Tamara Fogle

Capsule v Premiere Classe

2012-01-27T09:58:00.001Z

Capsule. Marias Garage Space. Perfect. Suits the TF aesthetic to a T.

Premiere Classe. Porte de Versailles. Enormous. Buzzing with trade.

Tom Dixon launchparty for My Bike, Merci, Paris

2012-01-25T17:39:00.000Z

I was in Paris last weekend, scouting the shows TF will be at next season, and was lucky enough to be invited to a launch by Tom Dixon at the amazing 'Merci' in the Marais.

A 72 bulb chandelier 'inspired by the total and engineered efficiency of a standard bicycle wheel'

The wine was delicious, and the parmesan.....!

This is still one of my favourite stores, and the addition of great exhibitions makes it even better!

www.tomdixon.net
www.merci-merci.com

Happy New Year

2012-01-13T13:36:00.000Z

So, I know it's a little late!

We've been so busy at the studio over the last few weeks we just haven't had time to blog!

What better way to start again, than with the fact that WGSN have chosen Tamara Fogle as one of their 'Loves' for the coming season.

I guess it's a bit of an industry thing.
WGSN are the fashion trend forecasting people, recognising TF as creating trends, not just following them!
Very happy.

www.wgsn.com/pure

The Selvedge Magazine folk are talking about us....

2011-12-08T23:29:00.000Z

See what they're saying here
www.selvedge.org/blog/?p=6127

All in preparation for Saturdays Christmas Fair.

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London

2011-12-08T17:47:00.000Z

I'll find some great typography anywhere I go!

Selvedge Christmas Fair

2011-12-06T08:49:00.001Z

This coming Saturday December 10th, I will be at the Selvedge Christmas Fair in St Augustines Hall in Highgate, London, as well as at Clifton Nursery in Maida Vale.

Come along if you can. This is a lovely local fair, organised by the folks that run the superb textile magazine.

www.selvedge.org
www.selvedge.org/pages/fair.aspx

Clifton Nursery Christmas Market

2011-12-06T00:01:00.002Z

TF bags are taking part in Clifton Nurserys, first ever Christmas Market, during weekends in December.

We're there alongside Toms Deli and lots of other lovely stalls, and opened last weekend with Christmas Carols and Mulled Wine. A roaring success.

The hidden away Nursery in Maida Vale, is packed full of Christmas Trees, fabulous decorations, swags of Christmas fir, wreaths galore, and a pretty good shop as well.

After dark, the fairy lights are magical.

During the day, Winter colour is flourishing.

We'll be there Fri, Sat, Sun, Dec 9th-11th and 16th-18th.
See you there!

www.clifton.co.uk

www.cocoecomag.com

2011-11-27T21:53:00.001Z

My favourite European Eco Editor has done it again, and I've been featured in the latest edition of Coco Eco Magazine, with my German Flour Sack Bags.

You can see the mag online too
http://www.cocoecomag.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=126
page 46

www.ecofashiontalk.com

2011-11-13T00:40:00.000Z

The wonderfully stylish Sass Brown, of the book 'Eco Fashion' fame, has included the TF brand to her resource list.
Quite an honour.

Thanks Sass!

http://www.ecofashiontalk.com/resource/tamara-fogle/

Vintage Collection

2011-11-12T14:51:00.000Z

Another one for the collection, found last week.
I love the fabric, the stripe, the size, the wooden frame, the worn leather straps.

18 The Mall, Bristol

2011-11-08T22:13:00.001Z

18 The Mall is one of my most stylish stockists, with a fantastic new web-site.

Check out the images of their beautiful shop. TF bags all over.

http://www.18themall.com

Private White VC, Lambs Conduit Street

2011-11-07T20:45:00.000Z

I was on Lambs Conduit Street the other day, and chanced upon the very first day of trade in their new bricks and mortar store, for menswear brand Private White VC.

A brand I admire, with a familiar, great pride in their UK manufacturing and heritage.

