Four bags saved me in a blizzard
DESIGNER SAMANTHA FUERY, 44, is married, has two children, Poppy, 15, and Freddy, 12, and lives in Somerset. WHEREVER I’m working, whether it’s in the UK or further afield, I know I have all I could possibly need in my handbags.
People may laugh, but last year this went in my favour when I found myself trapped in a snowstorm in Yorkshire overnight, unable to get back to Somerset.
I had four bags containing everything I might need for at least 24 hours: a warm wrap, my laptop, a Neal’s Yard Beauty Balm, Jo Malone perfume, snacks and masses of magazines. I was quite happy to hunker down in a station waiting room and wait until the tracks were cleared.
If I’m working, I carry a big tote containing my scarf, toothbrush and laptop; a crossbody bag with my wallet and phone; a clutch in case I have an evening do — into which I’ll put a lipstick, comb and compact mirror — and a little shoulder bag in the tote which contains my make-up and perfume.
I like to get up, put everything I need during the day into bags and leave. I can’t pop home at lunch if I’ve forgotten something. No matter what the situation, I have everything to hand.
I use bags from my own company, Heat & Fury, and usually carry around £550 worth, weighing around 4.5kg.
The trend for multiple handbags is now so ubiquitous that I’ve designed a three-in-one version for the American market. Most women find that one bag isn’t enough.
My husband travels a lot for work and we all go with him. We’ve lived in 17 houses in the past 18 years, so I am quite used to scooping up everything I need and decanting it into a few bags.
As well as the practical element, I also think we express ourselves through our accessories. They can be as flamboyant and colourful as you like, no matter how work-appropriate or low-key your clothes.