The Inspiration Behind…The Hiss

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Anya Sushko, Anya Sushko Handbags London, chic style, clutch, clutches, competion, day bags, designer bags, fashion, handbag details, handbags, handmade in london, his clutch, Hiss Clutch, Inspiration, leather, london desginer, luxury clutches, luxury designer, magazines, marie claire uk, night bags, oversixed clucthes, pink, python skin clutch, red, shoulder bag, Sky Blue, street style

The Hiss was originally designed back in 2011 when oversized envelope clutches were the trend du jour. Seen on every front row and worn by supermodels and It girls alike, they made headlines as they fit so perfectly within the ever so popular casual chic style – nonchalant but uber trendy. Inspired by the freedom of movement and ease of wear they allow for, we wanted to create a stand out oversized clutch which is also practical and can easily fit into a busy daily life.

Styling tips for the Hiss Clutch in Sky Blue.

We started by choosing a larger than usual size as we know how important it is to have a bag which fits nicely rather than spill out your essentials. We gave it our signature thick zip at the top, which is both study and durable and also adds a rock chic detail. The rest of the details are kept to a minimum, besides the small logo embossed at the front.

As the focus of this handbag is on ease of wear, we gave it soft edges to make it perfect to tuck beneath the shoulder.  To make it extra practical, we added a removable leather strap which means it can be  easily be transformed into a shoulder bag too. Worn by day as an alternative to the day bag, or by night – as an extra roomy clutch, we wanted it to be the sort of bag you can enjoy on both formal as well as rather casual occasions, one that would easily translate from day to night wear.

Details of the Hiss Clutch

One of the things we value the most about our work is the opportunity to be creative and daring with our work. If you have been following The Inspiration Behind series on our blog, you might have noticed that we feel strongly about involving our customers into the creative process, when possible. As we were putting together the finishing touches of the oversized envelope clutch we had just developed, we gave our fans, followers and customers the opportunity to choose its name. We teamed up with a popular fashion & lifestyle magazine and ran the My Name is Fashion competition, inviting creative minds from across the globe to write to us and suggest a name for this brand new handbag. The winning entry gave this handbag the name it is known by today – the Hiss – chosen by our talented customer, as the clutch reminded them of the mysterious and daring sounds that a snake makes. The original Hiss clutch came in Camelot Python leather, giving it an exotic look and feel. Since then, we have expanded the Hiss range to include an oversized clutch version in Olive Green, which is sleek, sophisticated and a gorgeous alternative to the classic black colour as well as Sky Blue –  a daring colour which makes an outfit unforgettable.

The Exotic Hiss Camelot Python Clutch

Last year, we developed it further to include a range of smaller sized versions called the Mini Hiss Clutch, now available in Rose Red, Passion Pink, and Powder Pink. If you often find yourself dashing to work-related or social commitments straight after work, you might find that the Hiss clutch is the perfect handbag for you – easy to wear by day, gorgeous by night.

The Mini Hiss Clutches in bright colours!

Which is your favourite version of the Hiss? Join the conversation on Facebook & Twitter now!

 

The Inspiration Behind…The Karolina

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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

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 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

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

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!

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

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Shop the signature Karolina Bags.