Vera Bradley connected design story. Vibrant and durable tote. Colorful purple piping and trim detailing. Read about this company…Our story began in 1951, when a young Danish immigrant arrived in New York City with just $127 to his name and big dreams on his mind. Peer Baekgaard’s unique giftware business brought him unexpected success, and when he crossed paths with an ambitious Chicago entrepreneur in the 1980s, he knew he’d met his perfect match. In 1990, Peer married Barbara Bradley, co-founder of Vera Bradley, the colorful and iconic handbag and accessories company. In 2018, Barb set out to honor her husband’s memory and industrious spirit with the launch of Baekgaard USA. Season after season, the company’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship was evident in every stitch and seam of Baekgaard bags and accessories, a line of products that expanded over time to include women’s handbags and more.