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.

Anya Wilkinson – Statement Fashion

Lady M Presents came across one such designer who could just be the next big thing, during our trip to The Clothes Show London in June this year. Anya had a pop-up shop amongst many other fabulous new labels, but her collection stood out from the rest and showed real potential.

Anya Wilkinson, up and coming designer

The Anya Wilkinson label was created in September 2009, after Anya’s graduation with a Bachelor of Arts from London College of Fashion. Russian born Anya, had studied fashion prior to that at the College of Mode in Yekaterinburg, Russia and Nottingham College of Fashion as well as having placements with such established designers such as Jasmine di Milo and Roksanda Illincic. Anya also owned a small online boutique called Dressmania. She used to travel to countries such as China and Turkey to look for new, interesting garments. But she always knew that she wanted to design her own fashion collection and from there her label was born.

Inspiration

Anya works out of her studio off Kingsland Road in London, an area popular with upcoming fashion designers. She works in the same building as other young designers and finds it an encouraging and inspiring environment to work in. When asked about her inspiration for her collection Anya explained;

“For this collection it came from 3-D floral ornaments but it was also a little bit inspired by the flamboyant and vibrant Sex and the City style that was popular in recent times. I always get inspired by the process of creating. For example, I’ll come up with one small idea, I will develop it more. I’ll play around with it on the mannequin, look how the fabric folds. Out of one idea, I can create 10 ideas. It’s like a never ending process. I could never say exactly where my inspiration comes from, where it ends.”

The Collection

The Anya Wilkinson label consists of day and cocktail dresses, tailored jackets and stylish coats. Each piece in the collection is made using luxurious materials, that look tactile and inviting to the onlooker. Her use of deep colours, layering and strong textures really give her pieces that something special.

Foxy Dress, by Anya Wilkinson

The fabulous Foxy dress will be a hit for an end of summer wedding, or that Christmas party where you want to stand out from the crowd.

On trend for A/W 10, Anya Wilkinson

This camel coloured stylish coat will work fabulously for this A/W’s trends, smart enough for the office, cool enough for a shopping trip with the girls. Also bang on trend is this deep green velvet dress, sumptuous and plush, perfect for a winters party.

Statement Pieces by Anya Wilkinson

This is the dress that caught Lady M Presents eye at the Clothes Show Live London, a real flashback to Carrie Bradshaw’s heyday in Sex and the City. This dress is simply fabulous. Bold, attention grabbing and makes a statement.

Smart, Sophisticated coats, by Anya Wilkinson

This A/W catwalks saw the trend for strong tailoring yet sophisticated coats, capes and jackets. Anya already has pieces right on this trend. Prominent, clever tailoring is shown off with these fabulous coats.

A piece from Anya WIlkinson's Avant Garde Graduate Collection 2009

Anya’s favourite piece so far is from her Avant-Garde Graduate collection, the Shell Dress “Only knowing how much time it took me to create that piece and seeing the reaction of other people. It’s not just a piece of clothing, but, for me, a piece of art.”

Pieces from the Anya WIlkinson collection will be available to buy online at Not Just A Label, you can contact the designer directly there to discuss the collection.

What is next for Anya Wilkinson?

Looking ahead after a season that was feminine with 3-D floral style, Anya has described next season as ” more edgy, a more angled style”.  Anya plans to take her designs to another level. For the next season Anya wants to combine safe, femininity with a more avant-garde, out of the boundaries collection. “I finally started to work out what is right and what is wrong. From what I’ve realised so far, it’s important to believe in to yourself.”

The Anya Wilkinson Collection will feature at the Strand Palace Hotel in Central London, during London Fashion Week this September, an event run by Fashion Mavericks.

Zoë Boomer

Zoë Boomer created the Zoë Boomer label in April 2006, when a boutique in Ireland requested to see Zoe’s collection for their shop.  Zoë had two weeks to design and make a mini collection to show them and thankfully for her they bought every item.  She then spent the the next year making collections and one off pieces for the boutique and then the label started to progress and expand. Zoë had moved to London in 2002 to pursue her love of Fashion and Design and now creates her collections from her studio in Putney. During her degree course at the London College of Fashion, Zoë represented the UK at the International Student Design Awards 2004.

Zoe Boomer - Up and Coming Designer

Inspiration & Ethos

It was in art college that Zoë realised she had a flare for designing. Having always loved fashion, she excelled in every fashion project she worked upon and got accepted into London College of Fashion. After graduating Zoë got a job as a stylist assistant, for a top London stylist, styling for London and New York based fashion publications, working at London Fashion Week and styling for Natasha Bedingfield (now a dedicated fan of the Zoë Boomer label).

Zoë’s ethos is clear “I design for women who love fashion, are stylish, who appreciate fabric and quality. The label is known for its simplicity, and stable pieces that don’t date. For me inspiration comes often when I don’t expect it, generally I don’t always have a theme in mind – which probably goes against designers rules but it seems to progress and turn into a theme”.

