The Cambridge Satchel Company is a bona fide recession success story – founded in 2008 by Julie Deane and her mother Freda Thomas at Julie’s kitchen table just outside Cambridge, having invested just £600 to get the idea off the ground, the company is now a flourishing enterprise employing more than 50 people.
Remember those reassuringly sturdy satchels of your school days? That’s what the company recreates – and timeless design, and an array of colour options have made the bags a hit in over 100 countries, and a must-have for celeb style icons such as Zooey Deschanel and Alexa Chung. Last night London fashion’s finest turned out for the opening of their first bricks and mortar store in Covent Garden (see below).
Based on the home in which Julie launched the company, the shop includes a Bloggers’ Lounge which offers space to the blogging community, which Julie credits with the brand’s initial success. There will also be an in-store embossing service available.
The company supports UK craftsmanship, and is opening its own factory to cope with demand. For SS13, we love this Sweet Pea version from their Chelsea Collection, priced £115.
The Cambridge Satchel Company, 15 Shorts Gardens, Seven Dials, WC2H 9AT / www.cambridgesatchel.co.uk
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