Over the coming weeks and months we’ll be doing a number of features on some of the fabulous people across the UK that design and make all the lovely gifts and accessories you see at Kitty and Polly’s online store.
First up is the lovely Emma Gordon who handmakes many of the gorgeous clutch bags you’ll see in our shop. Now I know that there are lots of fabulous bags out there but I think the finishing touches on Emma’s clutches really make them stand out..these are classic, elegant bags that are pretty much timeless (in our view, anyway!). We caught up with Emma recently to ask her a few questions.aspiring handbag designers take note !

WHEN DID YOU FIRST START MAKING HANDBAGS?
I set up my business in 2003. I had studied Applied Arts where I made a conceptual range of handbags for my final project. I then went to work for a handbag manufacturer in London designing
bags for high street shops. It was here that I learnt the ropes and
got the confidence to branch out on my own and set up my own label

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE STYLE OF YOUR HANDBAGS?
My bags are always ladylike with a twist. I like to keep a quirky
edge throughout each collection by using cute detailing such as bows, buttons and polka dot or stripy linings.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU WHEN YOU START DESIGNING A NEW COLLECTION?
I take my inspiration from everything elegant and ladylike. I love to
mix this with quirky detailing to keep my bags cute and humorous. I
love the light-hearted glamour of Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at
Tiffanys’ and the gorgeous pin-up girls of the 1950’s.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT DESIGNING HANDBAGS?
The thing I most enjoy is getting orders from all over the world.
It’s such a nice thought to imagine lots of girls around the planet
using my bags!

WHICH OTHER DESIGNERS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST?
My absolute favorite designer label is Moschino Cheap and Chic. I
love the way they mix elegant shapes and immaculate quality with
quirky patterns and details. For classic styling I love the timeless
styling of Chanel.

ANY TIPS/ADVICE FOR ASPIRING HANDBAG DESIGNERS OUT THERE?
My advice to aspiring designers is to get a website! Once your
collection is ready and photographed put it on your website – this is
a 24 hour portfolio that is available to everybody in the world. You
could have the most beautiful products, but if no one can see them you can’t sell anything.

WHAT THINGS HAVE YOU GOT PLANNED FOR THE FUTURE?
I have recently been making lots of order for weddings – for both
brides and bridesmaids. It’s been very successful so far so I am
planning to develop a range of bridal bags and accessories.

So, if you feel like indulging your handbag obsession, why not head over to our handmade handbags and treat yourself to a beautifully designed bag made by hand. Remember, we are offering 10% off to the end of June and all customers placing orders will have the chance to win a gorgeous hair accessory! And shipping is free when you spend £40 or more.