What inspired you to create your own label? How did you set up your company?

Since I was a kid I always liked to be at the centre of events and I have always had a flair for creative arts – I have been part of dancing clubs, school theatres, musicals, played piano, did ballet etc. so from an early age I had the drive to go as far as possible in my life. I come from Riga, the beautiful capital of Latvia. Soon after finishing school, I decided to explore the bigger world. I moved to London to search for new opportunities.

Straight after graduating from London College of Fashion, I decided to start my own business as I had the vision and the drive.

I guess it was a very ambitious decision but I don’t regret it at all as by setting up on my I have managed to achieve a lot.

Did it all go smoothly or were there teething problems?

No definitely not smooth and not easy! Each part of the business had and has its own difficulties which I discover and learn how to deal with on a regular basis.

We know that you hand make your bags, how long does it take and why it is important to you?

Design development is a very long and sometimes painful process. When everything is done by hand it can take few weeks to develop a bag from a sketch to a final product. But once all is finalised, depending on the bag complexity, it can roughly take few days to make it, for example my signature Modern Extravaganza Bag takes 2-3 days to handcraft. This is a very intricate and detailed process, which I am proud to uphold in this age and time.

For me it is important to have handmade products as this makes it special. Sometimes I am surprised what the human hand can do – isn’t this amazing? Nowadays it is rare to have entirely handmade bags and therefore I am very proud to have this skill to produce my bags myself.

What type of handbag do you usually carry yourself?

I have a huge variety of samples that I can carry to different events. I like stunning, noticeable bags. But on a daily basis, funnily enough, I carry a simple shopper bag or a tote.

What is your personal favourite bag from your collection?

I love Modern Extravaganza, Karolina and Dexter bags. But all in all it is difficult to choose one favourite piece, as they are all favourites – I fall in love with them when the first one of its kind is finished. Often the most recent one becomes my favourite one! Then new ideas come and new designs are born and favourites follow – it’s an on-going process for me.

Who are your style icons?

Ditta Von Teese. Sensual, strong and sexy, like the women she represents.

What makes your handbags unique from other brands?

First of all, I think it is important to stand out and I would like to think that my designs are unique and different. I never copy or search for new ideas from others so hopefully I am reflecting my personality through handbags. Secondly, I am a perfectionist; all that I do has to be perfect or I feel unsatisfied, so quality is crucial to me. I keep improving and developing the materials and hardware all the time.

You offer customers a chance to customise handbags, what gave you the idea for this?

When the entire product is designed and hand made in the house, it makes sense to personalise it. It all started from friends and family, by adding a small wish, name or initials inside the bags or fulfilling someone’s dream and making a bag in the colour or with the detail they want. Then you tent to offer this service to more and more people. Personalisation is also the ultimate luxury in the age of mass production and I know that it means so much for my clients, who appreciate individuality and quality.

Why do you feel there is a gap in the market for this?

People love it and always come back for more… Nothing can compare to a bag that is the only one. I guess it helps people feel special and I can certainly identify with that. Before I started making my own bags I was a big fan of brands like Gucci, Luis Vuitton, etc. – ahh those small tags with your initials that LV offers, aren’t they gorgeous? You just want to keep the bag with you even while you sleep.

Overall I don’t think there are many brands that offer this service in handbags but there is a demand, thus a gap in the market.

How much freedom does the customer have when designing their own handbag?

Sometimes I work for other brands designers following their directions, then the freedom is all theirs as long as it aligns with the cost that can be involved.  Design development can be quite pricey.

But at the end of the day it all depends on what both sides want, what can be possible and how much it can cost.

How long does it take to create a bespoke bag?

It will depend on design, complexity of the bag and materials availability. I’d say approximately a few weeks.

What is your handbag personality?

I am a Trendsetter.

What are your future plans and how will you develop the brand?

Ideally, I would like to be an established brand known for amazing, stunning, top quality bags – modern luxury. The collaboration with BagServant is proving one of the best opportunities that 2012 brought and I look forward to a long term relationship with them. This is what I wish for but who knows what life has prepared in future. I believe in perseverance, hard work and staying true to what you stand for and your values. I hope that this will bring me where I want to be.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I have been honoured to receive great feedback and endorsements from the industry – from other designers, from several buyers for high profile stores, from the media – which I am extremely grateful and happy about. Still, the best is when a customer rings and orders a bag, especially when you realise how much it can mean to them – I’ve had clients ordering bags for weddings or for anniversaries and it’s always beautiful to see and feel the human story behind a purchase.

If you could sum up your personal style in one word what would it be? 

Original.