What a great space they created.
www.privatewhitevc.com

Lovely Fabrics

2011-10-25T18:44:00.000+01:00

I bought these great pieces of fabric the other day.
The inky blue signature of the maker from the end of a ream of cotton....

I love these. The colour. The typography. The fantastic Lion.

All the way to Texas

2011-10-19T18:35:00.000+01:00

I've just had another re-order for my Antique textile bags from the lovely Robyn Pandolph, over in Texas, U.S.A.

This is her store. The bags look great nestled among other vintage treasures.

No wonder they're flying out!

Kilim bags for Autumn Winter 2011

2011-10-14T22:39:00.000+01:00

It's so much fun turning flat fabric into great bags!
I found this wonderful, huge, (tatty in places) carpet the other day.

It has served as inspiration for a range of Kilim Bags.

You can buy them now from the online shop
http://www.tamarafogle.bigcartel.com

Paris Fashion Week

2011-10-10T14:00:00.000+01:00

I was back in Paris last week, checking out some of the shows, and generally hanging out with friends!

It was that crazy hot week.

Lovely.

German Flour Sack Tote Bag in action.

Colette on Rue St Honore, had a typically crazy window display!

Now, I know Colette was really the first 'concept store' and therefore deserves a type of cult status....but even so, it was crazy busy...and this was just downstairs! I suppose it was Fashion Week, and the world was in town.
I took part in an exhibition at Colette last year....thanks to Karta Healy from mewecycle.
http://www.colette.fr/#/page/4518/mewecycle/
http://www.colette.fr

And a glorious sunset on my last day.

Our Autumn/Winter Launch Party at Comfort Station, London

2011-10-05T01:24:00.000+01:00

We've been invited by jewellery label Comfort Station to share their shop for our Autumn/Winter Launch on Thursday this week.

Come along if you can, from 6-9pm, at 22 Cheshire St, London, E2 6EH (off Brick Lane)
It's gonna be fun, and, we're offering a 15% discount on all bags and jewellery on the night only.

You can check out some of the Comfort Station collection at
www.comfortstation.co.uk

Bring to Light Festival, Worldwide, 2011

2011-09-29T10:52:00.000+01:00

The Night has been lit up in cities all over the world over the last few months.

These are some of my favourites!

Each country involved has it's own web-site for the events.
http://www.bringtolightnyc.org
The best images can be found on the French site
http://www.paris.fr/loisirs/les-grandes-rendez-vous/nuits-blanches/p6806

Why oh why was London not involved!?

Merci, Paris

2011-09-23T23:19:00.000+01:00

After work, I nipped into the Marais to one of my favourite shops.
Merci, Boulevard Beaumarchais, lovely.

I love neon

Homewares

Stationary Department

Bottleholder

www.merci-merci.com

Premiere Vision, Paris....scouting.

2011-09-21T18:39:00.000+01:00

Quite simply over-stimulating.

www.makeitbritish.co.uk

2011-09-14T19:35:00.001+01:00

The lovely Kate writes an interesting blog about all things British.
We had a chat the other day as I seem to fit right in with her ethos, and now i'm on the site too!
Thanks Kate!

You can read about our conversation at http://makeitbritish.co.uk/2011/09/14/british-bag-designer-tamara-fogle/

Elys of Wimbledon

2011-09-13T17:21:00.001+01:00

I went to Elys of Wimbledon today, to brief the staff there on our leather care, and my Brand history.

It was great to see the bags in situ in this lovely small, village department store, and to hear they are selling like hotcakes.

I met the lovely Sabi, Head of the Handbag department at the Store. A girl with a serious love of bags!

www.elysonline.co.uk

Selvedge Magazine

2011-09-13T00:58:00.000+01:00

I love Selvedge Magazine, so I'm getting involved, and taking part in their Autumn Fair in Highgate, London, this coming Saturday Sept 17th.

