The Bite Magazine - Summer 2019 - Issue 25

bite bags When it comes to her intention to create something unique in the market, Stacy said, “When I think about the designers I love, they are both the ones that have changed the way we view shape and form, and also the ones which display an elegant simplicity. I wanted to stay true to both of these ideas.” She found when working in a conservative environment like finance there is not a lot of room for self-expression through clothing. “Accessories, and in particular handbags, were a nice add-on that meant I could show a bit of creativity in my every-day.” Upon starting her brand, the designer was adamant that she wanted to design something unique as she felt there was no point in being just an- other handbag brand with the same styles as everyone else. “So, I took the time to develop my own design language and create handbags with unique shapes,” she explained. “Following this, the step was to ensure the premium quality of materials and manufacturing, which is why all my leather and manufacturing is done in Italy.” Having worked with an Ital- ian manufacturer after she graduated from London College of Fashion, her handbags have maintained this quality. Being a designer who has her own label is most certainly a fascinating perk for the founder. “It is very surreal to think that something that I drew on a piece of paper is real and the pieces are resonating with people,” she revealed. “It’s amazing to meet people who ‘love their handbag’ and are excited to meet me as the designer. If you had told me 7 years ago that I would have my own label, I would not have believed you.” She also loves "the freedom that comes from being able to draw something from your imagination and have it come to life.” With a design language that revolves around clean, modern shapes and punctuated by colour, the designer aims to make pieces that are usable and look in-season year after year. “The unique colour combinations are occasionally a hint at the current trend, but will be paired with grounding colours that mean the handbags will not go out of style.” This began with her first design of evening bags that were the precursor to the current box clutch bags in the collection. “Some were more simple, but there were statement pieces with floral embroidery, Swarovski embellishments and custom prints.” The statement box clutch bags are built with custom frames and moulds and are therefore handmade a few pieces at a time while the larger leather handbags all use colour-matched thread and edge paint in a small family run factory in Florence. The designer believes that quality is simply the result of the materials that are put in the piece and how they are manufac- tured. “I work with a tannery in Tuscany for my custom coloured leather and I have worked with factories in Le Marche, Milan, Varese, and most recently Florence. The proof is in the softness of the leather and the finish of the final product.” Since starting her brand, Stacy has come across a lot of milestones that have made her proud and tries to take time to appreciate them as she admits it’s easy to get lost in all there is to do. “I was a finalist for Best Overall Design in the Independent Handbag Designer Awards and won their Pantone Best Use of Colour Award. It was a thrill to be recognised for my designs so early on.” She also revealed that her early designs were featured in the national press or carried by HRHs Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, which were exciting landmarks for the designer. Although Stacy tries not to focus too much on other handbags on the market as she likes to have her own design process, she admits she admires womenswear designers Roland Mouret, Dior and Alexander McQueen because their signature styles resonate with her. “I am also inspired by the Images courtesy of Nia PR