Emma Gordon is one of The Bag Lady's favourite indie designers, with her handbags having graced our pages for well over a year now. We managed to catch up with the busy woman for a couple of minutes to ask her some questions about how she got started, her lovely creations, and what handbag she's lusting after at the moment...
What inspired you to
start designing?
I have always loved
handbags. I first produced a line of
bags for my Degree show (BA Hons Applied Arts) and this gave me a taste for
producing pieces on my sewing machine that were purely things that I love but
that I could also use.
In the future, where
would you like to see your company/designs going?
At the moment, everything is designed
and handmade by me – which is something that has definitely been a big selling
point so far and that my customers love. Eventually I would like to have a line manufactured
so that I can start to look at stocking department stores and working on a
bigger scale. However, I will always
produce a range alongside that is purely handmade as this is the aspect I like
the most about my business.
What’s been the best thing
about creating your company and designing?
The best thing is knowing
that there are girls all around the world walking about carrying my bags. It’s lovely to be able to make a business
from selling bags that I’ve designed and made myself.
Can you imagine yourself
doing anything different, career wise? Would you change anything about your
life?
Not at the moment no. There’s more I want to try through my
business. It’s been a success so far and
things seem to be getting better and better so my only plans are to carry on and
see where this takes me.
What are your favourite
fellow designers who you can’t help but indulge in?
I love the jewellery made by
Madam Fancy Pants, a New Zealand-based designer.
I’ve also come across a
quirky label called Lochers recently, who produce gorgeous tops embroidered with
a mix of sweet flowers, quirky phrases and swear words!
Who is your style guru or
muse? Do you ever envision someone in particular sporting your designs?
I love looking at old pictures
of Audrey and Marilyn – they were both so stylish but still had a quirky look
to them, which I really admire.
Where do you shop? What
are your favourite high street/mall haunts?
Topshop is definitely my
favourite! They do great everything -
jeans, shoes, coats and basics. I also
love the way they copy the trends in a really wearable way, but still allowing
you to look unique.
What are your favourite
magazines or websites?
My favourite magazine is Vogue
for inspiration and for all the gorgeous clothes and accessories in their
beautifully styled shoots.
What are your current
fashion obsessions?
I’ve had the same obsession
for a few years now, which is for ballet shoes. I have loads of pairs in different colours and fabrics and they are
perfect for me as I’m quite tall – so they are practical as well as glam!
What do you love and
hate the most about working in the fashion industry?
I love the fact I have to be
creative everyday as a job! I love that
reading fashion magazines and keeping up with the trends is part of my work
rather than just a hobby. I haven’t
found any down sides yet!
What is your dream
handbag?
My dream handbag is the 'Ramona'
bag by Jimmy Choo – it’s so luxurious and made from such beautiful leather. But at over £1000 it's definitely a dream!
Where did you get your
handbag, and what do you normally carry around with you?
My favourite handbag is my
pink 'Blake' handbag by Marc Jacobs. Handbags and purses are the only fashion items I splurge on and I only
buy classic shapes so that they last me a few years!
What is your favourite
outfit, where’d you get the pieces from, and how much did they cost?
I recently bought a gorgeous
mustard yellow chiffon frilly dress from a shop in
What’s that one piece of
jewellery or handbag that is your greatest find ever, and always attracts
comments?
I bought a lovely necklace
with a large but delicate looking black, diamante bow shaped pendant. It was from a tiny little jewellery shop in New York – it’s very
unique and I’ve never seen a similar one. It matches loads of outfits and I always get asked where it’s from.
Related: SS07 range from Emma Gordon | 2006 collection | AW06/07 collection
