This Lizzy Disney Lock bag ($520) is available at www.avenue32.com.
Although billed as an emerging fashion talent, handbag designer Lizzy Disney isn’t exactly new to the scene. A graduate of the prestigious Central Saint Martins, she styled shoots for Vogue before becoming chief designer at Jacques Fath, later swapping womenswear for accessories when she founded her own eponymous line.
Her work stands apart from the deluge of hardware-heavy handbags that dominate shop floors. And you can expect to see a lot more of her timeless, understated satchels now that things are heating up for the British-born designer.
What prompted the move to accessories?
I started making bags for myself and it grew from there. A friend would ask if I could make one for them and then their friends would approach me.
Did you ever buy into the “it” bag trend?
I have a Chanel bag, but I didn’t buy it because it was an “it” bag. I’m old-fashioned — I’m not on Facebook, I don’t do Twitter, so I don’t do “it” bags.
How does your design approach respond to trends?
It doesn’t. I created the envelope bag because I wanted something that would force me to take less stuff with me. I was sick of seeing bags decorated with lots of logos.
If you could work with anyone in the world of accessory design, who would it be?
I’d love to work in the Hermes atelier. I’m not a trained accessories designer, so it’s still a big learning process. I love the craftsmanship of it, so would love to learn more.
What kind of woman do you have in mind when designing your bags?
My customers don’t care about buying the latest must-have thing. I have quite a loyal clientele who all seem to work in creative industries. They range from 30 to 50 and they are all very clever.
What’s next?
I’m taking it very, very slowly. I don’t want to be a massive commercial brand. I just want to make a decent living and do what I love. I don’t really want to sell out in any way.
