In the Studio
Behind The Picture Bag: The Allotment
13 May 2024
The season’s most anticipated style is here. The Allotment is our new spring picture bag. And it might be our most decorative edition yet (actually, it most definitely is).
When creating the Spring collection, our Designers were inspired by their own lockdown hobbies. Appreciating the simple things in life, they found joy in gardening. Even if it was just a window box or a few house plants. Soon enough, they’d imagined Radley dog getting a little green fingered himself (or should we say green pawed?).
“During the various lockdowns last year, everyone on the Design Team developed a keen interest in the outdoors. With walks, gardening, and more specifically growing our own fruit and vegetables. The Allotment picture bag naturally fitted so well with our theme and the joy we were all having in growing our produce.” Alice, Designer
Spot our lovable Scottie growing his own fruit and veg down at The Allotment. Designed with lots of intricate details, this style is transformed from a charming, coveted handbag into a truly special collectible. Join us as we go behind the craftsmanship of this season’s picture bag.
From Radley dog and his wheelbarrow to each and every illustrated carrot. The Allotment scene is made with 70 pieces of leather appliqué. Layers upon layers of carefully adorned, thoughtful details. It’s hard to choose but our Designers have managed to pick their favourite.
“There are many things I love about this season’s picture bag, but if I had to choose one detail, it would be Radley’s little dungarees. They’re so cute.” - Alice, Designer
To set the scene and add the smaller details. This artwork includes a total of 35 different screen prints. Delicate daisy illustrations, the fur on our two Scotties and the metallic windows on the potting shed are just a few examples.
Did you know it takes eight skilled artisans to make just one picture bag?
The craftsmanship process involves many intricate and creative elements. Starting with cutting and constructing the handbag panels. Applying the screen prints and appliqué. Then adding the leather whipstitching and the chunky moccasin stitches that outline clouds, which are all completed by hand.
That’s right. It takes a whole week to craft just one of these bags. But when you see how much detail is involved (including every appliqué element and stitch), perhaps seven days is no surprise after all.
Discover more expertly crafted new season styles in our Spring collection, including the latest from our March Edit.
