The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021 - Issue 29

biteaccessories Be Fabulously Designer Chic L ife is precious, especially when you receive a life-changing diagnosis that affects your existence and what lies ahead. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, Tina ipfriend would walk through Bond Street to undergo radio- therapy treatment on Harley Street, central London. In 2019, she said, “Early last year, I found myself at a turning point in my life, and the health I’d taken for granted was under deep scrutiny. Yes, I could have turned to yoga or healthier eating, but it was handbags that saved the day.” Through her love of and investment in designer handbags every time she had treatment, Tina received a different kind of therapy that helped her cope with her health dilemma. Before launching BagButler, a luxury handbag and accessories rental service, in 2019, she had run an antique shop where she loaned and sold decorative antiques to the trade, which were also used as props. “I had a shop in London which I gave up when I got married 22 years ago.” As a self-confessed good shopper of designer accessories where each piece has “a particular meaning and personal anchor” to her, the founder noticed a conversation emerging about the impact of fashion on the environment and it being the second most polluting industry. “Part of this is to do with production methods but mainly to do with the sheer volume of the items produced. We seem to have an insatiable desire for newness and novelty. Renting offers newness without extra production.” Tina loves the impact a bold piece of costume jewellery has in its ability to elevate the look and mood of the wearer. She also added, “Handbags have always fascinated me as they can be such a signifier of our style and even status. They provide such an outward-facing message, and yet, they are also intensely private as no one knows what is on the inside. People often talk about having their whole lives in their bags. Handbags and their contents make us feel pulled together and ready for anything.” Whether you are looking for the perfect interview bag, the finishing touches to a wedding outfit, a necklace to help your date night sparkle or a special something for a day at the races, BagButler will help you look and feel your best in a purse and planet-friendly way. The rental start days are Tuesday to Friday inclusive, so your rental always includes a weekend. “Renting from us is fun and allows you to enjoy luxury bags and accesso- ries at a fraction of the retail price.” Jada Brookes discovers the life-changing event that led BagButler founder Tina Lipfriend to start a sustainable designer accessory rental service.