In the Studio
The February Bags Our Design Team Are Most Excited For
06 February 2023
We love our Spring collection, and we think you will too. Especially after you’ve heard the details from the people behind the designs.
Step inside our London Design Studio and experience our February Edit through the eyes of our talented team. From their creative inspiration to the trends they’re setting for the season, it’s a feast for the senses. Plus we ask them the most difficult question of all – can you choose a favourite bag?
What was your inspiration for the Spring ‘23 collection, and the February Edit in particular?
Lucy: It was a natural progression from our Winter collection, where we were looking at nature from different angles. But in springtime this now includes things like bulbs starting to bud and our surroundings getting brighter.
Zizi: For the February Edit we knew we wanted Lavender to be our key colour. This is the trend to watch for the whole year, the key one to tap into.
We’ve used it as both a block colour on styles like Hillgate Place, and as just a pop against a more neutral background with Linden Gardens Spring Bulbs. So you can choose the way you want to wear it.
Alice: February is still a very cold month in London, so I’ll be wearing these bags with my winter coats. I love that they work with your wardrobe year-round.
How does Lavender make you feel?
Liz: It’s such a calming introduction to colour after the dark shades of winter. Even though it’s quite bold. As research we made a team trip to a lavender farm in Surrey. It was so serene.
What other trends should we look out for in February?
Sophie: We’ve gone back to the ‘90s with our shoulder bags. You can see the inspiration on Linden Gardens, in the shape as well as the equestrian-inspired buckle detailing.
Lucy: You’ll see a lot of statement hardware across the Edit, like the new chain strap on Hillgate Place. And of course our signature Heirloom monogram on some very popular styles.
Zizi: A shape we’ve been loving is the oversized tote, like Baylis Road 2.0 Colourblock and Cuba Street Twist. We know many of our customers are doing the same thing we are – adjusting to hybrid working and having to carry our lives in our bags. So the least we can do is make them really beautiful bags.
Tell us more about Linden Gardens
Lucy: We’ve created it in two sizes as we feel this is a shape you’ll want as both a small evening bag and also an all-day style. The bigger size is still very sleek. And of course they’re both in beautiful, soft leather that only gets better with age.
You can really see the skill of our artisan-makers on the Spring Bulbs version. All of those little buds created with cut inlay, such intricate leather detailing all done by hand.
Alice: I’m already imagining all the different ways I can style this one. Whatever colour I go for, I’ll be keeping the rest of my look very ‘90s inspired to match. Maybe a simple white T-shirt and jeans for day.
Zizi: I’ll be wearing the Lavender colour to match my hair
(Editor’s note: we can assure the readers, it’s a perfect match).
Speaking of intricate details, tell us more about the new edition of Book Street – Fables of Flora and Fauna.
Lucy: As Liz mentioned, we took trips as a team to these amazing spaces in nature that really inspired us. This was all last spring when we were designing the collection. Along with the larger trend in the fashion world right now for ‘nature tripping’. Fables of Flora and Fauna is inspired by woodland walks and that optimistic feeling spring brings with it. This storybook cover is a combination of our sketches, seeing the flora and fauna come to life.
Zizi: We hope when someone is carrying this bag they’ll feel a boost of optimism. And get excited for the longer days ahead.
What new bags are you most excited for and why?
Liz: I like the idea of having our Scottie mascot with us on every adventure, so Palace Gardens is perfect for me.
Zizi: I love that Camley Road is a modern take on a vintage shape. It’s so sleek, and the leather will age really nicely.
Sophie: Liverpool Street Patchwork will be so easy to match with an outfit thanks to all the different colours in there. I adore the stitch detail too.
Lucy: A triple compartment interior is a must for me, so I’m excited for Sloane Street. I’ll be wearing the Butterscotch colour with a new camel coat I’ve just bought.
Alice: Hillgate Place Chain is the ultimate day to night bag, so I’ll be carrying it non-stop.
Thanks Design Team, we loved hearing the stories behind your favourite picks from this month.
We’ll be catching up with them throughout Spring to delve into the details behind each month’s new edit, so make sure you keep an eye on Radley Stories. Where we’re also getting excited about the inspiration behind our Spring campaign. All of the bags featured are now available to shop in New Arrivals.
