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Category Archives: Karolina

The Inspiration Behind…The Karolina

08 Wednesday Oct 2014

Posted by ANYA SUSHKO in Anya's World, Behind the Karolina, Inspirations, Karolina

≈ 1 Comment

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Anya Sushko Handbags London, bags for work, behind the scenes, business bag, day bag, designer, designer anya sushko, evening bag, fashion, handmade, handmade in london, Karolina, Karolina Bag, Karolina Handbag, leather, luxury, luxury handbags, maxi karolina, mini karolina, office bag

Welcome back behind the scenes at our Studio in London. This week, we invite you to take a look at our drawing boards, back when the original Karolina handbag was created.

A few years ago, we were receiving more and more enquiries for a classic daily handbag with a twist, smart enough for the office, pretty enough for a dinner out and as practical as it can possibly get. A lot of our customers were struggling to find something really classic but also a stand out.  We accepted the challenge and sat down at the drawing board.

Shape of the Karolina Handbag and cutting the leather

Shape of the Karolina Handbag and cutting the leather

A daily handbag that you can take anywhere has to have a classic look and shape. We chose a trapezoid shape, with a slight curve at the top to add a small twist that we know will matter to the individualists amongst you. We made the bottom firm so that it sit upright when you put it down, and it holds you things in place – especially useful if you are carrying a small lap top, a tablet, folders or anything that needs to be treated carefully.

Leather shapes of the first Karolina ever made!

Leather shapes and lining of the first Karolina ever made!

Once the architectural work has been completed, we moved on to carefully choosing and creating the details that will define the handbag’s usability. The pockets are key – they can alter the structure so they need to be carefully placed – exactly where they will matter. You are likely to open them and go through them numerous times a day so they need to be durable and to bring comfort, as much as anything else. As women, we understand the need to separate your essentials from everything else – that familiar moment when you’ve been looking for your keys or your phone for 20minutes. We decided on a front pocket with a central zip, big enough for the things you are more likely to reach for regularly. We kept it subtle to keep the bag’s original shape.

Inner pockets of the Karolina

Inner pockets of the Karolina

Outside zip pocket for all your essentials

Outside zip pocket for all your essentials

We discovered that practicality is what makes the difference between buying a handbag and then wearing it on a daily basis. Arm candy handbags worn at the arm are favoured by many of our customers – therefore we created sturdy, great quality handles that won’t wear off. The final, hand stitched detail speaks of the work and attention that has gone into them. However, those of us who are used to juggling more than one thing at a time (children! Shopping bags! Car keys! Mobile phone…the list is endless) know that a long handle to allow for shoulder wear and even cross body wear can be priceless. So we added a longer handle that can be added on when most required.

Larger handles for greater use

Larger handles for greater use

The Karolina soon proved to be one of our most popular designs. We think the reason is we listened to your feedback and designed it to be as practical as it is beautiful, to suit many different occasions and most of all, to be a reliable partner from early morning to late at night. Subsequently, we developed different variations of the Karolina – the Maxi, for those of you who can never fit it all, the Mini for those who prefer things lights and the Classic. See them all here and tweet us your favourite one!

The Karolinas!

The Karolinas!

Why are so many of our handbags named after women? Simply, because we cannot seize to be inspired by the people we meet both professionally and personally and especially those who leave a lasting mark. Everyone comes into your life for a reason, because everyone can be your teacher – in a different way. By naming our bags after the strong females that have left an impression, we give meaning to our work.

The first Karolina made by Creative Director Anya Sushko

The first Karolina made by Creative Director Anya Sushko

Make sure you keep up to date with Anya Sushko Handbags news on our social media platforms!

Shop the signature Karolina Bags.

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Bespoke Bag Project for Lenka Gourdie – Leather Cutting & Reinforcements

21 Wednesday May 2014

Posted by ANYA SUSHKO in Anya's World, Bespoke Project for Lenka Gourdie, Karolina

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

accessories, anyasushko, bags, bespoke, brand, creations, cutting, fashion, handbags, handcrafting, handmade, leather, London, luxury, pattern, process

After meeting with Lenka Gourdie from Bag Servant to finalise the last touches for her new Maxi Karolina Handbag last week, our design team is now focusing on putting together the finished piece, starting with cutting the leather, getting all patterns in place and arranging the reinforcements. The exciting task is to amend the pattern to Lenka’s specifications. As a successful and busy businesswoman, she’d like her bag to fit everything necessary to get her through the day and her many meetings. This is why her Karolina bag will be slightly larger in size.

The making process starts with amending the patterns to perfectly fit Lenka’s requirements. Below, you can see how our design team uses heavy weight pattern cutting paper to prepare the patterns and adjust every detail, such as extending the length of the handles.

Our Founder and Head Designer Anya measuring up the handles for Lenka’s Maxi Karolina handbag.

Our Founder and Head Designer Anya measuring up the handles for Lenka’s Maxi Karolina handbag.

The next step is to attach the patterns to the board which will then be cut out of leather.

Amending the patterns for the Maxi Karolina Handbag by hand.

Amending the patterns for the Maxi Karolina Handbag by hand.

Lenka chose her leathers last week and opted for an orange textured cowhide with a naturally tanned brown leather trim, matching it with grey cotton lining. A stylish combination where colours transition with ease through the seasons making it a timeless handbag. Each piece of the pattern being hand cut and positioned. Each one of our handbags is made entirely out of leather, including the inside parts and the reinforcements, making them last longer and look even more beautiful with time and use.

Cutting the leather for reinforcements.

Cutting the leather for reinforcements.

Each of the patterns has to be aligned with one another, to ensure only the best parts of the leather get used which also helps to minimise waste.

Aligning the patterns on the leather ready for cutting.

Aligning the patterns on the leather ready for cutting.

In the picture below you can see the leather that will be used as the trim. As requested, we are using this gorgeous vegetable tanned leather, a deep brown colour that complements the autumn orange of the exterior. Our design experts place the pattern on top of the leather using weights, so that the leather can be cut perfectly to size.

Cutting vegetable tanned leather for the trims.

Cutting vegetable tanned leather for the trims.

Next week we will be a step closer to the finish line, which is getting us more and more excited. Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date.

Have you ever dreamt of having your own bespoke handbag made or maybe having one made for someone special? Our team is available to discuss your requirements, just get in touch by email at bespoke@anyasushko.com.

Shop Anya Sushko Bespoke Handbags

 

 

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