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.

Today, the company is in the capable hands of Barbara Bradley Baekgaard’s sister, Kathryn Bradley, and Kathryn’s son, Will, under a new label inspired by the sisters’ beloved mother, Vera Fox Bradley. As ever, Grey Fox Designs remains dedicated to the ingenuity, functionality, and can-do spirit that defines the Bradley/Baekgaard family of brands.