Hiya, So today I have a business that many of us all need, want or thirst for lol. Although my sole aim in life is isn't to accumulate loads of designer accessories. It is nice when you can splurge, on something luxurious right? I can hear the hundreds of 'Yes' lol
This post is about Handbags! Leather purses! That all important clutch for that first date!
I'm referring to Alice Horlick, founder of the luxury womenswear brand AEVHA. I had the opportunity to speak with the 26 year old British designer about her brand, how she got to where she is and the timeless classic pieces she has been creating.
Have a look at what the British designer and entrepreneur had to say about AEVHA below.
 |
| Courtesy of The Daily Mail |
So
why Luxury handbags? It’s a very competitive market?
I suppose it was less of a decision than a foregone
conclusion. Once I realised fashion was how I wanted to channel my artistic
side, my sculptural design style and early love of working with leather meant
that a move from Womenswear to Accessories was the only natural
progression.
 |
| Courtesy of The Sunday Times |
What
makes you different from all the other brands?
AEVHA London is about offering a refreshing instant
modern classic alternative to the overtly branded, big name ‘It’ bag. The
mixture of innately wearable, architectural shapes with standout hardwares in
metals and hand carved bone and hardwoods characterises the more discreet and
refined luxury of our lesser-known brand.
And
why should anyone add your designs to their collection?
Whilst I design with trends in mind, I
always aim to create seasonless pieces that can be cherished and worn over and
over again, so the longevity that comes with the highest quality is integral to
the AEVHA London brand. I also design a full range of sizes and styles within
each collection, spanning clutch bags and small shoulder bags through to larger
style totes, providing something suitable for every occasion.
 |
| Courtesy of The Sunday Times |
What
challenges have you come across so far? And what lessons have you learned from
them?
The
biggest challenge in the beginning is finding suppliers and manufacturers who
will work with you in your own way and on a small scale. As I funded the
business myself up until recently when I raised capital via crowd funding, I
had to do everything on a shoestring. That meant finding suppliers who would
make 1 zip puller if I only needed 1 and a manufacturer who would allow me to
do my own pattern cutting, to ensure that we got proportions and details right
straight away so that we only had to do one round of sampling. I also had to
develop and edit all of my own photo shoots and marketing materials, and as a
result I have learned a huge number of new skills and experienced absolutely
everything first hand, which is incredibly important.
How
long has AEVHA been open and what has been your biggest highlight thus far?
AEVHA
London launched in September 2013 and we are now on our 5th season.
The biggest highlight was when Olivia Palermo featured me as a ‘Designer to
Watch’ based on my very first collection.
Describe
yourself in 5 words?
Resourceful,
Ambitious, Determined, Efficient, Energetic
Give
the readers 5 reasons why they should purchase an AEVHA original?
An
AEVHA original will never go out of style; it is a timeless modern classic.
AEVHA London bags are investment pieces and as such are all made in Italy by
expert leather craftsmen, with generations of experience. I hand source
sustainable and ethical materials of the highest quality for my designs. Our unique
standout hardwares are instantly recognisable without being overdone or
obtrusive. An AEVHA original seamlessly traverses from the casual to the formal.
 |
| Courtesy of The Sunday Times |
What
can we expect from AEVHA for 2015?
Big
things! We have some really exciting plans for a big social media competition
to mark the launch of our Autumn Winter 2015-16 collection in September. We will
also be showing again at London Fashion Week, which may include a catwalk
collaboration alongside the exhibition of our main collection at the Designer
Showrooms. Watch this space…
Where
do you see yourself in the next 5 years, in terms of entrepreneurship?
I
have always seen AEVHA London as the end game, so in terms of entrepreneurship,
my emphasis will always be exclusively on the label. Over the next 5 years I
hope to expand it internationally, cementing AEVHA London as a household name at
home and in a number of global markets!
If
you could give one piece of advice that would motivate or inspire someone what
would it be?
Get
out there and start learning on the job as soon as you can. I had gathered
enough information to know where to start after a 1-year foundation degree and
1 term of a BA. Teach yourself as many skills as possible, as this will allow
you total creative control over the brand you are building.
So there you have it. Much love to Alice for sparing some time, she's a busy lady, so I was thrilled when she agreed. I hope you all enjoyed the post, especially the upcoming designers. Keep chasing your dreams!
**Important disclosure: I did invest in AEVHA via Crowdcube however this post is not sponsored by Alice Horlick or anyone from the AEVHA team. Just letting you know :)
Be you and Be true to who you are.
No comments
Post a Comment