For many, New York City is the center of the fashion and design universe, but even those who live there year-round still find reason to come and be inspired. Leading Dutch designer Hester van Eeghen says there are many reasons for her to feel right at home when she visits the Big Apple. NY1’s Arts reporter Stephanie Simon filed the following report.

The Dutch founded Manhattan almost 400 years ago, and Dutch designer Hester van Eeghen says their influence is still all around us.

"The city used to be called New Amsterdam, I come from amsterdam. Harlem is 'Haarlem,' Brooklyn is 'Breukelen.' There are so many Dutch references, pancakes — I mean, all kind of foods have been recognized from Holland," says van Eeghen.

To be fair, this Dutch artist is equally influenced by New York City. Whether it’s pocketbooks, gloves or wallets, the designs of van Eeghen, as she told NY1 in the heart of Central Park, are inspired by the Big Apple.

"I use the skyline for all kinds of wallets and purses I make. When you open them, you immediately see all kinds of angles," says van Eeghen. "Bridges are always a symbol, and I use them as handles. The hills, even in a park like this, I use the hills as kind of an abstract way, as compartments for my wallet."

Ladies love their pocketbooks, and van Eeghen's Central Park inspirations certainly leave everyone green with envy.

"Green, as you can see, is one of my most important colors. I work with 250 colors in leather, 30 of them are green," says van Eeghen.

Van Eeghen is considered one of the most influential Dutch designers of the 20th century. Her pieces are on sale online and in stores and museums around the world, including New York City.

She has always done business in New York City since she first started out, but it wasn’t always legal.

"Indeed, I put my blanket on the floor and put all my pieces. And you won't believe it, but in one day I sold 18 bags which are all smuggled with me," says can Eeghen. "And with this money, I went home and bought my own industrial machine."

Despite the high prices for van Eeghen's pieces, it seems from the beginning success has been in the bag. For more information on van Eeghen, visit hveus.com.