New Cath Kidston leather collection inspired by postage stamps
Who said the art of letter writing was dead? Our colorful new Leather Collection celebrates postcards and beautiful handwritten envelopes, as well as vintage prints and British traditions – plus it is crafted from 100 percent leather.
Perhaps the most excited about this collection is our senior designer for bags and accessories, Cecily Bear, who worked on the concept from start to fruition. “I love this range, it is very dear to me. All the colors look so inviting and there is something for everyone within it; it will definitely have some longevity.”
Key bag shapes include a scallopededge mini cross-body bag with two strap lengths, to be worn over the shoulder, a larger shoulder bag that would look just as good teamed with jeans as it does with workwear, and the leather pouch with wrist strap, which could either slot nicely inside a tote, or come out for a night out —with just enough space for all your essentials.
Alongside those are our classic continental purses, our much-loved makeup bags, foldout wallets and cardholders. Each piece carries the same signature details: a scalloped trim, our updated English brass hardware, edge-paint elements and cotton twill lining. “We have continued that luxury treatment throughout and the finish is beautiful,” Cecily says.
The bag designer’s role is to turn ideas into reality and she loves coming up with new ways to spice up a range, adding femininity and personality to each product. “I have quite a free rein with designs. I’m very old school and sketch everything by pencil, then my assistants turn them into beautiful illustrations on the computer.”
The leather collection highlights her creativity at its best. “It is based on vintage postage stamps,” she says. “The idea is the scalloped edge looks like the perforations at the edge of a stamp when you rip it off. Then the shape itself is like an envelope – plus, we’ve included all the seams and details that appear on an actual envelope.”
And if that’s not playful enough Cecily took the brief to the next level with pieces that look like actual postcards. The leather pouch with wrist strap and the key ring are embroidered with the hand-drawn address of Cath Kidston’s Piccadilly flagship store.
Finally, transforming the lovingly timeworn into the thoroughly modern, we have redesigned a Wimborne Disty print, loosely based on a ’40s tea dress found in a London market (our team are constantly on the lookout for inspiration), with four striking color ways — pink, navy, yellow and metallic gold.
Cath Kidston’s leather bags and accessories are available at the following stores: Active Fun BGC, TriNoma, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia and Zalora. Brighten up your outfit with something from the range, post it and tag them on Instagram @cathkidston.ph and Facebook (fb.com/CathKidstonPhilippines) and use the hashtag #MustBeCathKidston.