Shopping – Susannah Hunter handbags
This is a lovely shop to visit. And it’s not just a shop – it’s a working studio as well.
Lots of space, lots of light, no clutter, make you think ‘minimalism’ at first. But the lushness of the floral patterns on the bags, the flower-printed screen, and the curvy lines of the chaise longue give the environment a sense of drama. (And if you like the furniture, you can buy it – Susannah’s launched her own furniture line.)
I don’t like flower prints. I don’t like tea dresses. I don’t like that kind of ‘English rose’ femininity which is all about restraint, and repression, and chintz.
And thank goodness Susannah Hunter’s floral designs aren’t like that at all!
Her handbags feature lovely strong flowers, picked out in appliqued coloured leather. As a craftsperson I’m amazed by how much work goes into these lovely bags. And the colourways are really strong – there’s a lovely bag with white flowers and several different greens on a bluey-gray background, and there’s a fantastic tangerine bag with pink roses. Vivid colours and imaginative designs.
Alas, these bags come in far above my budget – though I probably could just manage to afford one of the £190 clutch bags. But I can go and look.
Where: 7 Rugby Street.
When: Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 12-4.
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