Here's what they say about Fogle Bags this month, illustrated nicely with my pumpkin leather Grab Bag.

More info at www.selvedge.org

Bank Holiday Weekend

2011-08-30T16:34:00.000+01:00

An escape to the lovey English coast.

...and my bank holiday weekend company!

2 dogs are mine...the others, weekend house guests. The more the merrier to me!

The Rivoli Clutch, Autumn/Winter 11-12

2011-08-25T19:20:00.000+01:00

Here's the next sneak peak at what's coming very soon.
The Rivoli Clutch bag, named after the Ballroom in London.

With a solid brass Shield catch, cast in London, and modelled from a vintage silver fob watch charm I wear as a necklace.

Available to purchase in lots of lovely colours in the next few weeks.

www.tamarafogle.com

A/W 2011-12 is nearly here

2011-08-24T23:22:00.000+01:00

Here's a peek at the just a couple of Autumn/Winter 2011-12 leather colours
Available to purchase in the next few weeks...

Deep Aubergine and Charcoal Grey Pembridge Bags

Check out our online shop soon.
www.tamarafogle.com

Fan-sites

2011-08-23T17:33:00.000+01:00

For those of you who don't know, my brother, Ben Fogle is an amazing adventurer (among other things...).
He makes fabulous documentaries about his adventures. He's a journalist, author, tv presenter etc etc. As a result he has fan-sites!
This one has decided to write about me today....as his sister!

http://benfogle.greatexcavations.org/2011/08/ben-fogle-sister-and-designer-tamara-fogle/

Thanks for the mention gals...and the compliments about my work.

You can see more about Ben at www.benfogle.com

Atttire Accessories Magazine

2011-08-22T16:08:00.001+01:00

The lovely Laura at 'Attire' asked me a few questions a while ago about my thoughts on British Manufacturing.
I was happy to chat, as it is something I feel so strongly about, and am very proud to champion.

You can download the industry magazine here. You'll find us on page 88.
http://www.attireaccessories.com/image_upload/magazines/AA27_HR.pdf

Sydney Morning Herald, Weekender Magazine

2011-08-19T10:15:00.002+01:00

A lovely piece about my German Flour Sack Lansdowne Bag in the Sydney Morning Herald, Weekend supplement, last week.

The World can seem like such a small place sometimes.
Fogle bags have been winging their way to Australia all week!

Props Warehouse

2011-08-17T23:09:00.000+01:00

After a trip to 'Studio 1' Park Royal the other day, we visited a props warehouse to have a snoop around.
More on Studio 1 (the coolest photography studio) another day...

At the props warehouse, I was like a kid in a candy store!
Here is just a snippet of what was on offer!

Hairdryers

Typewriters

Great book spines

Old papers

Everything was for rent only, for photography shoots. That was quite lucky really, or I'd have gone home with many more 'props' for my home!

www.thegreenstork.com

2011-08-14T22:24:00.000+01:00

I have just come across this piece written about my bags by the gals at www.thegreenstork.com

I have been thinking about making some nappy bags for a while now, but it turns out that my bags, as they are, are already proving popular with some mums!

Thanks for the piece, green stork!
http://www.thegreenstork.com/2011/07/20/nappy-bag/

Pure, London, Olympia

2011-08-10T22:44:00.000+01:00

We've just finished the first trade show of the season.
Here's a look at the stand as we were setting up last Saturday night.
It's a big range to fit into a small space!

Mondsee, near Salzburg, Austria. Part 2

2011-08-04T19:01:00.000+01:00

Just a few more photos...

Mondsee, near Salzburg, Austria

2011-08-03T10:28:00.000+01:00

This really is an underestimated part of the world.

I was lucky enough to stay in this fabulous house last week.
Such a dramatic setting....and right on the water too...

Perfect water for swimming and boating.

War and Peace Show, Kent

2011-07-23T13:31:00.000+01:00

I went to the first day of this annual Military Extravaganza last week, with a bunch of high end, vintage clothing dealer pals.

