Steven Harkin Design – British Handbags

Steven Harkin Design is a leather handbags business based in Essex which was launched in August 2006 at the London trade show PURE. Owner Steven Harkin originates from New South Wales, Australia and has more than 25 years experience as an artist, designer and maker of handbags and has gained international recognition. He started working with leather as a hobby; somebody gave him a book on traditional Australian bushcraft, which included information on leather work.

Steven Harkin Design make and produce leather bags in a range of sizes, from clutches to shoulder bags and laptop cases, for both women and men. The leather used comes from Italy and Spain but the production work is carried out by Steven Harkin himself in the company’s Burnham on Crouch workshop.  The only skins used in Steven Harkin Design’s handbags are a natural bi-product as the company does not use skins from animals that have not been ethically treated. Kangaroo leather is also sometimes used for pockets on the designs as it is one of the strongest leathers in the world.

The Collection

There are many fine pieces of leatherwork in the handbag collection from Steven Harkin Design. Here are some of our favourites;

• The BB £330 – An elegant 2-tone boxed handbag in pistachio and black
• The Eliza £465 – A slick handbag that has been selling in some of Italy’s best shops according to Vogue Italia – we love the quirky shape of this bag
• The Mew – is just design genius – it comes with its own stand so the bottom of your favourite handbag never gets ruined

For men there is the AC – £425/485 first designed for the America’s cup, this is an engineered shoulder bag available with a single leather strap or with a futuristic twisting aluminium strap.

The Flatpack £797 This strikingly luxurious leather rucksack has it all with a contemporary look aluminium handles and details. its professional yet modern, perfect for the city commuter.

We love the WORK range too – from the briefcase to the tote. Perfect for the professional, the oversize Tote bag comes in a gorgeous light grey or turquoise soft leather. The letters WoRk have been hand-cut in black leather and hand stitched to the side.

LadyM is currently coveting the Steven Harkin Ostrich leather iphone case available from Lovely & British for £35.

Steven Harkin Ostrich Leather iphone case

International recognition

Since launching, Steven Harkin Design has built up a reputation for quality products. The company has sold over 3,300 bags through 30 independent boutiques in the UK including a recent concession in a new shop in Bermondsey Street, London called Lovely & British.  They also sell in a dozen shops across Ireland, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Ukraine, Spain, Korea and the USA.

Four of Steven Harkin’s designs have been purchased by the Museum of Fashion in Paris for their permanent collection. Several of their other bags are also at the Walsall Leather Museum as well as the Chicago Museum Contemporary Art, Takashimaya New York and WOKstore Milan. The company’s bags have been featured at the Made in Britain exhibition at the Museum of Purses and Handbags Amsterdam, along with Burberry, Lulu, Guinness, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Mulberry and Vivienne Westwood.

They can come in all shapes and sizes and suit all manner of outfits. A handbag is more than just a portable storage item, it is an accessory to an outfit, it can match or complement a look. More often these days, handbags have become an investment piece, whether its a Hermes Birkin, Mulberry Alexa or a Chanel Classic, a keeper rather than a bag on rotation.

Milo & Saint – handbags to invest in

Milo & Saint was formed in 2008 by Lucy Holland-Smith, who has been designing and making bags for years. Lucy has a very definite personal style and believes this follows into her collection of handbags.  Milo & Saint offer a unique collection of bespoke leather handbags designed and handmade in the UK. Lucy combines an exciting infusion of distinctive London styling, using hand chosen leathers and adding a sprinkle of delightful English charm. “I like English style and interesting combinations of colours which was the inspiration behind my stripe lining”.

UK designed & handmade leather handbags from Milo & Saint

Lucy’s philosophy is simple; to produce beautiful bags handcrafted in the UK using quality materials. The original philosophy remains strongly evident in the Milo & Saint brand today. Milo & Saint was the result of years of designing and making bags as a hobby for Lucy;

“I started getting enquiries for my own personal bags and realised there was a market for my designs. I found a little workshop in London to manufacture them for me and set up the website. I also believe that a handbag can transform any outfit!”

