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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Handmade, super-cute knit products from a renaissance woman

It’s a rare thing these days to find a fashion label that truly stands out for originality and design. It’s even less common to find one that is not only made locally but also made by hand by the name behind the brand. ALL Knitwear is lovingly made by Annie Larson, a blogger and knit enthusiast, in her Minneapolis shop. We caught up with Larson for a chat about knitwear, color and tangible inspiration.

Who is behind the label?

ALL knitwear is a one-woman operation. I launched the label and online shop in April 2010 and have updated the selection seasonally since then. All of the pieces are made-to-order by me within two weeks of the order being placed. In addition to producing each piece, I manage all of the photography and website administration. I write every email personally to each customer—it’s always me on the other end!

What’s with the name, ALL?

A.L.L. are my initials, standing for Annie Lee Larson. It also doubles as a description for what you can expect from the label, it’s all knitwear!

Where do you source design inspiration?

I visit many corners of the Internet for daily doses in fashion and culture. I am often inspired by people and personalities and places. I have suddenly become interested in magazines again, craving more tactile inspiration.

Where do you produce the knitwear?

In my storefront studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. I have a Brother 910 Electroknit knitting machine, which uses mylar sheets and a special pencil to graph the patterns I use in my designs. Every morning, I wake up at 7:30am, drink coffee, eat oatmeal, write emails, and then knit for the rest of the day. I like to link the pieces together in the evening because it’s a quiet activity and it feels right then.

Where are you stocked and what’s next for you?

Currently I am stocked by Dagmar Rousset in Melbourne, Australia, as well as my online store. In the coming months I will also have stock available at the General Store in San Francisco and Douglas + Bec in New Zealand. I have some travel plans coming up in May, and have been starting the process of a potential move to New York City next fall. In between all of that, I will just keep knitting every day.

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