There was stuff everywhere!...but it was the Vintage Military Blankets that I fell in love with (and bought rather a lot of!)

These are both Vintage Italian Navy Blankets with anchor motifs.

and these pinstripe wool Vintage Danish Army Blankets....

We were at the workshop the next day sampling these great wool materials into a bag range for Autumn/Winter.
Watch this space. Details and pictures a.s.a.p!

www.outsidevoice.net

2011-07-11T09:39:00.001+01:00

'Tamara Fogle: Antique Textiles, Modern Charm'

Thanks guys, for the nice words about the bags!

http://www.outsidevoice.net/2011/07/07/tamara-fogle-antique-textiles-modern-charm/

Scandinavan Interiors

2011-07-06T19:40:00.001+01:00

My love of typography is the reason for taking this photo.

I was staying with a great friend in Sweden.
I remember her buying a fantastic Advertising Flag from another friend last time she was in London.
Here it is, in situ, in Stockholm.

Looks Great.

Scandinavian design

2011-07-06T19:37:00.000+01:00

I do like Scandinavia, and visited Stockholm (again!) this weekend.
It's a place full of inspiration for me, especially in the summer.

I visited some friends just outside the city. Their home struck me for its striking modernism, yet earthy and warm at the same time, built into the granite landscape behind the road. A hint of the 1960's about it. You just don't see many homes like this is London! Lovely.

'Needleprint' Fans

2011-07-06T11:38:00.000+01:00

It's always nice to hear compliments about the Bags, especially when it comes from people who understand the actual 'making' of the product.

The Gals at www.needleprint.blogspot are definitely hot on how things are made.
They had some lovely things to say about the TF brand.

http://needleprint.blogspot.com/2011/06/come-in-number-8-tamara-fogle.html

Vintage Toothpaste Jars

2011-06-29T08:43:00.000+01:00

I treated myself to these fabulous vintage ceramic toothpaste dishes.
My love of typography combined with perfect earring storage.

Small things make me happy!

TCS Teddington

2011-06-28T19:34:00.002+01:00

I popped into another lovely shop that sells my bags today.
I think I want to live in this space!

Wonderful carefree styling.
TF bags merchandised with perfect nonchalance.

www.tcs-teddington.co.uk

www.bagbunch.com

2011-06-25T21:53:00.000+01:00

Bagbunch.com have written about us this week.

'Fogle helps to differentiate herself from all those other eco-friendly labels by using unusual materials.' they say.

This is EXACTLY what i try to do. My search for unusual materials is key to making my bags desirable!
Thanks Guys.

http://bagbunch.com/tamara-fogles-upcycled-handbags-brit-makes-bags-from-vintage-flour-sacks-quilts/

www.magnifeco.com

2011-06-23T21:34:00.002+01:00

The guys at Magnifeco.com had some great things to say about my bags yesterday.
They chose my favourite bag of the moment, the German Flour Sack Westbourne Bag, to illustrate the Brand.

http://www.magnifeco.com/hand-made-thursdays-tamara-fogle/women/

Sorbet Accessories loves Tamara Fogle bags

2011-06-20T23:49:00.000+01:00

I found myself in Arundel in West sussex at the weekend, and thought I'd wander up the High Street to check out one of the shops that sell my bags.

As my stockists are dotted all over the country (and now world!) i don't get to see them often, so i grab the chance whenever i'm near.

What a lovely suprise to see the entire window display of Tamara Fogle Bags.

www.sorbetaccessories.co.uk

Bespoke Bags

2011-06-15T20:06:00.000+01:00

Sometimes, when the timing is right, I make up bespoke bags for my customers.
I'd like to do more of this. It is logistically difficult, but very satisfying, so I will keep you posted on progress.
Here are a couple of bags I made up recently.

This Lansdowne Bag was made up with a piece of floral velvet fabric that held great sentimental value to its owner.

