Aspinal of London autumn/winter 2017 collection presentation for LFW

An uber glam crowd, including male model David Gandy, were enjoying red velvet cake and champagne in the red carpeted Claridge’s Ballroom venue for the Aspinal of London’s autumn/winter 2017 handbag collection presentation at London Fashion Week.

A stunning range of exquisitely made designer bags were on display in a range of demure shades, tans, chic black and white, through to opulent reds.

The collection took the golden age of theatre as a point of inspiration to re-explore the Aspinal classics as well as introduce fresh designs.

Theatrical glamour informed the rich tones and plush fabrics with the wit and dazzle of performance also bringing pizzaz in racier snake and leopard prints and patent.

Statement Mini Trunk Clutches – available to personalise in hard embroidered gold initials – chic leather Islington Rucksacks and the more grown-up, elegant Editor’s Clutch were among the selection.

The vintage style chain strapped Chelsea Bag came in navy croc, red and patent black leather. Cute micro mini versions of the Lottie and Marylebone were introduced. Sitting centre stage was a Hand & Lock collaboration to reinvent the classic Mayfair Bag with pretty poppy and butterfly embroidery which will be auctioned at Sotheby’s.

A standout sleek Hepburn design was shown in black with brown snakeskin trim, peacock, maroon and red and navy crocodile as well as with a graphic of the iconic Hollywood lady herself with a thought bubble stating: “Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.”

The Pegasus shoulder and top handle bags in ivory, tan and black featured a glamourous gold buckle of the mythical Greek creature who also adorned more youthful new shape rucksacks with space-inspired prints.

The imagination was unleashed with a number of limited edition Pegasus pieces: the Mini Marylebone, Soho Clutch, Mini Trunk Clutch and Scarlett Clutch all hand embellished with 23 carat gold dust and Swarovski detail to dress up the winged stallion.

Exquisitely made and designed, the new collection holds up the brand’s reputation for sleek and sophisticated designs while also injecting some theatrical glamour and flashes of creative spirit.

Sarah Bradbury
Photos: Erol Birsen