Zoë designs garments she loves to wear; clothes that combine simplicity, style and luxury and transform effortlessly from daytime urban chic to sassy evening glamour. Sourcing fabrics from Italy and France, picking shades and textures she likes and then playing with them, draping them, to see how they hang which then leads to a design starting point.  Zoë explains that she finds inspiration from everywhere she might be, such as reading a magazine and an image jumps out, or in a shop. “Recently I was in Croatia for a holiday and my husband and I were sitting having a coffee in Dabrovinik old town, watching people walk past us and the buildings really inspired me”.

The Collections

Zoë uses the best silks and silk-chiffons to create collections that bring together romance, opulence and elegance but with unstructured minimalism. Zoë’s work is perfect for those looking to emulate unpretentious glamour but want to feel beautiful in amazing clothing made of luxurious fabrics. Her collections feature chic daywear all the way through to elegant evening attire.

Spring/Summer 2010

Day Dresses

Candy Maxi Dress – hitting the spot for this massive summer trend, the Candy Maxi dress combines hot summer prints with great length to give you an outfit that can take you from the beach to a garden party simply by teaming with great accessories.

Candy Maxi Dress, by Zoe Boomer

Leani Mini Dress – hit the pastels and soft tailoring trend this summer with this sublime double lined length pale blue silk dress. Perfect for summer weddings, cocktail parties or a night in the hip new bar in town.

Leani Mini Dress, by Zoe Boomer

This is one of Zoë’s favourites “they are stunning on and fit so well. I have yet to see it not look good on someone”.

Tops

Snow Drop navy, silk Halter neck – perfect to team with skinny jeans and some pale gold wedges for a structured but flowing, put together look.

Snow Drop Halter, by Zoe Boomer

Leani pearl white silk top – this is a great top to wear with some cigarette trousers or a grey pencil skirt – a sleek look for the office.

Leani White Silk Top, by Zoe Boomer

Evening Dresses

Stun the crowd with these gorgeous, simple but elegant edgy evening dresses

The Lucy Dress with swarovski crystals: Chiffon and swarovski crystal floor length strapless dress. Simply gorgeous, this flowing material will make you feel elegant and sophisticated.

The Lucy Strapless Dress, by Zoe Boomer

Lucy - Strapless silk chiffon dress.  Silk chiffon strapless floor length dress. Beautiful with long hanging necklaces or a Zoë Boomer vintage belt around the waist. It’s a WOW dress!

Lucy Floor length dress, by Zoe Boomer

A select number of pieces from the label can be bought in the boutique at www.zoeboomer.com and a full list of stockists can be found here.

Recently actress Laura Michelle Kelly (Sweeney Todd & Speed of the Plough with Kevin Spacey) donned ZB dresses at press calls and VIP events. The label is working tirelessly to make its mark on the international fashion scene with agents in London, Ireland, Vancouver and LA. The entire collection is hand stitched in Ireland, London & Liverpool and Zoë herself keeps a close eye on all aspects of production personally approving every single garment created.

Lady M Presents discussed with Zoë how she goes about developing a collection;

“Every collection needs a certain amount of tops, dresses, jackets etc. This helps to put the collection together and helps to narrow things down as sometimes I might have lots of ideas for tops, but need more dresses so I will either stop designing the tops or see how I can turn the concept into the dress. Sometime the designs won’t work in production and if I don’t like them when their being made up as a sample, I will cut them. The easiest way to decide what is featured is seeing how it sits with the rest of the collection. If something doesn’t go or you can’t wear it with anything else in the collection, it will be cut.

Predicting trends for me is a natural instinct which I guess as a designer, it is in your nature to think ahead. As we work a year ahead, you get very tired of what is out currently and start to think of something different. What is going on in society, movies, music all shape trends. When the war in Iraq first started there was a lot of military influences in collections. Also a very basic way of predicting is at present Maxi dresses are huge but next year they won’t be, hem lines for next summer will start to rise again.”

Whats the most rewarding part of your work? What is your greatest accomplishment so far?

“There are two parts of the job I find very rewarding, firstly when I go into a shop and see my clothes being sold beside some great labels that I love. I always get so excited and have a silent proud moment. The other is seeing my collection on the catwalk or on images after a photo shoot. It is so exciting seeing an idea in you’re head and then become real for everyone to see.

My greatest accomplishment I think this year anyway was being selected for the British Designer Collective Shop in Bicester village. It was such an honour to have my clothes sit beside labels such as Julien McDonald,  Todd Lynn, Emma Cook and my picture making it onto the Vogue website, that might not seem like that exciting but as a student in fashion I used to say one day I will make it into Vogue and to have my picture in it for me was a special moment.”

What’s next for Zoë Boomer?

There a lot of things in the pipeline for this up and coming label, Zoe Boomer will be a lot more accessible for everyone in the UK and will be in a lot more boutiques in London very soon. There are some exciting Zoe Boomer fashion videos that will be released throughout the year. Available to view on the website soon is the latest one, filmed at the Sex and the City 2 premiere.

