Sampson & Christie is a young, dynamic brand dedicated to designing and producing high quality leather handbags and accessories.

Founded in 2012, the Berkshire based brand is owned by Becky Sampson who has exhibited her innovative products across the UK; including at the prestigious Midlands Fashion Awards where her‘laser cut element’designs certainly caught attention!

Describe the general process you go through from concept to finished design.
First, I create a pattern taking inspiration from the natural world around me. The pattern is then refined and changed to suit the laser cut element. Once I am happy with the pattern, I then go through a wide range of colour options to get the best combination that will work with all the products for that collection. From this I then create a range of initial designs for the shapes that I feel I want to include in the collection, and then pick about five which I then work on and refine, to get the best options for the collection. For me its all about showing off the pattern and the laser cut element in the best light, this is why I always create a pattern first and the bag shape second.

When did you realise your desire to become involved in the fashion accessory industry?
Sampson & Christie was started while I was designing at a small home wares company. The company had an agency side to the business that dealt with leather bags and accessories for larger companies, such as Quba and DKNY. I dealt first hand with the factories, and was able to get valuable experience with this side of production. I always had a passion for designing and the opportunity arose for me to create a collection and use the factories that I had been dealing with. I started designing in 2012 and it took a full year for the collection to go from designs to physical products.

What elements do you believe make your accessory designs unique?
The quality of my products will never be compromised. I always strive for the best quality leathers, the best fittings and linings. I will always have a laser cut element to my collection as this is my signature. Price is also a key element for me, I always want the quality without a large price tag. I want the brand to be affordable to any lady who appreciates quality products.

“The quality of my products will never be compromised. I always strive for the best quality leathers, the best fittings and linings.”

What advice do you have for aspiring accessory designers?
My advice for any aspiring accessories designers is to be true to yourself, trust your instinct and persevere even if things are getting tough, it’s a long road ahead and you have to keep going even when things look bleak.

For more information on Sampson & Christie:
Website: www.sampsonandchristie.co.uk
Facebook: SampsonChristie
Twitter: @SampsonChristie

(Cover photo & feature images via Sampson & Christie website)