THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE HANDBAG

Here's a must-have for all handbag aficionados! 

Discover the provenance of the Hermes Kelly, Chanel 2.55 and Fendi Baguette, plus an impressive line-up of historical and modern designs, in Meredith Etherington-Smith's latest book, The Secret History of the Handbag.

The author expertly leads us on a visual journey of the rise of the handbag, highlighting the social history of the bag and revealing many lesser-known facts en route, including that Leonardo da Vinci conceptualised the prototype for a messenger-style bag in c.1497.

Meredith Etherington-Smith worked as an editor at Harper's & Queen, Paris Vogue and Town & Country, and has written several books, including a biography of Salvador Dali and Vanities: The Golden Age of Necessaires and Minaudieres. She has edited Christie's Magazine since the 1990's.

You can view my piece on The Secret History of the Handbag for harpersbazaar.co.uk here and read my Q&A with Meredith Etherington-Smith, below. 

Enduring style icon JacquelineKennedy Onassis (1929-1994) at Heathrow airport with her eponymous Gucci Jackie bag, 1971 Picture courtesy of Mary Evans Picture Library/Interfoto Agentur

THE INDUSTRY INTERVIEW

Many thanks to Harriet Bowe, Features Editor of The Industry London, for doing this Q&A with me. It was fun to reflect on past work experiences...

MEMBER INTERVIEW WITH LOTTIE JOHANSSON

Freelance editor, consultant and blogger, Lottie Johansson has worked for every fashion publication worth knowing, including a considerable number of the fashion industry’s most prestigious titles. Honing her skills at the likes of Vogue, Marie Claire and Drapers, Lottie has carved out an illustrious career – putting her in touch with many Industry members along the way. She’s also just joined the British Society of Magazine Editors. Here the brand new Industry member tells us more.

With over 15 years experience, what’s been your biggest highlight so far?

There have been so many highlights over the years, but I really enjoyed working at Condé Nast. Firstly, as fashion and beauty editor at Brides and then as executive fashion and beauty editor at Vogue, where editor-in-chief Liz Tilberis and publishing director Dick Shortway appointed me. I worked closely with both the editorial and commercial teams at Vogue, which I found really interesting. I also styled a lovely shoot with photographer, Arthur Elgort in New York and inadvertently sold a page of advertising at the fashion trade show Igedo in Dusseldorf – my one and only experience of selling space.

LONDON FASHION WEEK: AZZA FAHMY FOR MATTHEW WILLIAMSON AW14 JEWELLERY COLLABORATION

British fashion supremo, Matthew Williamson, showcased his second fine jewellery collaboration with the Egyptian luxury jewellery designer, Azza Fahmy, at his 70’s-inspired AW14 London Fashion Week show. The high-energy collection was presented in front of a star-studded audience, including Poppy Delevingne, Olivia Palermo, Cat Deeley and Elisa Sednaoui.

Here's my review of the collection for July issue of Harper's Bazaar Arabia, which includes quotes from Matthew Williamson and Azza Fahmy on gifting for Eid and Ramadan. I've also included my full interview with the collaboration team.