Hasta La Ideas

A proudly British label merges form and function with unexpected fabrics for truly unique handbags

Feeling constrained as a freelance interiors stylist, Londoner Tamara Fogle abandoned editorial features in favor of following her own creative pursuit. What began simply as a desire to make “things” she liked, Fogle explains “now my job is a real reflection of me, and I love that fact.” Steadily gaining notoriety since its inception in 2007, her eponymous handbag label is now stocked by a wealth of specialty boutiques across the U.K., as well as at London’s edgy Hoxton Gallery and The British Museum shop.

Fogle’s passion for her work is evident in every bag, which are each entirely designed and made in the U.K.—a decision she says is “exceedingly important.” While this drastically reduces her carbon footprint, Fogle explains her real interest is in bolstering a “diminishing industry” that truly excels in craftsmanship. “By championing British production, I hope to evoke the heritage and create the quality that U.K. manufacturing was once renowned for. My focus is to create a quality product that will last forever, and won’t be thrown away in favor of next season’s fad. Instead, it will get better and better with age and wear.”

In addition to ensuring sustainability, Fogle’s label also stands out for its fabrics, with the designer roaming the globe for unique materials and finishes that span French mattress ticking to Indian quilts. “Sourcing fabrics is the most fun,” she says. “For longstanding ranges like my Antique German Flour Sack range, I work with a few specialist textile dealers. Looking for new fabrics means I am constantly scouring antique fairs and talking to the most interesting and eccentric people.”

Her latest find is a stockpile of vintage Belgian army tent bags that are “enormous and falling apart at the seams,” but by playing with the proportions, Fogle says “the fabric can be made up into fantastic bags that combine textures like soft leather hides, hard bridle leathers and other ‘scruffy textiles’ for a distinct aesthetic.”

Tamara Fogle bags sell in a variety of styles and patterns, and are stocked in the U.K. at Elys of Wimbledon, Flint in Sussex and 18 The Mall in Bristol, as well as Iena in Japan, online at ModCloth in the States and Le Grenier in Australia. Prices typically span £125-330.

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An L.A. stylist debuts her statement-making line of repurposed t-shirt necklaces

When L.A.-based stylist Lauren Constantine needed more distinct accessories on set, she decided to make them herself. After several years of crafting one-off statement pieces, Constantine finally opened up shop, peddling two styles under her label V&Y Mart.

The V&Y neckpiece is comprised of upcycled t-shirts, ripped and twisted into a multifunctional scarf. Both a cozy cold weather accessory and bold face-framing necklace, you can wear the accessory year round, dressed up or down and adjusted with its hardware closure. Constantine explains, “It’s more important to me that clients celebrate their own sense of personal style and feel good in what they’re wearing, not just throw on a different trend each season.”

Putting her sewing skills to use, Constantine crafted a collection of bows she calls El Bow Co. She stuffs each with tulle, and they come in a variety of adorable fabrics and sizes spanning small to Minnie Mouse-style large.

“I’m really passionate about getting down with the sewing machine, and so any chance I have to do that is exciting,” says Constantine. “As a stylist, you hone skills as a visual artist—bring characters to life, create moods and make statements—which is really rewarding in and of itself. But, to bring wearable art to life and be a part of the creation process, from the initial swatch selection to the final stitch, is for me the biggest thrill.”

Bows span $22-36 and neckpieces sell for $58 from Constantine’s Etsy shop, V&Y Mart.

Folds, pleats and tucks in this suit by graduate designer Carolina Reis exaggerate the movements of its wearer.

Top and above photographs are by Nichon Glerum

“Since movement is as individual as our fingerprints, a design that takes into account motion becomes singular to each person,” says Reis.

Above photograph is by Design Academy Eindhoven and Vincent van Gurp

Called Wear Out, the project was developed as part of her graduation at the Design Academy Eindhoven last year.

Above photograph is by Nichon Glerum

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Above photograph is by Nichon Glerum

The information below is from Carolina Reis:

Carolina Reis, designer and researcher, has developed Wear Out. It is the outcome of her master degree at the Design Academy Eindhoven. Her work was exhibited during the Dutch Design Week from the 23rd until the 31st of October at both the Design Academy Graduation Show and at the Appropriate Material exhibition.

WEAR OUT – body movement shaping the garment

What if the wearer could become whoever he is without having to choose a certain representation in his outfit? Is it possible to approach fashion design without imposing a certain model to follow?

This project is the outcome of this premise. The mechanism applied on the fabric breaks when there is pressure and adjusts to the wearer. By using movement as a catalyzer of change in the object, the garment takes its final shape once each person has used it.

DezeenTV: Wear Out by Carolina Reis

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Folded fabric by Issey Miyake	Pleated chair by Nendo	Leggings by Camille Cortet

Practically an encyclopedia, Classic and Modern Fabrics provides a complete guide to the world of textiles with 834 high quality color scans of over 600 fabrics, each accompanied by a brief history and detailed description of its uses.

Authored by textile designer Janet Wilson, this heavy tome seemingly documents every fabric ever created—from the common to the obscure. The alphabetized guide provides valuable insight on frequently used fabrics with an inexhaustible scholasticism, such as the over 25 types of velvet identified and explained down to each minute detail.

The book comes out stateside 1 May 2010 and can be pre-ordered from Amazon or purchased online from publishers Thames & Hudson.