We took some time out to interview Harriet and learn more about her inspiration, day to day life and what’s next for her in the fashion world.

Harriet Sanders – Handbags with classic style

Harriet Sanders was born and raised in Cheltenham. She graduated from London College of Fashion in 2009 and soon after Harriet had three bags selected to be sold on ASOS.com as part of their LTD100 Collection 2009. The bags sold in seconds and Harriet Sanders Ltd was born in February 2010.  Harriet’s inspiration comes from the idea of simplicity, good quality, and colour, she explained to us about her concept, “I wanted to create a classic collection of bags that were fully functional and highly aesthetically appealing too”.

Great design from Harriet Sanders

We had a question and answer session with the designer herself to learn more about the label.

Q: What encouraged you to get into this industry and what was your route into  it?

A:  From a young age I was very interested in fashion and knew I wanted to work in some area of the industry.  It was when I was about 12 that I started designing and making bags.  People would comment on them and that encouraged me to try new designs out.  I realised then how much I loved it so immediately started looking into the best avenues for getting into that part of the fashion world.  I decided I wanted to go to London College of Fashion and worked very hard to make it happen.  I did an Art Foundation Diploma in my hometown of Cheltenham, which helped me to secure a place at London College of Fashion.  After graduating I worked on a business plan, bought an industrial sewing machine, and started making.  I have spent the last year building the reputation of the business and expanding the places I sell.

Q: What is a typical working day for you?

A: A typical working day starts with me reading and responding to emails.  As I am the only employee of the business, I have to cover all areas of the work.  So emails could be from stockists, suppliers, or customers.  I will then spend the day in the workshop, making as many bags as I can.  On a Friday and Sunday I do Old Spitalfields Market, so these days have extra early starts and often late finishes too!  Once a month I do a market in Cheltenham, so spend the whole weekend there.  And often I have other events happening, which require me to work away from home.  I do love that my office and workshop are at home, although it does sometimes mean I work more than I should!

Bold colours from Harriet Sanders

Q:  Where do you get your ideas from for your collections and where do you source materials from?

A: I get inspiration from everyday things.  Shapes that interest me, clothes or other bags I see, current trends.  I always make simple bags, as my workshop is very basic.  But I enjoy using colour and concentrating on detail, so that is what makes my bags so different.  I have a few suppliers of materials.  There are a couple of suppliers in London that I visit for leathers, magnets, rivets, etc.  I also have a supplier in Scotland.  I am also a keen carboot sale visitor, and often find little bits of unusual things to decorate the clutch bags with.

Gladbag Collection

Since graduating Harriet has concentrated on her Gladbag Collection; a range of bags handmade by Harriet in London. Harriet’s appreciation for detail and colour make her bags all the more unique and interesting. We love the bright, bold colours that can really bring an outfit together. Clash with this seasons brights, or make a bold statement against your neutral palette. Perfect for all seasons.

“I never follow short term trends – they aren’t worthwhile for me.  My bags are classic and always will be.  As long as the bag is versatile to work with any outfit, I put it in my collection”.   The collection hosts an array of very luxurious bags,  made from leather and lined with suede, hand crafted in Harriet’s workshop.

“I get really excited about all my bags.  I love coming up with a new design and when it actually works it is usually my favourite, until the next bag comes along!”

We hope that  some day Harriet Sanders will be a household name in the world of handbags, fabulous British design. For stockists, check out the Harriet Sanders website and ASOS Marketplace.  We’re also very excited to announce that Harriet will have a pop up boutique at the Pantiles Fashion Festival this August in Tunbridge Wells.

Original Annie – Concept Fashion

Original Annie, the flagship store opened in Royal Tunbridge Wells on Thursday 5th May. Based, off the fashion beaten track at 121 Camden Road, this new fashion concept store is intriguing and exciting and we insist you find out more.

Original Annie

Original Annie is the brainchild of Head Designer, Colin Cleaver, who trained as an architect at the Architects Association, London and with a keen eye for marketing. Laura Duret, the fabulous person in charge of styling, PR and managing the boutique, explained to us that Colin wanted to make “Architecture for the body, to make women look beautiful”. Original Annie is set to be an international design brand, the aim is to have the flagship store in Tunbridge Wells, Kent as their concept store and expand to London, New York, Paris and beyond. The brand is already listed on the Asos Marketplace so you can buy online and instore and the team have many exciting projects in the pipeline.

