrobe you reach for again and again?
IRENE: I would describe my personal style as classic. I love everything timeless in my closet—those amazing Belgian loafers, the perfectly imperfect vintage Levi’s. Classic menswear is a big inspiration for me. While I’m not drawn to frilly things, I do love feminine pieces. I love a good puff sleeve blouse, but I pair it with relaxed trousers or baggy pants to make it feel more like me. One of my all-time favorite outfits is the classic Eileen white button-up shirt, vintage Levi’s, and loafers. It’s the ultimate effortless yet put-together look in my book!
Irene is photographed wearing Anna in Black Triple Fleece and our Bella sweatpant in Black Triple Fleece.
IRENE: I would describe my personal style as classic. I love everything timeless in my closet—those amazing Belgian loafers, the perfectly imperfect vintage Levi’s. Classic menswear is a big inspiration for me. While I’m not drawn to frilly things, I do love feminine pieces. I love a good puff sleeve blouse, but I pair it with relaxed trousers or baggy pants to make it feel more like me. One of my all-time favorite outfits is the classic Eileen white button-up shirt, vintage Levi’s, and loafers. It’s the ultimate effortless yet put-together look in my book!
Irene is photographed wearing Anna in Black Triple Fleece and our Bella sweatpant in Black Triple Fleece.
SHOP IRENE'S STYLES
Shirley
Shirley
Current Price $228
1 color available
Aiden
Aiden
Current Price $112
$112
$112
$112
$112
$112
6 colors available
Niamh
Niamh
Current Price $198
$198
2 colors available
Thanks for cozying up for 'a cuppa with' Irene!
To shop and discover the world of Parker Thatch:
parkerthatch.com
@parkerthatch
Photography by: Jessi Caparella
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