This Grab Bag was made up with some textured herringbone antique linen I had in the studio (I have a very good collection of vintage and antique textiles). The customer wanted the bag to be as neutral as possible. I thought the herringbone texture did just the job of making neutral, interesting.

Tamara Fogle On-Line Shop now Open!

2011-06-08T13:29:00.000+01:00

I've been working hard to get the bags photographed, and up on the Site!
Check it out!
You'll find it on the Menu Bar at www.tamarafogle.com

Hay Festival, Wales

2011-06-04T13:42:00.001+01:00

I escaped London this week to visit the Hay Literary festival, where my brother Ben was interviewing an animal conservationist, Tony Fitzjohn, a Brit from Africa, about his new book, Born Wild.

What a wonderful place Hay is.

The weather was glorious.

The interview was riveting (as the book promises to be too). A true, charismatic 'tarzan' character.

The booths (in this case the sponsor, The Telegraph), brilliantly styled.

...and the merchandise on offer was right up my street too.
www.hayfestival.com
www.merchantandmills.com

All in all, a fabulous day out. Highly recommended.

Fornasetti

2011-05-26T18:46:00.000+01:00

I just love Piero Fornasetti's graphics.

Scented candles. I covet these.
www.vesselgallery.com

New Swing Tags

2011-05-18T11:40:00.000+01:00

These arrived today.
Nice.

Then, as always, if i put anything on the floor to photograph....along comes Marnie to lie on it!

FOUND. The evening Preview. Last Night

2011-05-18T10:45:00.000+01:00

There was a great turnout! It was just too busy to see anything.
I'm going to pop back later in the week to see what is left!

www.kettlesyard.co.uk/found

See TF bags at Kettle's Yard, FOUND, A Garage Sale, May

2011-05-14T10:34:00.003+01:00

Kettle's Yard is a fabulous space in London, founded by the Brompton Design District.

This one-off 'Garage Sale' as the organisers are modestly describing it (the Space is, admittedly, an old Garage) will raise money for the new education wing and gallery at Kettle's Yard House and Gallery in Cambridge; the country's finest collection of 20th century art in a domestic setting.

There will be works for sale from the likes of Tom Dixon, John Pawson, Molly Hogg, and me, Tamara Fogle!...among many other great artists.

There is a series of events over the 6 day sale, including an opening by Sir Nicolas Serota, Director of The Tate.

17-21st May, 2011
www.kettlesyard.co.uk/found

Vote for me as Faberuna Artisan of the Week!

2011-05-13T18:18:00.000+01:00

I've been put forward for Artisan of the Week by these lovely guys at Faberuna in the States.
Vote for me. I'm no.22.
http://www.faberuna.com/site-notes/faberuna-artisan-of-the-week-2

'Hope and Love for Japan' event, shoreditch, London

2011-05-11T17:54:00.001+01:00

CONCRETE exhibition space @ Pizza East, 7th-8th June 2011

Some of the lovely buyers I work with for our Japanese stockists have been holding fantastic sales in Paris to raise money for the Japanese Red Cross to aid the disaster areas in Northern Japan.

A London event is next on the list.

I am very happy to be donating some bags for the sale.
Everything will be sold at HUGE discounts...and 100% of the money taken will go to the Japanese Red Cross.

It shouldn't be missed.

www.concretespace.co.uk
www.hopeandlove.jimdo.com

Eric Gill Draughtsmanship

2011-05-05T22:18:00.000+01:00

I fell in love with this today.

The photos don't really do it justice.
Eric Gill, 1882-1940, sculptor and draughtsman. He designed this typeface, Gill Sans, specifically for the Eastern and North Eastern British Railway. Here is a fabulous, classically framed, huge, alphabet. My love of typography obviously sways me, but this is a rare find.

A little out of my price range. Though well worth it.

Royal Wedding Clutch Bags, Part 2.

2011-05-01T01:29:00.001+01:00

Marina and Ben in front of Westminster Abbey before the Royal Wedding.

