AW11 HANDBAG REPORT: Vintage-inspired shapes at Jane Shilton

FashionBite interviewed Alannah Murphy – the handbag designer for contemporary high street brand Jane Shilton – who has designed for the likes of All Saints, Miss Selfridge and TK Maxx, about the key trends for autumn/winter 11 and what to look out for next season.

Alannah said tan and navy are the two key bag colours for autumn/winter, alongside boxy styles, vintage-inspired shapes and antique brass embellishment. I love this brown leather Montanatote cross body bag (left) with its fab oversized stitching, use of raw edge dyes and antique brass fittings. It also has a detachable handle, so can be worn across the body or over the shoulder. With its structured, leather panels it would make a great workwear bag and the tan colour is perfect to take you into next season as well – far less harsh, compared to black, when it comes to springtime wardrobes.

For the SS12 season, Alannah says: “We will see a return of colours, such as red and orange, to give a hot desert feel. In addition, styles will have a ladylike feel to them, with the use of embellishment such as lace and embroidery, alongside the heavy use of edge dyes and visible stitching.” So this bag would work perfectly for next season too! I always end up carrying two bags (minimum) because I have so much stuff, so the size would be great for me. However, if you prefer something a bit more compact, the Eton medium flap tote (below) would make a great alternative. Again, the structured look works well teamed with workwear or for more formal weekend wear.

In addition, Alannah says to look out for influences from China patterns (Wedgewood styles) and Portugese tiles with the heavy use of patterning for SS12.

See JaneShilton.co.uk to browse their latest handbag styles.

FashionBite xx