Tamara Fogle's Bags have the ability to make you stop in your tracks and take a breath. This may sound dramatic, but not if you have a deep love for bags, antique textiles and old typography.
Established in 2007, Tamara's collection is entirely crafted in some of the last remaining, family-run leather workshops in London.
As well as the exquisite soft leathers in unusual tones
we love Tamara's use of antique textiles which date from the 1830's to the 1940's and include;
German flour sacks,
Hungarian grain sacks,
French mattress ticking and linen,
canvas military tents and hand stitched quilts.
A Tamara Fogle is the antithesis to the 'it bag', they are heirloom pieces which are to be treasured for years to come.
Here we take a few moments out with Tamara to discuss her collection
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How would you describe your collection?
I produce entirely British made, heritage inspired bags and accessories using hard and soft leathers, and Antique textiles. Work is incredibly rewarding, seeing the bags from inspiration to design, through production and use, getting better and better at each stage.
Who/what are your biggest influences?
I find inspiration everywhere, through things, colours, shapes, and textures I see rather than people I meet or know. Antique fairs and markets offer a wealth of inspiration. So too does my amazing collection of Victorian and Edwardian leather coin purses. They have helped me play with proportion to create some of my most popular styles.
Where is your favourite summer place to visit for inspiration?
Stockholm is a place i visit, and stay with friends often, and in summer it comes into it's own. The harbour and its boats have inspired nautical elements, while the colours of the Archipelago, both earthy and bright, have often inspired moods for my leather colour combinations.
What is your favourite item from your current collection?
My favourite item is the German Flour Sack 'Weekender Bag' for its almost humorous oversize scale and vintage look, but it is the German Flour Sack 'Rambler Bag' that I use most often.
Do you have any new items/collections about to be launched?
I am about to launch a collection of bags made with tough, olive green, 1940's tent bag canvas. The 'Westbourne bag' is my favourite in the range. A voluminous day bag with a slouchy structure.
What do you enjoy most about being one of the shops in The Secret Arcade?
The Secret Arcade is such a stylish on-line destination. Carefully chosen 'shops' with interesting products displayed in an unusual and fun presentation.
How would a person go about purchasing a weekender bag'
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