At Sophie Hulme’s new pop-up, it’s personal
I’ve witnessed some really bad examples of monogrammed fashion items lately; it’s actually quite a skill knowing how to add a name or initials to a garment or accessory. I like the way Sophie Hulme is doing it, with her new personalisation service. These appliqued leather letter placements (above) are part of her signature service that’s been unveiled at the equally new Burlington Arcade boutique. Made from stacked and compacted saddle leather, the raised letters sit on the surface of the bag making a visual statement. I like them in the same colour as the bag, although I imagine you could ask for contrasting colours as well.
I think the best thing about these is that Sophie Hulme bags have the right balance of classicism and contemporary detail. If you’re going to monogram something, you presumably intend to keep it forever (or hope that whoever you pass it onto has the exact same initials as you). A classic leather bag will improve with age and adding initials makes it that bit more special.
Sophie Hulme is best known for her boxy leather shoppers with distinctive gold hardware. But her latest collection has a few newer designs that I love. In particular, the Exchange Tote (£495), a lightweight, unlined bag made in smooth saddle leather with a clever strap adjusting mechanism that lets you change the handles according to how you want to carry the bag.
Coming up for SS18 are a small bucket bag in vegetable tanned leather called The Swing and a very clever marquetry bag made from upcycled leather called The Project. Watch this space for updates…
WORDS: Disneyrollergirl/Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Sophie Hulme
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13 December, 2017 @ 1:41 pm
I love these. That adjustable shopper is fantastic. Do you know when they’re available?
13 December, 2017 @ 1:48 pm
I’ve seen it in action and it’s just lovely. It’s available now. I think there are a couple of different versions. Here’s one: https://sophiehulme.com/shop-the-oxblood-north-south-exchange-tote-from-the-official-sophie-hulme-online-store.html
But the monogramming is only done in the London store (in case you fancy a trip…!)
14 December, 2017 @ 1:09 pm
Actually I do. I want to see the Modigliani show at the Tate! I always fancy a trip to London, my favorite city.