Marina looked marvellous with her TF clutch bag.

Royal Wedding Clutch Bags

2011-04-28T23:01:00.001+01:00

It was a busy week at the workshop this week designing and making some special clutch bags to be worn to the Royal Wedding!

I departed from my usual pared down, casual style, for these bags. Classic still, but with a lot more structure to suit the formality of the occasion. The end products, a result of a design collaboration with my sister-in-law Marina Fogle.

I feel honoured that these bags will be worn to such an historic event.
I will post some 'bags in action' shots as soon as i can!

The 'Marina' Bag

The 'Chiara' Bag

The Bags in the making...

The Secret Arcade 'Shopkeeper of the Week'

2011-04-18T16:10:00.001+01:00

I had a chat last with the lovely girls that run the Secret Arcade and they have chosen my shopfront as 'Shop of the Week'!

www.thesecretarcade.com

read the interview at

http://thesecretarcadenews.blogspot.com/2011/04/shopkeeper-of-week-tamara-fogle.html

PinkGrasshopper

2011-04-17T22:59:00.007+01:00

I've been spotted Stateside.

According to blog site PinkGrasshopper, the TF brand is
'much sought after ....."cool" but not in a mainstream way'

I love that description! Thanks Guys.

http://mypinkgrasshopper.com/post/4649692771
Photo from US online retailer www.modcloth.com

Textures

2011-04-13T09:12:00.000+01:00

Sometimes the fabrics we find are too far gone to make bags with, but I just love the textures that age and wear can create.

Save Our Skills, Drapers Campaign

2011-04-12T11:15:00.003+01:00

I am pleased to champion the Industry Magazine 'Drapers' in their campaign to publicise and promote British Manufacturing.

With the Government mulling plans to give UK manufacturers tax breaks to aid growth, at the same time the MOD and Police Force are beginning to outsource manufacturing of their kit overeas.
What a loss.

Some are saying eduction is the key to maintaining UK manufacturing, bringing back the skills that have been lost. I agree wholeheartedly.

News like this makes me appreciate my great family run workshop who make the TF bags here in London. Running for decades, our skills are both old and new.
Definitely part of UK manufacturing Heritage, we are moving swiftly on, growing with demand, to the bright future.

It's hard work, and we do it well!

Illum department store, Copenhagen

2011-04-07T17:02:00.001+01:00

We've been packing up deliveries again. This is the start of an order going out to Denmark, destined for Illum Department Store in Copenhagen.

I like Scandinavia, a lot, and am very pleased they like my bags there too.

www.illum.eu

Rifat Ozbek, Yastik, Holland Road, London

2011-04-06T00:20:00.000+01:00

Yastik means 'cushion' in Turkish, and this new store is certainly full of them.

Rifat has scoured Turkey and Central Asia for the most sumptuous new and antique fabrics and embroideries. I love, love the colours.
I'm sure you don't have to be a lover of textiles to appreciate these fabrics, but if you are, like me, then they really are extra sumptuous....and displayed in a refreshingly slick manner. A perfect contrast for all the colour.

I'd like these on my sofa right now.

Yastik, 8 Holland Street, W8, London; (+44) 203.538.7981

Military Tent Bags from Prague

2011-04-01T21:44:00.000+01:00

I went and picked up my latest batch of Military Tent Bags today, to cut up, and use their canvas for the TF range.

Heavy work, but worth it for the lovely fabric.

Washed and made up, i'm very pleased with the results. A lovely patina you only get with pre worn fabric.

The Westbourne Bag will be in the shops and online from the end of April.

www.see7mag.com, A New Fashion Era

2011-03-27T23:00:00.000+01:00

According to Sass brown for www.see7mag.com..."A New Fashion Era"

"The fashion system at its best is a reflection of our culture, of our values, and of our worldviews. We are in a time of great change, of climate crisis and cultural shifts, of alignment of our conscience, our lifestyle choices and our work. This season some of the most exciting collections, designers and shows around the globe, were by designers also pushing forward the frontier of Eco fashion. Not all citing themselves as ecological or ‘green’, but who, nevertheless are making a difference in the industry, through their actions and their choices."

