Take a moment to channel surf through TV’s latest lineups, and there’s a good chance that Bobby Schandra may be part of the cast. From The Vampire Diaries to Curb Your Enthusiasm and Law & Order, not to mention The Crazy Ones, The Michael J. Fox Show, and Killer Women, this Big D designer’s handbags have served as delicious arm candy for many stars.  

  Bobby Schandra’s Hollywood connection started about four years ago when the producers of the HBO hit Entourage came calling. He promptly answered by overnighting boxes and boxes full of his modish merch to the producers. “We didn’t hear anything for three long weeks,” he recalls of the career-boosting opportunity. “Then, I got a text and started seeing our stuff on the show.”  

  His glittering, studded Rockstar bags were just one of the designs that would grace the shoulders of the series’ starlets (pictured above). Coming full circle, he recently accessorized the cast for the highly anticipated Entourage feature film, premiering next year. What’s more, his jewelry and watches are likewise lighting up the screen. In fact, Schandra even played a role in our hometown hit drama Dallas, designing the sparkling engagement ring (pictured below) used during John Ross’s infamous proposal to Pamela in Season Three.  

But it’s all in a day’s work for Schandra, who ironically doesn’t watch much television. He also didn’t delve straight into the fashion business after graduating with honors from Texas Tech University. Rather, he spent several years as a pharmaceutical rep before launching his label. Perhaps destined to join the design world, however, Schandra’s parents have been in the wholesale diamond and jewelry industry for more than 40 years. A true multi-hyphenate, Schandra is also a skilled photographer, shooting all of his own product images. He’s a musician, currently lead drummer in the band, Rojabo, and a fitness competitor. Last year, the talented entrepreneur also quietly launched his own marketing, consulting, and web design company, BoBo PR, where he shares best practices and sales strategies to help clients grow brands and businesses. But the unifying thread of Schandra’s success is the overarching passion that permeates each of his endeavors.  

  Returning to the subject of his covetable eponymous accessory line, Schandra constantly raises the bar with a perfectionist’s eye to detail. Handbags have both elegant and edgy appeal. Often inspired by the designer’s love of art, travel, and color, items run the gamut from sophisticated to downright sassy. Luxe, exotic python purses and radiant Swarovski clutches mingle with more accessible totes, trendy timepieces, and seasonal fashion jewelry. A testament to this wide appeal, the Bobby Schandra name now spans the globe with distribution across the United States, as well as in Canada, Europe, South America, Asia, and beyond.  

  Through it all, and as fashionably fast-paced as his daily life may seem, a note of calm, measured positivity plays like an inspiring soundtrack during conversations with Bobby Schandra. One wouldn’t be surprised to hear him urge an end to “negative, self-limiting” talk with a switch to a more “constructive accumulation of energy and experience.” It’s advice we all could use - to go with our gold python Bobby Schandra bag, natch.   All images, credit Renato Rimach. The Bobby Schandra Collection is available at BobbySchandra.com and at specialty stores worldwide.