In September, Loudon County had some representation during New York Fashion Week (NYFW) which ran back in September.

Daneault, the luxury handbag company based in Loudon County, had some pieces that walked on three of the runways at NYFW. The founder and CEO of Daneault, Penny Crook, was named Designer of the Year at the third runway at Times Square in New York.

“It was quite an honor and very exciting,” Crook stated. “I was not expecting something like this. The path for me has been interesting since 2020 as a financial advisor turned designer.”


What makes Daneault’s handbags special?

Daneault makes luxury leather handbags that are reversible. Their bags are the first ones in the world that are reversible and the only ones that are reversible as well.

“Most people know about the grainy and quilted ones where you have to take everything out of them and flip it like a t-shirt,” Crook said. “Ours are not like that. You do not have to take anything out to flip them.”

It took five years for Daneault to get the patent for the engineering it takes to make the reversible action happen. Crook talked about how this created a desire for other companies to take over her business.

“We didn’t start selling the bags until we got the patent,” Crook said. “I knew people would want to steal it and I have sent out some cease and desist letters already.”

She added: “I’m glad I waited. It has been a long road and was not necessarily an overnight success.”

Daneault also has two other kinds of purses that are awaiting patents. One of those pending patents is for a new kind of parenting bag.

“It is a new version of a diaper bag that both men and women can carry,” Crook said. “It will be more professional looking from the old school diaper bags. They can carry it like a briefcase or a backpack.”

Daneault helps out around East Tennessee

Crook always likes to get Daneault involved with different nonprofit organizations and causes around East Tennessee.

“We have helped out the University of Tennessee Cancer Institute, different adoption agencies, Iva’s Place, Beauty for Ashes, and the Tellico Village Fire Department,” Crook said. “We try to choose a different non-profit every time we do an event and we have a different theme.”

A few of those upcoming events involving Daneault include the Tellico Village Sip and Shop on November 20. Proceeds from that event will help out the Kids First Child Advocacy Center to help out children as Christmas time approaches.

Later on, in February 2027, Daneault will also be giving away event proceeds to the Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR), who provides horseback activities to those facing special challenges in their lives.

Crook, who lives in Tellico Village, always tries to help out Loudon County as much as she can through her designer bag business.

“The community has always been amazing,” Crook said. “I love allowing different people and women-owned businesses to be vendors at events. It is a way to give back to them. They have embraced me and supported me all along.”

For more information about Daneault and to shop for their products, you can visit shopdaneault.com.