Designed to be simple yet bold, all of the practical accessories made at Anne Cate are unique works of art
By Beth Newcomb
At the tender age of 19, Anne Skoch was in her dorm room at Kent State when inspiration struck. The fashion merchandising major decided to make pillows featuring the Cleveland skyline in black silhouette to decorate her space. A shared Facebook post about it and hundreds of likes later, the pillows begat a handbag that begat a wristlet that begat an entire line of products sporting the most famous buildings in the CLE (and beyond)—and Anne Cate was born.
Today, in addition to the Cleveland skyline, Anne Cate products feature the silhouettes of other famous cities, like New York, Chicago and even Paris. In fact, the company highlights more than 120 different national, international and collegiate skylines in black atop ethically sourced vegan leather—retailing the products on her website AnneCate.com and in over 80 stores around the country.
Anne (whose middle name is Catherine, the Cate in Anne Cate) designs all of the skyline silhouettes herself. But what’s even more astonishing is that every product her company sells is manufactured in Mentor, Ohio.
“It was really important to me that production be kept in the United States,” Anne says, her genuine warmth infectious. “I employ a team of five women who create each piece right here by hand in our Mentor facility. “We are scaled as a manufacturer, which allows us to provide great quality, affordable price points, and ideal customer service.”
Every piece is printed, hand-cut, assembled and then individually machine sewn right on site. Anne says this also gives her and her team the flexibility to do custom work, in addition to keeping the designs fresh.
But Anne isn’t just keeping her collection U.S. based until the company gets even bigger. “We plan to keep production here forever,” she smiles.
Designed to be simple yet bold, all of the practical accessories made at Anne Cate are unique works of art. Gifting the pieces is one of the most popular reasons people buy. They’re perfect, Anne says, for weddings, friends, parents, co-workers, people who’ve moved out of state and want to stay connected to their hometown, or even for people who’ve visited other parts of the world and want to stay connected there.
A visit to the website is as engaging as it is immersive. Cleverly designed videos accurately depict product size and function. The too-cute-for-words CLE multi-use mini bag would make the perfect little hostess or bridesmaid gift. Measuring about 4”x2.5”x2”, this little gem can be clipped to a tote bag or a belt loop or carried in hand with just enough room for the essentials, like a lipstick, money and keys. Priced at just $12 and offered in a variety of prints, these sweet bags are an easy way to invest in the line.
Grow your collection by grabbing a stadium-approved wristlet in your hometown’s team colors, perfect for game day. Choose your skyline, then your team colors, and this darling wristlet is yours for just $20.
There is an Anne Cate product to be gifted for any occasion. Affordable gifts for women, like the $15 skyline mini wallet or $35 wristlet clutch, unique gifts for men, like the $27-35 dopp kit toiletry bag, or wedding gifts, like the $45 personalized skyline throw pillow. To Anne’s customers, their products are more than just a purse or a pillow; they tell a story that is unique to each person.
“Our pieces are meaningful,” Anne smiles. “Everyone can connect with them, even the person who has everything.”
Take a tour of the Anne Cate website, AnneCate.com. When you make your purchase, be sure to include the code MIMI at checkout to enjoy free shipping, until August 15, 2021. For questions or product inquiries by phone, please call 440-954-1742. To find a store featuring Anne Cate near you, check the store locator at the bottom of the website homepage.