The importance of the handbag as the key fashion accessory has inspired thousands of would-be designers to try to produce their own range of bags. Having made this creative journey myself, I noted how rarely new designers understood the commercial environment in which they would be working, and why so many failed to achieve their ambitions. It seemed to be a needless waste of talent and it inspired me to create a course on handbag design. From the start, the course attracted budding entrepreneurs, people who not only wanted to design their own bags but also to manufacture and sell them. They have come from all around the world, many from other successful careers, but they were united by a common desire to turn a long-held dream into reality. This book has grown out of my course and provides a practical guide to the whole complex process of designing and producing handbags.
The focus of the book is on creativity but unlike many design books, it recognizes that successful design has to be viewed in the context of a globalized business. Based on my own experience in the fashion industry, my aim is to give you a coherent working structure through which you can channel your creativity, along with the tools you’ll need to bring your designs to market without making costly mistakes. Along with detailed discussions of the design process, I have included practical advice on materials, sampling, manufacture, branding, and marketing. It is a comprehensive account of how to turn inspiration into successful designs that can be manufactured and sold.

Design, Manufacture, and Sell Your Bag Collection will be available from 28^th December 2023 and can be purchased directly from the Publishers Bloomsbury, or on Amazon.