Milo & Saint – The Collection

Strong design elements from signature boxed pleating to bespoke linings produce coherent, yet dynamic collections season upon season. Colour plays an important role and carefully chosen limited edition tones compliment each bag style. The range moves from an elegant black leather handbag to an indulgent deep burgundy evening clutch. Lucy explains that “Elements of warmth, softness and charm are roused from our linings which sport motifs ranging from pigeons to antique clocks”. Lucy tries to make her bags as practical as possible, designing them in a sensible size with a lot of pockets. As you browse the collections you will notice the distinctive names given to each handbag, they are all named after London street names close to the heart of the staff at Milo & Saint.

Milo & Saint favourites;

The Drayton in Plum for daytime

The Drayton from Milo & Saint

An elegant mid sized shoulder bag featuring signature box pleating, distinctive tapered zipped pockets and signature striped lining. Also available in Steel, Jet, Dormouse and Denim.

The Chantry Clutch in Denim for the evening

The Chantry from Milo & Saint

An exquisite evening clutch balancing striking vertical zips with elegant tapered contours.  Featuring a main compartment with signature lining & kiss clasp, internal pocket , four external zips (increased capacity when open), a detachable shoulder chain and a detachable signature leather key ring. Also available in Plum, Steel and Jet.

The Franklin Tote & The Hardwick, by Milo & Saint

The Franklin Tote in Cocoa

A versatile urban Tote with ample space to suit a busy lifestyle. Featuring signature box pleating, classic buckles and signature striped lining.

The Hardwick in Steel

A bold shoulder bag featuring signature box pleating, distinctive pleated front pockets and signature striped lining. Also available in Plum, Jet, Denim and Dormouse.

Milo & Saint handbags are sold in their online boutique and in a range of exclusive stores. To enquire about stockists near to you send an email to [email protected] including your postcode and the style you are interested in. The range is targeted at anyone who wants to have an investment bag that will last a lifetime.

Make sure that you place your order in time for Christmas, last orders will be taken on 16th December for guaranteed Christmas delivery.

This week the team at New Look are proud to announce the launch of “LOVE for New Look” jewellery collection. The collection is a fantastic range made from unique materials including lace, leather, feathers and rhinestones. The hip statement jewellery is essential to achieving the perfect look. Whether your style is military or vintage, edgy or glamorous, no outfit is complete without these pieces from the LOVE for New Look jewellery collection.

LOVE for New Look Collection

The collection was designed by Icon, the makers behind brands such as The Earring and The Ring Boutique. The range takes inspiration from a variety of sources and the range will be updated regularly to reflect this. Inspirations so far have included Victorian, Military and latest pieces are very boho with lots of feathers.

Add a touch of regal sophistication to your look with the Gross Grain Ribbon Brooch, £6 and Military Button Stud earrings, £4

Lighten it your look up with feminine pieces from the LOVE collection like the delicate Fabric Flower Studs, and beautifulLace and Pearl Bracelet.

Show off your wild side and keep heads turning with the Diamante Giant Cascade Earrings, £12 and Leather Braid and Ornate Oval Ring, £8.

The Tusk on Hoop Earrings £8 and the Sparkle Charm Bangle Stack £12 complement each other perfectly. With black tusks present on both pieces, be on trend with the outdoor, urban side with these two key accessories.

New Look describe their customers as “keen shoppers. They love to bag a bargain and get a real thrill from finding that killer fashion item. They want clothes that are bang-on trend but that also fit their style and life.”  This collection follows the latest fashion trends but hits the price point perfectly.  For New Look shoppers, price is really important, the more fashion they can afford the better.

Find these pieces and more in New Look stores nationwide.

JOBEENY – Exclusive Designer Handbags

JOBEENY, design and make “occasion bags that are guaranteed to have an impact”.  The brand is very much driven by a personal desire to have beautiful pieces of handbag artwork available to all.  The range is great for weddings, the theatre, evening wear and especially for a day at the races. If you’re planning your outfit for Ascot or Cheltenham - www.jobeeny.com is the place to head for that all important feature bag.

