Emerging Fervour

I was looking at these amazing photographs of fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh, an old ‘fave’ of mine. I remember pouring over these images in old nineties Vogues when I was about 10 or 12 years old. The Chanel shoot with the bevy of supermodels – almost all of them, has great nostalgia for me and really moved me when I saw it recently. The impact actually inspired my little black bag and for me, is a small but true reflection of that era.

So off I trotted to my little production team and began creating my LBB whilst we worked on the pattern for the first design.

Trying to keep the collection in the same vein, tying in details that keep them a family. An outside tutor from Saint Martins once mentioned to me that a collection is like a family. That each piece can be quite individual… Like brothers and sisters which don’t actually look alike but have a similarity to them. And this is what I do believe a collection is. I looked at more images from Peter Lindbergh and found colours and patterns for leathers and linings inspired from a early nineties Versace ad campaigne. I liked the warm moody tones of charcoal, grey and deep blues. Perfect for a Autumn/ Winter collection.

The next big thing on my list was to source the hardware components which is so crucial, and this is going to be very difficult having no connections in the production industry. I need need need metal zips, studs, turn locks, chains, trigger hooks, buckles and all in various gilts, nickles, matte and shiny. I have my logo embossing plate already and cant wait to see the results. Turns out it’s not cut out quite deep enough and the embossing is not as clear as it could be, will have to see to that later.

We completed the midnight blue suede bag one evening at 8pm. I want to call it the Pony bag for some reason… Not sure why! I am happy with it but not quite 100%. It needs something more to make it perfect and stand out form the ordinary. Due to my sample bag lining not arriving on time resulted in improvising with remnants around the workshop. This is when I came to having red satin pocket linings.. And they look beautiful! I now have decided red pocket lining to be my signature detail on every bag. It is my favourite colour after all!

Revamped version of my original design…. See her original shape in my previous entry.

I began exploring with knots and using it for detail in my bag handles. Played around with decorative knots to see what I could come up with instead of the common braid which I have used on the Pony bag, but not entirely happy with it.  Also thought of adding a different texture to her; patent blue, ostrich; bright blue snake skin? This will have to be decided and risked for the production line as my deadline is creeping closer and closer and there is so much more to do!

Used a knot called the Simple Simon Under, it is rather pretty and has a feminine appeal to it once tied in leather. I’m thinking of tying in this detail to my Pony bag which is yet to be revealed!