Who remembers my collection, from around 2003-2005, called VELO?
It was so called because I used bicycle inner tubes as the handles on the smaller bags in the range. I loved it and it was one of my more quirky designs at the time, even though the actual bags were quite a classic shape. Classic with a twist you might say.
I ran the designs for quite a few seasons and the colours of the leather ranged from the original black with red suede interior, black with purple interior, dark red with bright red inside, tan with mustard inside and a stunning bright white with rich red, followed by a pink interior.
Sadly I only kept 2 of the original prototypes and 1 mini dark red handheld in my archive of old designs (see video below). But when I came across these in a warehouse clear out, I suddenly had the need to revisit ‘Velo’ for 2019, so here goes…
A Quirky Delivery?
This is what arrived at my office the other day. 
A huge box of lovely inner tubes, straight from the bike dealer. Not the kind of delivery you might expect at a handbag studio. I got quite a few crazy comments on Facebook when I posted this pic!
The inner tubes are not quite ready for use as handbag handles! First I have to wash them and cut them to size. And dry them on the radiators, to ensure no dampness lurks inside!
Here are a few I’ve dealt with so far. Sizes cut for both handheld bags and shoulder bags…even though the designs aren’t finalised yet. I thought you might like an input in that?
I have already asked my VIP Designer Club members what they think and I’m loving their comments so far.
Here’s a bit more info. Take a look and please comment below if you would like to share any ideas.
Thank You!
Hi Shona,
Inner tubes look all right, but mostly they seem to work best on bags of a reasonable size.
What I’d like to see more of is bags not made of leather, ie a good quality water/showerproof fabric. (Kipling used to do a nice range of fabric bags in lovely colours.) Also, some recycled materials would be good.
Hi Celia
Lovely to hear from you! Thanks for your comments. Actually, funnily enough, I have just ordered some sample waxed cotton fabrics from a UK supplier as I feel I’m needing some more textiles in the collection too.
Recycled materials… I agree, I would like to use more recycled materials but as long as people keep using my designs for ages, then hopefully the bags are being recycled in themselves. I know of people who have found one in a charity shop, so that’s good. At least the original owner thought to send it to a good cause, rather than bin it!
Shona
Hi. Like the inner tube idea. Like the shape and style of the hand held but would prefer a bigger bag. The shoulder bag would also look better if deeper so it would be more useful day to day. Love the contrast between the rubber and the leather. Read your coments about waxed cotton which would be good especially some patterns . Also could you emboss rubber (?) somehow and use on the surface of the bags to decorate. Maybe the villages where they are made have some traditional prints/designs/embroidery you could use for inspiration to make them individual and quirky.