Jo Cooper, Founder of JOBEENY

“Our customers follow high fashion, but demand value when they shop – they would love to own a pair of Jimmy Choo’s but it’s more practical to shop at LK Bennett”.  All bags are delicately presented in amazing black presentation boxes to give you that extra special feeling of luxury.

Inspiration behind the brand

Jo’s inspiration came when she was given some vintage brooches and art nouveux clasps.  She wanted to make something amazing with that ‘wow factor’, originally thinking of accessorising a dress, but in the end hand crafting a handbag with the brooch on it.  This soon turned into making bags for friends and family and it really took off when she made a exclusive handbag for a friend who was going to Buckingham Palace.  Thats when the JOBEENY concept was developed and a bespoke brand was born.

The Collections:

SPECIAL OCCASIONS RANGE

Fabulous range containing the Ultimate Wedding handbag and the “luxurious” Palace handbag.  Perfect to remember that special day or to keep as a family heirloom. The Warsaw White Wedding and elegant, sophisticated piece made with leather and featuring bakerlite clasps.  The Bogota Silk Palace bag made with exclusive black silk and Mujiani feathers.

Special Occasions Range, by JOBEENY

The range includes the Contessa the vintage inspired soft, camel coloured, luxurious leather pieces that age beautifully. “The purse and matching handbag are classics that will never date”. Made from high grade buffalo leather with embossed lining and internal compartments this range is perfect for every day use and to make your outfit that extra bit complete.

I love the range for their functionality as well as style. Featuring numerous internal pockets, gorgeous lining and fabulous detailing, they really are special pieces.  The bags are made of luxurious fabrics with signature clasps and handles.  You will feel unique and special with a JOBEENY bag by your side.

ICE CREAM RANGE

Perfect for the summer with ice cream hues, but suitable year round. These knitted bags feature handy spacious pockets with a classic style. Choose from the Cornet, the Ninety Nine or the bay of the pack, the Wafer.  The Double Sunday laptop bag offers “a stylish yet practical alternative, everyday workbag”.  It is beautifully put together and will survive the rough and tumble of daily life.

Ice Cream Range, by JOBEENY

ATLAS RANGE

This range lets you get globetrotting, featuring styles from around the world. The Moscow is perfect for a Russian Winter, Colombia a tropical delight. Whilst the Boston is a classic black look which fits into city life. The Dakar is a element of darkness with a heart of gold whistle the Santiago Satchel, “a JOBEENY bestseller, looks better with age and is a great travelling companion”.

Atlas Range, by JOBEENY

Ethical Manufacturing

Jo personally visited twenty-six manufacturers in China in ten days to find the perfect, bespoke and ethical workshop.  Her manufacturer produces her designs with a small minimum order and employees are treated fairly and paid a flat rate per month rather than the piece rate which is most common with apparel manufacturing.

Charity Aspects

JOBEENY works with numerous charities.  Earlier this year, the company helped to raise £10,000 for Leukaemia Research and Action Medical Research. The most prominent link with the International Tree Foundation in which her Tree for Life Bag is linked to.

A JOBEENY designed and imported, 100% Jute eco friendly shopping bag, also available in turquoise and black.  Perfect for carrying groceries, books, shopping. A necessity in our world, where we need to replace the use of plastic bags.

What’s next for JOBEENY?

When asked what’s new for JOBEENY in 2010, Jo Cooper explained that she is “currently collaborating with Halcyon Days to produce mirrors and atomiser sprays to sit next to the collection of up and coming antique replicated handbags”.

JOBEENY is also sponsoring this year’s ITN “News Rooms got Talent” and supplying the show with all the goodie bags on September 2nd 2010.

There is so much more to come from JOBEENY.  Watch this space…

Where to find JOBEENY

JOBEENY is sold online at www.jobeeny.com, through selected boutiques in South East England and London as well as handbag parties.

For more information or to request to stock the range please visit the website.

JOBEENY Collection showcase can also be found at the Hilton Hotel, Brighton and the Grand Hotel, Bournemouth.