Shop Anya Sushko handbags 

With a London store based in an art installation space, LN-CC are a forward thinking company who we are very excited to work with. Here are our top three bags from LN-CC.com: the Dries Van Noten women’s khaki bag, Munoz Vrandecic’s Baulito bag and Jil Sanders’ contrasting colours Matteotti bag.

Shop LN-CC Bags

Pictures credit: www.londoncollections.co.uk

Rucksacks were the order of the day at Topman and Fashion East, whilst sophisticated heritage holdalls were favoured on the Hackett London runway, but other than that, few bags were seen over the three days of catwalks.

Classic British heritage looks were popular amongst many designers including Baartmans and Siegel, Hardy Amies and McQueen, with tailored, Great Gatsby-esque suits making regular runway appearances. We suggest teaming with the Mulberry Elkington satchel or Lanvin Sartorial leather document bag for a sophisticated finish.

Pictures credit: www.londoncollections.co.uk

Shop Mulberry Elkington satchel

Shop Lanvin Sartorial leather document bag

More flamboyant designers, such as the androgynous JW Anderson, Katie Eary with her flamboyant graphic prints and E. Tautz’s novelty knitwear could be styled with funkier designs. We recommend the Bernhard Willhelm Highway tote or the Dries Van Noten printed bag for bolder dressers.

Pictures credit: www.londoncollections.co.uk

Shop Bernhard Willhelm Highway tote

Shop Dries Van Noten printed bag

Start 2013 as you mean to go on, with a fabulous new bag. You can keep style a priority without spending big bucks thanks to some great offers on gorgeous designer picks. Check out some of our favourites here:

Ideal to add a classy touch to evening dinner outfits, or a girl’s night out, clutches come in handy for a whole host of occasions. We’ve picked a few of our favourite for the New Year, and remember, a clutch is for life, not just for Christmas parties!

The sales are in full swing, so what better excuse to have a browse and grab yourself some festive goodies before the Boxing Day rush.

Whether you’re wanting a new office look, or just to add a touch of sophistication to your new year’s wardrobe, there’s sure to be something for you. Reiss have 25 stores nationwide, but with free online delivery within the UK, why brave the winter winds when you can update your wardrobe from the warmth of your sofa?

This pairing works for any occasion, from the office to evenings out. The gorgeous coral Lillyanne coat is great for the lead up to spring, and when teamed with the sheepskin Ashlee bag, ensures your warm, wintery look stays stylish.

Shop Reiss Ashlee bag

Shop Reiss Lillyanne coat

For a more casual look, the checkered Deanna look adds a lighthearted feel to cosy weekend outfits. Pair with the Jacob cross-body bag for a canary yellow colour pop!

Shop Reiss Jacob bag

Shop Reiss Deanna jumper

 Ditch the trousers suits for a more feminine office look in 2013. This marl grey dress goes with pretty much anything, and transcends every occasion. Add the petrol green Diane bag for a sophisticated work look.

Shop Reiss Diane bag

Shop Reiss Moon dress

Who? What? Where? When?
Charlotte Olympia Dellal launched her brand in London in 2008, just four years after graduation from the prestigious Cordswainers college. Her shoes are all handcrafted in Italy and finished with her signature gold spider’s web. Producing four collections per year and with stores in London and Manhattan, Charlotte has gained a star studded following including the likes of Alexa Chung, Sarah Jessica Parker and Beyonce.
Her vintage inspired shoes tend to boast her trademark gold ‘island’ platform, and since developing the brand into accessories, quirky clutch bags have become a new and coveted trait of the label.

Shop Charlotte Olympia clutches

Shop Charlotte Olympia shoes

Style icon Keira Knightley lives up to her reputation as a fashion queen by stepping out with the newest member of the Mulberry family, Bryn, part of their autumn/winter 2012 collection.

The bag, which is available in either regular or small size,  is a definite wardrobe staple for next season. The versatile, briefcase inspired bag, would look great teamed with a cool and casual maxi skirt, an elegant suit or super skinny jeans.

The luxury leather brand’s latest arrival is inspired by the iconic men’s satchel Brynmore and includes a triple Postman’s Lock – a feature used on many Mulberry bags, such as the Alexa and Bayswater - with a top handle and cross-body strap.

The Bryn is available in classic oak leather, flame or black shiny grain leather, petrol velvet-print grain leather and luxurious black pebbled haircalf.

Besides from Keira Knightley, Alexa Chung and Atlanta de Cadenet Taylor have also been spotted showcasing this bag, so get your hands on it before it runs out!

Here at BagServant we love the style that much that we have also reviewed Mulberry’s male version, the Mulberry TED bag, so check it out for his ands hers perfect style!

Shop Mulberry Bryn Shiny Grained Leather Satchel in all sizes

Shop Mulberry