Back Print Page Email Page

Atenti

Atenti was created by two women who grew up in the heart of the vibrant, fashionable Argentinean city of Buenos Aires. They share the same cultural background and passion for materials, textures, trims and colors, which continue to evoke and inspire them. In the late 1980’s Andrea Sbardellati and Adriana Vilar formed their company out of the desire to put some charm to a then boring accessory; the handbag. Atenti is slang in Argentina for attention, which they felt their unique, imaginative collections would command.

Los Angeles based Atenti bags and accessories are made in the U.S.A., using the most innovative fabrics and embellishments imported mainly from European International fashion capitals. The company is best known for their exciting blends of color, texture, and patterns; which has led to the following of many high profile celebrities and fashion consumers.

Andrea Sbardellati is the Key Designer and Vice President of Atenti. Although she was born in Argentina, her family background is very Italian. Growing up she had a love for design that was encouraged greatly by her artistic, talented mother who was herself a swimsuit designer. Andrea’s mother was forced to give up her passion when she got married. She remained however an influence on Andrea as she was able to create beauty in aspects of everyday life. Andrea’s mother would make flowers out of bread at a restaurant and leave it on the table for everyone to enjoy. Andrea’s key sense of materials and intricacy she took from her mother and incorporated in her collections today. Her underlying attention to detail is evident in every aspect of her design process. Andrea is a second-generation designer and through her own creations, is living out her mother’s dream.

Adriana Vilar, Production Designer for the company, studied at the Los Angeles Fashion Institute after moving to the United States. Like Andrea, Adriana enjoys raising her children and keeps quite a busy schedule with two of her daughters being members of the rising all-girl band, “Go Betty Go”. Before the girls’ band hit, they would help out in the Atenti office stitching handbag samples.

James Sbardellati is President of the company as well as Andrea’s husband. Jim’s background is in the entertainment industry. He was born in Los Angeles, and met and fell in love with Andrea while working on a film in Buenos Aires. Jim’s a talented Producer/Assistant Director and Golden Globe winner. He has worked with many A-list actors including Angelina Jolie, Kim Bassinger, Felicity Huffman, Alec Baldwin and Danny DeVito.

http://www.atentiwholesale.com