Ever wondered who designs our fashion treasures? Let us introduce you to the Accessorize design team. Transforming sketches and samples to bona fide style must-haves right here in our London studio, we meet the women who bring the brand to life…
Minna Mia Holland, Senior Designer (Soft Accessories/Cold Weather) and Charlotte Wood, Assistant Designer (Beach/Swim)
What’s the best thing about your job?
Travel. I have had the opportunity to live and work in different countries over the course of my career and met some wonderful people and had some crazy experiences along the way! It has been a real privilege to learn from all the brilliantly creative and talented craftspeople I have worked with over the years. The relationships I have built with people around the world are really special to me and are a constant source of joy and inspiration!
– Minna Mia Holland, Senior Designer (Soft Accessories/Cold Weather)
I love the fact that every single Accessorize product is designed from scratch in our London studios. It means that every single product within each range is given love and ownership from start to finish. It’s always such an amazing feeling seeing a product you have designed and overseen from the start, brought to life in a campaign shoot. The team I work with are all incredibly creative, inspiring, talented and, most importantly, we all share a huge passion for the design of beautiful products.
– Charlotte Wood, Assistant Designer (Beach/Swim)
Cassie Anne Worman, Junior Jewellery Designer
Where do you find your inspiration?
You can’t beat going out and exploring, be it travel and culture, art, history, literature or food. There are so many avenues – it’s just about getting out there, finding and translating them.
– Cassie Anne Worman, Junior Jewellery Designer
Everywhere! One of the great things about being creative is that inspiration can be found in the most obscure or apparently mundane places. I once met an inspiring elderly lady who had taken up textiles late in life – even doing a degree in her late eighties. She told me how it had made her see the world differently and that she now noticed much more beauty in everyday things. We both agreed we loved this open way of seeing – what could be better than that?
– Minna Mia Holland, Senior Designer (Soft Accessories/Cold Weather)
Ann Magritt, Senior Designer (Handbags) and Hannah Callaghan, Handbag Designer
Who’s your favourite designer and why?
Miuccia Prada for being daring and really different – she once said “what you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today when human contacts go so fast. Fashion is instant language”. I love the idea that fashion can be a language and how you use it tells your story. The great thing with accessories is that they are easy purchases that can enhance not just your look but your mood – and the mood of those around you.I also really like what Stuart Vevers has done for Coach. The brand has really moved on and has a distinct new style.
– Ann Magritt, Senior Designer (Handbags)
My favourite designer brand would have to be Chloe. I love the mix of 70s glam with the feminine bohemian prints and textures. The iconic hardware and surface detail on the bags are always so beautifully crafted.
– Hannah Callaghan, Handbag Designer
Jessica Sharman, Designer (Angels) and Jasmine Broughton, Assistant Embellishment Designer
What advice would you give someone wanting to get into the fashion industry?
Be creative in as many ways as you can, even if it doesn’t relate to your career goals exactly. Learn, create and absorb as much as you can from your experiences and travels!
– Jessica Sharman, Designer (Angels)
Never stop learning. This industry is constantly changing, and you must keep up with the technology, innovations and trends.
– Valentina Wolfermann, Print Design Assistant
Which Accessorize SS19 collection are you most excited about?
I am most excited about the Amalfi collection. I absolutely love the fun and humour within the pieces. Working on the textile bags for this collection was very exciting, and I really love the fruit pieces we have within the range!
Jasmine Broughton, Assistant Embellishment Designer
The Fiesta collection has made me impatient for summer to arrive! The bright colours and the textures of weavings and embroideries are a great combination.
Valentina Wolfermann, Print Design Assistant
Georgie Chappell, Print Designer
What are your top five must-have pieces from Accessorize?
1. Fiesta Stripe Bikini (coming soon)
2. Amalfi Stripe Headband (coming soon)
3. Bluebell Botanical Bra (coming soon)
4. Amalfi Coast Hard-Case Clutch
5. Everything from the Bluebell stationery range!
– Georgie Chappell, Print Designer
1. Bon-Bon Retro Daisy Pleated Neckerchief
2. Snake Theo Midi Backpack
3. Riviera Floral Swimsuit
4. Amalfi Vinyl Hand-Held Bag (coming soon)
5. Coral Reef Zip-Top Purse (coming soon)
– Alice Brisland, Print Designer
Read More
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