The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

Getting a handle on it

The world of handbags is fiercely competitive, but the Radley brand is a real homegrown success story, says Emma Akbareian

Emma Akbareian
Thursday 11 April 2013 11:15 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

It is an unwritten rule that you can never have too many handbags. No longer just a tool to carry about your essentials, a bag holds pride of place in most wardrobes. Holding its own in the fiercely competitive marketplace of leather accessories is British brand Radley.

Radley's roots are humble ones; the brand started life on a Camden market stall in the Nineties before its success led to rapid expansion and more than a decade later it now boasts numerous stores and a presence in some of the high street's best-loved department stores. It's in the middle ground of the handbag spectrum: superior leather and craftsmanship mark it apart from high street counterparts but a middle of the road price range makes its styles more affordable.

Radley introduces a new collaboration for spring/summer 2013 with the celebrated illustrator and textile designer Rory Crichton. Crichton's portfolio includes work consulting with a roster of international fashion powerhouses including Louis Vuitton, Givenchy and Gucci. His creation for Radley is a reinterpretation of the brand's iconic Scottish Terrier dog logo. The hand-drawn sketched design is brought to life in the Thames collection; a range of travel goods which include totes, umbrellas, holdalls and luggage.

In addition to the Crichton range, highlights of the brand's mainline collection include The Weaver, Fernworthy and Rollesby, all of which feature hand-woven leather detailing. The pocket bag is now one of the label's most enduring styles, having first been designed 14 years ago. The style owes its popularity to the versatility of the over-the-shoulder design and the reinterpretation of the colour scheme.

Writer and model Laura Bailey continues in her role as brand ambassador. This season she has also designed a range of handbags and travel luggage in a lightweight cream canvas.

All from radley.co.uk

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in