Spring/Summer 11 Collection

The SS11 Collection is particularly inspired by Pierre Cardin’s 60′s architectural shift dresses, and with Colin’s background in architecture he brings a structural quality to his line of clothing. The dresses are simple but because of the use of the fabric, 100% cotton with a washable dry waxed coating, they sit on the body like no other garment that we’ve worn. They almost have a firming quality to them, creating a streamlined ‘armour like’ effect.

Original Annie

The use of the colours echo the current trend for block colours whilst still managing to flatter and beautify all the different colourings that our customers may present. Don’t be scared to try the bright colours either. When we first went to the store we were a little shy of them, but when wearing an apple green or vivid pink, you’ll feel amazing, bold and beautiful, now when we go shopping we can’t get enough of bright colours and we no longer shy away from them.

Original Annie

The shapes are classic yet have an added modern “punch” with the small details such as the side snapper on the pinafore dress or the block colour section on the seat of one of patch dresses. We believe that the collection has a new and exciting edge on any other current labels collections and they are incredibly versatile with regards to the way that they can be styled. As well as the main colour block shifts, there are also some great retro Seersucker shifts, light yet smart – perfect for summer. Included in the collection are sculptured and simple wax jackets with styled, side pockets – elegant yet functional and the Festival Cape perfect for Summer festivals, riding, surfing, sailing – anything you can think off, this outerwear is great for.

Original Annie

The light, rain proof fabric is perfect worn with wellies to a festival or even for walking the dog! They can be dressed up by adding a pair of heels and some fabulous jewellery. They can be dressed down with plimsolls to give a cute summery, sporty feel and we feel that they would be perfect for many sports, such as tennis, yachting or riding, perfect for anytime, anywhere really.

Versatility of Style

The shift dresses come in an array of colours that are practical, cute and gorgeous. You can dress them up for the office, accessorise for a garden party or wear them in a simple way for shopping. And that is exactly what we did – we took two of the Original Annie designs, wore them to three events to show the Versatility of Style in our LadyM challenge.

Versatility of Style - the LadyM Challenge

First up – a day in the office with the Pink Shift Dress. Comments ranged from “Wow”, to “How pretty”, to “Very Austin Powers, love it!” (and that last one was from a man!) This hot pink colour feels empowering, teemed with a long-sleeved white tee, Zebra print belt (from fellow Tunbridge Wells store, Love is Boutique) and Zebra print flats.

Next was The Royal Wedding outfit – taking the Apple Green patch dress, with a cheeky hot pink patch on the seat of the dress. Worn to Leeds Castle for LadyM’s part in the Royal Wedding as Fashion Correspondent for BBC Radio Kent. Accessorised with a pearl and bead necklace added to the top of the dress, a Ficcare fine double know Swarovski crystal headband from Stonebridge, a pink skinny belt and tobacco suede cut-out shoe boots. Also worn with an Anthropologie Pleated As You Please jacket for the chiller moments.  This outfit took LadyM from Radio Show performance to house party hostess, for the Royal Wedding and received many fabulous comments about the cut, colour and style of the dress.

The final look was for a day shopping with Princess Dave, best friend of LadyM. Back to the hot pink shift dress, this time teamed with skinny jeans from Asos, a darling gold ‘R’ Necklace and tobacco suede sandals from H&M. Functional, comfortable but fashionable.

Manufacture and Design

After a long and hard search for an appropriate manufacturer, the Original Annie team came upon an idealistic setting that provided them with ethical and humanitarian benefits as well as providing outstanding quality garments. On a recent visit to their factory in Romania, Colin met with the girls who are rescued orphans, placed within the safety of the Catholic benefactor of the company and they are happy and feel lucky to have such a respectable job in such an unstable economy.

In addition to this part of the design process, the Original Annie team are also fortunate enough to be working with one of the best pattern maker within the fashion industry, Jefferey Witkin, a man who has worked with great fashion houses such as Gucci, Valentino, Westwood, so as you can imagine, as a small house just starting on this long and hard but wildly exciting road, they feel incredibly fortunate to be working with one of the best!

Photos Copyright of Original Annie Ltd and LadyM Presents.