InsideQ March 2012 (QVC magazine) http://d27vj430nutdmd.cloudfront.net/11698/98572/98572.1.pdf "Bringing Together Fashion, Function and Family Ties Story by Audrey Laine I felt as though I’d known her for much longer. the accomplished fashion designer, model, television personality and philanthropist immediately put me at ease with her easy laugh and twinkling eyes, and her passion for creating handbags was quickly apparent. Her MUXO (pronounced “moo-show”) handbag collection embodies the irresistible allure of women. “MUXO means ‘Goddess of the Water,’” Camila explained. “I like the name so much because I think every woman is like water. Women have the power, strength and movement water has—and that mysterious beauty men just can’t figure out.” Fashioned from the finest quality leather with hand-stitched details, MUXO closely resembles its sister line of couture bags, which came about when Camila was modeling in New York City. At the time, she had moved her mother, Fatima, from Brazil to live with her. “We started the collection to help out the family, but I also wanted my mom to do something she loves. She has three degrees in design and has been doing this her whole life. She knows so much—the woman can do anything! Our partnership is the best thing I could ever have.” During the creative process, Camila and Fatima always keep customers in mind, never creating something “just because.” most of their handbags are lightweight, and a light-colored linen lining eliminates the dreaded “black hole.” hidden compartments are also their trademark, with places for a magazine, umbrella or water bottle. “It’s not your typical handbag. We work really hard to make something that’s fashion-forward and functional. Women today have full lives with kids, work and family; and we create bags to fit their busy lifestyles.” Camila and her fiancé actor Matthew McConaughey, have been together six years and have two children, Levi (three) and Vida (two). a close-knit family, they spend a lot of time on the road when matthew’s working on a film, but that doesn't slow down Camila and Fatima. “Sometimes we work out of an office or garage, and Levi and Vida are right there with us. It’s funny—I had one handbag that we were trying to decide on the stitching because I thought it was too light. Vida came in and spilled her bottle right on the stitching and made it dark. but when my mom and I looked at it, we said, “Nope, that’s just the right color,” she laughs. “We’re very family-oriented. I’ll be cutting leather and sewing bags in the front of the TV with the kids.” Although they’ve been traveling nine out of the last 12 months, Camila and Matthew keep life as normal as possible for Levi and Vida. “We try to create a solid base for them so they feel comfortable wherever they are. If I know we’re going to be somewhere for a longer period of time, I’ll find them a school to go to. I always have preschool books with me, so if we’re not going to school, we’ll pick a letter, learn how to write it and go to the supermarket and pick out things that start with that letter. It’s great, because they make friends all over and see things they wouldn’t see at home.” Many in hollywood were quick to assume that Camila’s couture collection sprang up after she starting seeing matthew, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. “Everybody started saying, ‘because she’s in the media, she has a handbag line,’ and that’s not the case. my mother and I had been doing this for a long time before matthew and I got together. It’s not putting a famous face on a product. my mother knows so much about designing, and I’m learning everything from her. I’ve been around this my whole life.” Camila loves chatting with customers on air and often receives thoughtful emails from them as well. “I love QVC customers because they’re so passionate and true. they write reviews in such a gracious, amazing way.” MUXO debuted last February during Fashion Week, and Camila’s excited to come back this month with many new styles (prepare for lots of admiring glances! “I guarantee you—people are going to compliment you on your bag. I know you’re going to love it. and if you’re not 100% sure, give it a chance, because people are going to say, ‘Where did you get this bag? You got it at QVC?’!”