Local designer has bags of style
Unique hand crafted handbags created by a Derbyshire-based designer are just some of the items that will soon be available to purchase on a new website that is hoping to give High Street fashion a run for its money.
From Mickleover, Charlotte Fay designs a range of one off pieces and items made in small quantities in mainstream ranges. She often uses custom-dyed leathers and custom-made fittings to provide unique and exquisite pieces, using British sourced materials whenever possible in order to support British Trade and industry. She is also offering a new bespoke service to create products for special occasions.
Gaining inspiration from many sources - 60's and 70's cars, lifestyles and fashion, geometric loud and contrasting patterns, British family holidays, glamour, recycling, technology, manners and values, and true talent - Charlotte produces bags with unusual, strong shapes with elements of bright colour and patterns.
Charlotte will soon be selling her handbags on Fashion Killerz, an exciting website where every item has been individually designed and produced by talented people who have a real passion for what they do. Her bags will feature alongside the work of other designers - from around the UK and beyond - including clothing, jewellery and accessories.
The site, fashionkillerz.com, is due to be launched this month and will be open to anyone creating handmade fashion items. The site is a great platform for designers to showcase and sell their products on an international scale but, more importantly, it will offer customers a one-stop shop where they can browse and buy unique and original items - many of which will be one-of-a-kind. So no more worrying that you will bump into someone wearing the same outfit as you!
Charlotte’s journey began in 2001 when she undertook a Foundation Art and Design course, specialising in Fashion Textiles, at Sutton Coldfield college. She then started a Fashion Clothing degree at the University of Derby which included the chance to go to Finland on a five-month Erasmus exchange programme, with an emphasis on leather design.
“It sounded like a dream opportunity,” said Charlotte. “The exchange went really well and I achieved highly in leather design, which focused on fashion accessories, and this helped formalise my future career plan. I decided this was the route I wanted to follow so I changed courses, starting a BA Honours degree in Product Design and Development for the Fashion Industries (Cordwainers accessories) at London College of Fashion, and never looked back. Since graduating in 2007, I’ve worked hard, carrying out research and testing the market and finally set up my business, Charlotte Fay Designs.”
She added: “I was really excited to hear about the Fashion Killerz website. There will be lots of talented designers on the site, each with something new and different to offer, so customers will be able buy all sorts of very individual fashion items to create a totally unique look. I think it’s a great concept.”
Website creator, Michele Turner commented: “Fashion Killerz has already attracted a large number of designers and I’m hoping even more will come on board. Selling their work in one exciting location means that customers visiting the site will have a truly exciting shopping experience where they can find exclusive items that will really make them stand out from the crowd. Charlotte’s bags are ideal accessories to add the finishing touch to an outfit and make it extra special. I’ve already heard lots of very positive feedback about her work which fits perfectly with the ethos of the site - promoting creativity and individuality. I’m delighted that she is joining us.”
Prior to the launch of the site, Fashion Killerz has its own page on Facebook where you can take a sneak preview of some of the awesome items designers will be selling and by becoming a fan, you will be among the first to get updates on newly listed products.
If you are a designer who has something fresh to offer the fashion world, contact admin@fashionkillerz.com.
