The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2022 - Issue 31

bitebags L ondon-based fashion acces- sories brand RusiDesigns was founded by Georgian-born designer Rusi Hancock seven years ago. They sell luxury handbags crafted in Italy and unique fashion jewellery handmade in London and have an extensive clientele in- cluding Moldova’s First Lady. Rusi hasn’t always worked as a designer. Over the years, her career took several detours. With several degrees and qualifications ranging from a BA and MA in Environmen- tal Chemistry and diplomas with distinction in Art and Interior Design, her life as a Brit- ish diplomat’s wife made it challenging to settle on a single career path. On the other hand, her diverse upbringing and nomadic lifestyle inspired her to create and pursue an accessories brand. The designer revealed she has always been a devotee of handbags and has kept up with the latest styles. She confessed to researching every new bag on the market, but one day it dawned on her that most designers who work for big fash- ion houses are men who do not carry bags! “There are small details that only the wearer will notice,” she said, “and I was determined to develop handbags with these small details in mind.” According to the designer, hand- bags should be practical, attractive, and last. "The importance of lifespan cannot be over- stated!” Her collection of handbags and accessories includes the Baby Gemma Shoulder Bag in ice grey, black or orange leather embossed with the brand’s signature logo. It uses the finest Italian leathers with custom-made gold plated hardware. It’s lined in luxury black satin, and has a magnet hook closure, an inner zip pocket and a large slip pocket. It can be a shoulder, top handle, crossbody or clutch bag. The Capsule Yellow Leather Mini Bag is a light- weight, compact hybrid bag for carrying your phones and other essentials. The gorgeous Mezzaluna Tote in white, brown, red or pink has a zip closure at the top and expandable sides with zips, an inner zip pocket and two inner slip pockets. The ex- quisitely handcrafted Eclipse Chain Clutch Bag in white, gold leather, and pink nude patent leather is inspired by the solar eclipse and features a mirror leather decorative panel on the front lap and has a removable chain strap. It can be used as a day or an evening bag and comfortably holds all your essentials, including your mobile, wallet, and lipstick. Fashion is everything to Rusi, and she is passionately in love with what she does. “The best perk of being a design- er and having your label is doing what I want and when I want,” she remarked. She also said happy customers drive her passion, and she is the happiest when they tell her how much they enjoy her creations. Of course, being a designer means you have an exceptional style, and Rusi is no ex- ception. When asked how she defines her city’s fashion, she con- vincingly describes it as ‘international’, and her fashion RusiDesigns