For luxury handbag designer John Truex, creativity began with a gift—a single leather hide given to him by a friend while studying at the University of Cincinnati. That hide became his first handcrafted bag and marked the beginning of a journey spanning nearly four decades in the fashion industry.
Truex’s design career took off with American icon Carlos Falchi, where he gained firsthand experience in all aspects of the fashion business. He later served as Design Director for Nine West’s CK Calvin Klein division before co-founding Lambertson Truex, a brand celebrated for its clean lines, architectural influence and understated elegance.
“When everyone else was branding bags with oversized logos, we let our work speak for itself,” Truex explains. That commitment to classic design earned the brand a coveted spot in Bergdorf Goodman and eventually a partnership with Tiffany & Co.
So how did this fashion powerhouse land in Aiken? “Horses,” Truex says simply. “I came to ride, and I stayed for the magic of Hitchcock Woods—and for love.” Now a full-time resident, Truex continues to design for both Lambertson Truex and luxury brand Ghurka while contributing to Aiken’s vibrant style scene. Locals can find his pieces at Curated Clothiers or online at lambertsontruex.com.
With clients ranging from fashion-forward collectors to casual connoisseurs, Lambertson’s designs offer something for everyone from canvas totes to exotic leathers. “Our clients aren’t chasing trends,” he says. “They want something they’ll love for years.”
Whether it’s a classic clutch or a custom three-foot handbag for a couture outfit, each piece is crafted with care, confidence and quiet sophistication. “I want people to feel complete when they carry one of our bags,” Truex shares. “It should complement who they already are.”
From New York runways to Aiken’s winding trails, Lambertson Truex continues to shape the world of accessories—one timeless design at a time.