Lend a hand with bags

I have set up a luxury handbag brand called AEVHA London – Alice Emma Victoria Horlick Accessories – with the bags designed in London and made in Italy from the finest leather.

I combine historic inspiration with modern design to create collections that offer an instant sense of heritage – I want my creations to have a longer appeal than a passing trend.

I’m lucky that my bags have already caught the eye of some top names and they are worn by Beyonce, Jessica Biel, Amy Adams and Pippa Middleton.

I’m in the process of raising cash through crowdfunding at kickstarter.com, which closes on April 21, to help grow my brand further so I can get my bags on as many stylish arms as possible.

I also want to offer customers a catwalk-to-customer experience where they can pre-order from our newest collection via my website aevhalondon.com without paying the retailer mark-up.

The AW17 collection has just been shown at London, Paris and New York fashion weeks, which is very exciting.

It meant customers could see the collection early, otherwise it would have been September.

If you have any advice on raising awareness of my brand and crowdfunding, that would be really helpful.

BIZ replies

You have already achieved so much in such a short space of DESIGNS Alice Horlick with a tote bag

time. In just over three years, your bags are being worn by some of the most well-known and fashionable names in the world.

So you already have excellent credentials and proof of success to encourage people to back your venture. This is also one of the best ways to spread the word about your stunning handbags – being spotted in fashion magazines and being posted on blogs and social media.

Giving handbags in return for funding over £220 is a great idea as that will make people feel further connected and a bigger part of your brand and its success.

All we can say is keep shouting out that you exist by using every opportunity to get a mention, a picture printed or posted, and a share on social media.

Good luck.