Attire Accessories - Nov/Dec 2019 (Issue 79)

PROFILE 75 Tell me a bit about how the company started. What was the aim of the label when it was launched? The company initially started as an embryonic idea with a passion of mine to design my very own distinctive line of luxury handbags that stood out from other brands. I wanted a range that had flare, vibrant colours and soft luxurious leathers. The products needed to be comfortable to hold and wear, and make customers feel special and proud, whether they’re worn to a party or as an everyday bag. I recall right from the beginning, some three years ago, the many hours spent sketching the designs – I just couldn’t stop. I wanted that thrill and ‘wow’ factor from every bag that I designed. Chelsea Noir finally became a company and we struggled like any other business to bring our products to market and into boutiques. It was a tremendous challenge right from the beginning to source the best quality leathers and in the right colours, let alone finding the right manufacturer. A little while ago we were approached by the BTAA and The Giftware Association to enter the Fashion Accessories Awards amongst other designers and retailers in September 2019. We were absolutely thrilled to be selected for this prestigious award especially as there were many talented and amazing designers that were competing for the honour and recognition. You can imagine how thrilled we were when we were announced as the winners! We were so honoured and this award made us even more determined to be the best and bring our products to market. How were the initial products developed, and what was the response? This has got to be the most exciting stage of any company. The stage of sketching and planning was the best. We have so many completed designs and we are slowly and lovingly bringing these designs out. But for now, we have our beautiful yet small collection. The decision was initially to show the prototype bags to my friends and family, who were very supportive. I would give the bags to friends to wear to see if we could generate the kind of interest that I’d received initially. We were quickly complemented on the colour and asked where we bought them! Slowly we started getting enquiries from small boutiques and the bags started to sell, which was very encouraging By testing the size, shapes and length of straps I was able to perfect the materials, hardware and size of each bag. Getting this fundamental stage right is the backbone to a company. What challenges were overcome when the company was starting out? The main hurdle was finding that great relationship with our manufactures and a mutual understanding so each and every bag had the craftsmanship required. Having made the initial collection myself I am still very much involved in pattern cutting and sourcing of fabrics. This is an important role as I can personally feel the fabrics to determine how well it will cut and saw. Being so involved in this stage is crucial to the outcome of every bag. What sets you apart from your competitors? Our small but perfectly made collection is wearable by all – from mums to working women in the city. Here at Chelsea Noir designing each season is taken out of the equation and we concentrate on how versatile our bags are at any time of the year. We try to look after the planet by reducing our wastage output. Our bold colours can work with any outfit and will suit each season, which makes us adaptable to any time of the year. We feel our sophisticated signature bags are what sets us apart from our competition. How important is your location and history to the company in its success? We are a British company so our heritage will always remain here; the boutiques we are working with also have this ethos when stocking our brand, which helps our success. While we pride ourselves on this fact, our location and identity will remain no matter where we are. How has the product offering changed over the years and how would you describe your current collection? Our signature style is the Chelsea bag, which comes in an array of colours. This stunning bag is made from the finest leather and suede. The range will always remain in our product collection and will always be an integral part of Chelsea Noir. We offer a weekend bag/baby bag in the collection,