We await the Zoë Boomer Autumn/Winter 10 Collection with eager anticipation. Zoë herself is very excited about it, “there are two garments I am so excited by and can’t wait to wear them. They are the Lu Lu Jacket and Feather grey cardigan – I know I’m going to wear these ALOT!”.

Zoë Boomer –  combining naked simplicity and purity of form with opulence and style.

In the world of fashion where online purchases “have increased by a massive 461% over the past 5 years alone” (Latest research from MINTEL Oxygen), having a captivating, strong fashion focused website is a must.

Tara Lacey

Tara Lacey Online Boutique was founded by Tara Cowland, who is passionate about women using fashion and style to make themselves feel great.  Tara Lacey’s aim is to be the home of “online luxury fashion, selling an array of women’s brands both new and established, from all over the world. We specialise in beautifully designed clothing, stunning accessories, stand-out swimwear and statement jewellery”. The online boutique is created for women of all ages who do not want mass produced clothes but also don’t want to ruin their bank balance trying to find them.

www.taralacey.com

“The feeling you get when you dress in something new, I want our customers to feel that sensation even on the fourth time of wearing it.”

Nowadays with so many cheap collections in high street stores and online discount sites, it is difficult not to get immersed in the world of ‘throwaway fashion’. But it is important to invest in key, unique pieces that may be more expensive but will still be stylish and in a great condition seasons later.

The History of www.taralacey.com

The Tara Lacey online boutique came about when Tara was studying Fashion Promotion at the London College of Fashion. It was then that Tara realised her passion for retail buying, and with inspiration from the success of companies such as Net-A-Porter and ASOS, Tara knew she wanted her own business and to be selling brands from around the world. Tara quickly realised that there was “a market for women who do not want to wear the same clothes as everyone else and do not always look at the label”. Online boutiques have become very important in the fashion world, Tara describes them as “a unique haven, that offers a capsule collection, I love that the owners always know their customers well. If you find a boutique you love. You know you will always love.”

In order to source the very best brands, Tara visits various trade shows in London, Paris and Barcelona, “looking for brands that not only appeal to me but I can picture other women liking. Firstly I look for design – I like clothes that you can wear over and over, so quality is very important. I tend not to go for well know brands as there are sites that offer them, but if I really like some pieces I will include them.”

Brands featured on the site include the ever fabulous Darling, Pink Label London and Nicola de Main.

The Collections

Popular brands on the website include Tavan & Mitto, Nocturne and Aguaclara for bikini’s, but mainly people go online to purchase dresses from the fabulous range that Tara Lacey stock. There is a great range of dresses, tops for the office or for an evening event to team with trousers and skirts. Also a remarkable array of jumpsuits, knitwear, jackets and swimwear, everything you could need for your summer wardrobe or that capsule holiday collection, all in one place. The website also features exquisite jewellery from Fiona Paxton as well as bags from Sam Ubhi and Lillifi.

Key Pieces for S/S 10

Nocture Snakesking Jumpsuit – 100% silk, harem pants jumpsuit offering an alternative to the regular jumpsuits as this design is ruched in all the right places. Team with killer heels for a night out on the town or with embellished flat sandals for a relaxed lunch at your summer hideaway.

Nocturne Snakeskin Jumpsuit

2Love Tony Cohen Caramel cotton shirt dress - perfect for the day into night transition – think Ibiza pool party, chilled out bbq in the country or simply something light and relaxed for a day shopping with the girls. Accessorise with black french pumps and a giant shoulder bag or maxi clutch and you have a bang on trend outfit.

2Love Tony Cohen Caramel cotton shirt dress

Utility Chic from Bllack Noir - Bllack Noir make style effortless. Favourite pieces featured include Bllack Noir Jersey top with leather belt and Bllack Noir Silver studded jersey top, which is a modern twist on this season’s sequins and sparkle.

Utility Chic from Bllack Noir

Tara Cowland’s Favourite’s:

“From my collection I have a few favourites, Juliette Offenbach – who creates great dresses she has a great eye and all her dresses fit the female body perfectly and Tavãn & Mitto – the Canadian duo whose designs are classic, tailored and flattering.”

Tavãn & Mitto Sand Loose Fitting Dress hits the pastels/nude trend perfectly. Its gorgeous, sumptuous fit is a contemporary twist on the safari trend and is the ultimate day dress.

Whilst Pink Label London’s black sequin dress hits all the right notes for the summer party season and is a stunning, more sophisticated way to wear sequins.

Pink Label London Black Sequin Dress & Tavãn & Mitto Sand Lose Fitting Dress

Tara’s big tip for Autumn/Winter collections this year is Leather, “I think its going to be a bit more gothic but sexy”.

Tara Lacey has been nominated for best online boutique at the Sheer Luxe awards, you can vote for them here

At the time of going to press an online sale is occurring at www.taralacey.com and keep your eyes on the competitions page for some great offers.