Emerging Fervour

K.Brat, launched in 2007 is Keren Brat’s womenswear and accessories fashion label, based in London..

In 2005 after graduating from the London College of Fashion, Keren went on to study Fashion design and technology at the University of the Arts. Brat has worked with London based designers Louis De-Gama and Aluma Klein gaining lots of experience to fulfill her dream of launching her own collection.

Keren’s designs as you can see below, are inspired by cultural studies of tribal customs and art forms world-wide. Together combining her two greatest passions; Fashion and Anthropology.

In addition to her collections K.Brat takes on commissions from private clients, designing custom-made garments and accessories for special events.

Check out Brat’s site at www.kbrat.co.uk

Corto Moltedo was founded in 2004 by Gabrielecorto Moltedo. His signature style is a blend of pop-luxe chic with Corto Moltedo becoming synonymous with sumptuous colours, bold hardware and meticulous attention to detail. Yum yum yum, I want them all – take a look at a few selections from Corto’s collection:

Their eshop is still under construction, but will be launching soon we’ve been promised at www.corto.com

Williams British Handmade push the norm to produce original pieces using old-school techniques of craftsmanship. All of these products are either limited editions or bespoke and made using traditional bridle leather…I can only dream!

I love these and I think of the day when I can afford one of these beauties… One day Sara… One day!

Check out the Williams Handmade site at williams-handmade.com

And we’re so happy as we can now show you her full collection!!

Debs, who’s been writing the diary as well as creating her first line under her label ‘Clements’ has been an extremely busy lady over the last few month and it has been amazing to follow her dream. Looking at the end result, we are chuffed and so so proud of her as each and every bag of her collection is stunning (and no, we’re not just saying this because we’re slightly biased).

Myself, I’m the proud owner of the pony bag, made of midnight blue calf suede, which as soon as I laid eyes on it was mine and it goes pretty much with everything I own.

Pony bag (£139)∨

Since finishing my first collection and pulling together a shoot for my website I was hastily preparing a long trip to Cape Town with my little boy Finn, and in the manic rush I never got round to concluding my diary. So I apologise to any readers about the abrupt end to my blog – Secret Diary of a Handbag Designer.

The shoot for my website went fantastically and resulted in strong images to promote the collection. With thanks to a fantastic team including photographer James Champion, the perfect clothes borrowed from up and coming London designer Natascha Stolle – collections and hair and make up by Allison.

My website can be viewed here: www.deborahclements.com.

The response to the collection was very positive and a lot of interest has been generated. However being away for such a long period has hindered progress, but I’m now ready to pick things up again and get back to the drawing board to begin my next line.

We always knew Heidi Mottram’s beautiful eel skin bags are pieces of art but if you need convincing, make sure you visit the new exhibition taking place at Celia Purcell Contemporary. Her bags are cherished as contemporary pieces of art as part of the ‘Window Shopping with George Galitzine’ exhibition. His painting of the fashion shops in Sloane Street and Duke of York Square, on the Cadogan Estate featue Chanel, Ferragamo, La Perla, Dior, St Laurent and many others.

Be quick though as the show will take place from today, October 12th to October 17th 2009 at Celia Purcell Contemporary, 27 Kings Road, NW6 7DY London.

As soon as I clocked the Rocio stand at London Fashion Week it was obvious that Rocio were so much more than handbag designers…

They are fantastic aren’t they?

This amazing label is quickly picking up recognition in the world of international handbag design and fashion, despite it only being around since May 2006. Rocio’s handbags and clutches are handmade from harvested Acacia wood meaning that any eco-friendly fashionista should not be without one. And with animal prints and block colours being on the forefront of our trend list, I already know what’s on my wish list.

To check out the rest of Rocio’s colourful collection, you can visit the Rocio website and if you fancy it – Rocio sell online so you can go to the online boutique section of the site to buy. Prices are around the £300 so what are you waiting for?

Sushi? Slippery little f****rs? Or handbags?

Well, we think handbags of course!! This might be a bit mean as we’re showing you bags you can’t get your hands on until next Spring/Summer 2010, but they are just too pretty to be tucked away until next year.

These are the creation of Heidi Mottram, a graduate from St Martin’s who’s worked for Vivienne Westwood and Matthew Williamson before she became a specialist in eel skin as a textile.

Her new collection is a celebration of the beautiful eel skin material. The stunning bags and purses show off her unique techniques and with its bright colours they will be a must have!

Choose between bright coral, teal, mustard, rich purple, deep grey and marron, or get one of each. They make me feel like a kid in a candy store!

If you can’t wait, you can purchased some designs at the Hidden Art Pop Up Shop as part of The Dock which takes place during the London Design Festival, 21st – 27th September 2009.