Tiny bags with big personality are where it’s at for Aspinal of London’s SS20 collection
As reflects the woman who designs them, Aspinal of London’s soon-to-be-launched SS20 collection of handbags is a rainbow of glamorous frivolity.
“This is the brightest and most fun collection we’ve done to date – I absolutely love it,” says Creative Director Mariya Dykalo as she walks us through the vibrant new spring collection at Aspinal of London’s Dubai Mall boutique.
Inspired by London’s swinging sixties, the SS20 collection combines an unexpected use of colour and shape, with an array of playful pieces that exude joie de vivre in every detail. “We were looking at a few of Giles’ (Deacon) books on the work of photographers Norman Parkinson and Cecile Beaton,” explains Mariya. “I loved the ‘It’ girls of the 60s that they shot – so naughty and gorgeous and fun - full of life and vitality. It really inspired me.”
Captured carrying a mix of upscale and country bags all over the British capital in one of the most iconic eras of British fashion, the duality of town and country is a common thread running throughout Aspinal of London’s new season collection.
“We’ve introduced a whole new palette of colours for this season, as well as changing the shapes a bit – well, shrinking them actually,” says Mariya. “Micro bags are a huge trend, so we’ve created mini versions of some of our most iconic styles. This season we’re launching the Micro Mayfair and The Micro Trunk.”
Keeping style and practicality in mind at all times, while being small, the Micro versions of the brand’s most classic brands are very much designed with the modern woman’s needs in mind. “The Mayfair is one of the brand’s best-selling bags. The Duchess of Cambridge has the classic version in both lilac and black, but this season, we’ve reworked it into something a little more playful.”
Retaining the allure of its big sister, the Micro Mayfair keeps all of its clever design elements, but in a more compact iteration, making it perfect for evenings out.
“I didn’t make it too small because aside from being beautiful, it still has to be useful,” laughs Maria. “So you can get quite a lot in there – including your phone, which, aside from your credit card and your lipstick, is the most important thing.”
Introducing five new contemporary designs to the product portfolio, the new spring collection takes its cues from a variety of British cultural reference points, and comes in an array of beautiful new paintbox shades, including English Lavender, Bright Mustard, Emerald Green and Penelope Pink.
“We’re always inspired by the incredible history and heritage of Britain in our designs – from art and literature to music and architecture. There’s so much history to look to in London itself – it’s a never-ending fountain of inspiration,” says Mariya.
“As far as the colours we have chosen for this collection, my favourite is Penelope pink – it couldn’t be anything else. I love all shades of pink, but this one is such a sophisticated tone. We call it Penelope Pink – named after Lady Penelope from Thunderbirds, one of the most iconic British glamourpusses of the 1960s.”
