A NEW LEAF

Designer Dagmar Palmer harks back to a more personal era, with her luxurious stationery collections

What inspired you to start Liberty Bespoke?

I am passionate about the luxurious beauty of stationery and the stories that paper brings to life. I created Liberty Bespoke for people with the same passion.

Do you design all your collections yourself?

Yes, I am incredibly fortunate to do what I love on a daily basis. I am constantly inspired by my surroundings and interpret this inspiration onto paper.

Why, do you feel, are people reverting to luxury stationery in our digital world? The digital age has meant that birthday wishes and other celebratory messages are quickly and generically sent via social media platforms, and end up deleted or lost in your social media timeline. As such, personal handwritten messages, which can be kept and treasured as a memento, have become so much more meaningful and appreciated.

What makes your products special?

I am a strong believer in supporting local industry, so all our stationery paper products are printed in South Africa, on the finest, environmentally responsible papers. I also use artisanal processes, such as letterpress and traditional printing processes, which make each collection completely unique.

What, for you, is the best thing about working with paper?

I have always appreciated its textural, refined and bespoke qualities. It is a material that is steeped in years of tradition. It carries meaningful stories and is reflective of our societies, conveying messages from one generation to the next. Paper is richly historical and incredibly meaningful to society.

If you could receive a letter from absolutely anyone today, who would it be?

I would love to have Nelson Mandela’s enlightening words immortalised on paper. I would also prize a letter from the Dalai Lama. There really are so many inspiring people whose words of wisdom I would treasure.

Handwritten messages are so meaningful and appreciated

DAGMAR PALMER DESIGNER