Style Notes
August Handbag Trends with Fashion Journalist Polly Sayer
09 May 2024
The August Edit is one you’ll never forget. Our London Design Studio and artisan makers have outdone themselves with heritage-inspired handcrafted finishes. Creating truly wear-forever handbags, inspired by global catwalk trends. Like our statement chain straps and hardware. Day-to-night handbags for your return to the office and after hours socialising. And a mix of classic and contemporary design for the ultimate in versatility.
We invited one of the most stylish people we know to take a look at our new collection. Over to Polly Sayer, Fashion Editor and handbag-lover, to tell you all about how she’ll be wearing our August collection.
What trend are you loving at the moment?
“Statement hardware and chain handles are everywhere right now and I love the way it can give your look a bit of an edge. Mill Bay is a great example of this. Its flap design is classic and super versatile, but the addition of a chain strap just gives it that contemporary twist.”
What bag will you be carrying for your return to the office?
“Much as I love a micro bag, anything too small just won’t cut it for a day in the office. I’m not the kind of person that travels light so I’m always looking for something that strikes the balance between small and easy, yet big enough to fit all my essentials. The Hyde Road is just that, in my opinion, as it comfortably carries everything I need to take with me. With its chic quilting it feels like a really on-trend, current choice too.”
How would you style Grosvenor Remastered?
“I’m obsessed with the structured silhouette of the Grosvenor Remastered, as well as the way the gold hardware really takes centre stage. For this reason I think it’ll go really well with an androgynous, boxy silhouette – think matching suits or an oversized blazer with straight leg jeans. Simple and unfussy, yes, but the bag’s statement details will elevate your look with minimal effort.”
What draws you to Radley London?
“It’s a brand I’ve known and loved since I was a kid. My mum owned a few Radley London handbags and she is such a stickler for great quality, so this has really stuck with me. Obviously, the bag designs themselves are super chic and there’s something special about each one being created in the brand’s in-house design studio, but on closer inspection you can really see the attention to detail – buttery soft leather, interior pockets and adjustable mean they not only look great, but are practical too.”
“Craftsmanship is so important when it comes to purchasing a bag and Radley London’s is second to none.”
What do you look for when buying an investment bag?
“Whenever I’m considering investing in a new bag, I always ask myself the same two questions: “Is this well-made?” And “can I see myself wearing this in five years’ time?”. If the answer is yes to both, then you’re probably onto a winner. Craftsmanship is so important when it comes to purchasing a bag and Radley London’s is second to none. You can really feel the quality of the leather and with a brand steeped in British heritage, you can be certain they’ll stand the test of time.”
If you could only choose one style from our new collection to carry for the next three months, what would it be?
“So difficult to choose! But if I really had to, I think I’d pick the Grosvenor Remastered. It’s the perfect balance of classic and contemporary and I can see myself wearing it with pretty much everything this autumn.”
As our diaries start to get busier, what three items should everyone have in their wardrobe to mix and match?
“I think every woman should have a day-to-night dress they feel AMAZING in. Probably a midi length, but whether it’s florals or a big sleeve, it should do nothing less than make your heart sing whenever you wear it.
“A great, oversized blazer is a must all-year round. I’m so pleased tailoring is back on the agenda now going out is a thing again, so look for something boxy and size up if you need to. For autumn I’d go for something navy or tan as it’s a little softer than black, which means you can chuck it over a dress if the weather’s still nice.
“Finally, some chunky gold jewellery. It’s often the difference between a good and a great outfit, and I love it when a gold chain matches the hardware of your handbag.”
What are the five things you have to have in your handbag?
“My wallet, keys, and phone of course, but usually some lipstick (at the moment I’m loving Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk) and some sunglasses, even in the autumn. You never know when the sun might come out!”
What are the key colours to look out for this season?
“Naturally, I think you can expect the usual darker shades to start reappearing. But post-lockdown, I really believe we’re not ready to let go of brights just yet. Expect to see shades of burnt orange, mustard yellow, and fuchsia for a more vibrant take on autumnal dressing.”
Thanks Polly. We love those colours too. And you can expect to see much more of them from us in the coming weeks.
Take a look at all of our new-in styles here. And find our latest monthly drop blog over on Radley Stories.
