You've got to see this brand...

This week's Shopping Secret from me, some may call me the puppet master, others the bag lady, or even the cookie monster. Any guesses? Read on!

I’ve not known of this brand for too long (less than a year) but they’d been going about 6 years. Don’t get me wrong they still are, but what was a New York based runway brand showing at NYFW, has now changed direction…. and happily for me / most of us reading here that change involved moving to London!

I feel pretty certain London is going to welcome these TREATS and candy they are, arm candy to be specific, as the brand is now concentrating on handbags. Which I am very pleased to hear as bags have been on my mind a lot recently (yes this is the depths of my inner psyche).

So, no more RTW, no more runway shows (for now), but focusing on what they do well, what their customers want and what commercially makes this small brand some dollar (or pounds I should now say).

Hungry anyone? Suddenly I was starving when I saw this one was in sale! NOW £160.

Having worked in buying & merchandising for years, predominantly at handbag brands (Mulberry 5 years and Anya Hindmarch 2 years - could I B anymore British?) hearing a brand listening to the math makes my heart sing.

Yes we want creativity, new designs and individual flourishes here and there (*or do we when social algorithms now feed us the same group of girls in all the same things, do I need to see another Loewe puzzle bag?).

But commercial doesn’t have to mean classic or boring. Just for godsake know what sells for you (as a brand) and work it!

I love this shape, classic but a bit fluid / interesting. £225.

I think this is a great move; the costs involved with creating, producing, growing a brand with all categories are just spiralling - clothing, accessories, shoes, swim - how much swimwear do you reckon Stine Goya have sold? Same with Rixo shoes? Profit wise it’s HARD.

And frankly some big brands that do venture into other categories don’t necessarily do it well; creating comfortable footwear with the right heel gradients, or well fitting swimwear (I mean Hunza G just have it right don’t they) is very technical. Vast size runs make categories like this difficult too. Basically, it takes a village.

It’s hard to do everything well, especially with a small team (because you know, costs again) and it makes perfect sense to focus on one area you do best.

I ran a completely different sort of small fashion business with Studio B as my online store (it’s been a year now since I ‘long paused’ this and changed the business into this, my fountain of knowledge!). I didn’t produce my own brand but bought a mix of brands as an independent online store, and yes I did thankfully turn a profit after 5 and a half years, as a team of numero uno, but it was a hard SLOG.

The rose detail!

I also think there’s still a gap in the market for good priced premium bags that have a bit of fun with shape / texture / statement detail (I have some more for you too, next time 😉). Old school monogram branding (Gucci, LV, Goyard I’m looking at you) makes me a little bit queasy but quiet luxury just doesn’t cut it for the cost for me!

Honestly, I recently attempted a Khaite bag after I’d seen various styles on many ‘cool’ girls, ultimately it’s just too minimal for my style. Which deep down I knew. The heart wants what the heart wants! And I’ll be honest, the leather quality on this particular style didn’t wow me for the price… I just kept thinking Cos when I tried it on.

This comment makes me want to hide if someone from Khaite read this (not that they will 😂) but it’s true! I’m here to give you my honesty!

Okay, back to these babies, brand (and some more of my chat) below!