I am honored to be cited once again as part of this "New Fashion Era"
Thanks Sass.

Read the whole piece at http://www.see7mag.com/2011/03/a-new-fashion-era/

Blanket Straps for Aubin and Wills

2011-03-25T22:29:00.001Z

We were busy at the factory last week making some distressed leather Blanket Straps for British Brand, Aubin and Wills.
The bridle leather is cut first.

The components are put together, rumbled for the aged, distressed look, and then hung out to dry.

Next we emboss the brand. Aubin and Wills on the top, Tamara Fogle on the bottom.

Then the straps are oiled to bring back the suppleness of the quality bridle leather, and they're ready for blankets.

www.aubinandwills.com

www.spacecoolhunting.it

2011-03-24T21:16:00.002Z

The lovely Lucia from Italian Blog Spacecoolhunting.it asked me a few questions about my bags the other day. Here's her post. Thanks Lucia.

http://www.spacecoolhunting.it/en/parsepage.php?tpl=tpl_news_category&sqlpam1=2508

www.ecofashiontalk.com

2011-03-14T22:05:00.001Z

Sass brown of ecofashiontalk took a shine to my bags at the end of last year, and came to see them in the flesh at London Fashion Week last month.
She's writing a fabulous book called Eco Fashion, and has asked to include my products and ethos.
No 'granola eco' in sight, to quote Sass herself - a very clever description i thought!
This lady has a sharp eye, and I'm very pleased to be included.
I will keep you posted on the publication.

She's chosen images of some of my favourite bags for her blog about TF.

http://www.ecofashiontalk.com/2011/03/tamara-fogle/

Some new Weekenders now in stock

2011-03-09T13:40:00.000Z

I took these photos as record shots of some new Weekenders we've just made. I like to record all of these German Four Sack bags as, one day, we won't be able to make them any more.

The lighting was unnatural, as it was evening. Usually a disaster for bag photography, but in this case, I love the antique sepia colouring it has created.

Helena Bonham Carter

2011-03-05T09:43:00.001Z

Helena Bonham Carter wearing my Marlow Bag, in chocolate brown leather!

Marlow is a great casual bag.
Perhaps not suitable for an Oscar outfit as the article rather scathingly states, but I just love Helenas eccentric style, and am very pleased she chose to purchase a Tamara Fogle bag!

I was told about the piece by a lovely stockist of mine. Helena is a regular customer and bought the bag from her store, Judy Green's Garden Store in Hampstead, London.

www.coolhunting.com

2011-03-01T05:25:00.000Z

Some blogs are just super cool...and www.coolhunting.com is definitely one of them in my mind!
So I am very pleased with the piece that Fiona Killackey of the 'coolhunting gang', has written about the T F brand.

"A proudly British label merges form and function with unexpected fabrics for truly unique handbags"

Read the piece and see more photos at www.coolhunting.com/style/tamara-fogle.php

London Fashion Week 'end' 2011

2011-02-28T16:13:00.000Z

So I was back at Somerset House for my last Show of the month, London Fashion Weekend. The retail sale where we sell our 'end of line' and samples to lucky customers.

Somerset House had once again been 'dressed' for the event. This time (as compared with London Fashion Week, the week before), with much more fun, humour and clarity of direction!

There was a fabulous scarf installation too, spanning 3 stories of the building.

My old meat hooks are the perfect display for shows like this. I love them!

www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk

London Fashion Week 2011

2011-02-21T22:32:00.000Z

It's that time again, and Somerset House, the lovely (but really quite impractical and rabbit warren-like) setting for LFW has been our daily destination as we show off our latest range.

There are some fun installations this year, like this creature made with parachute silk, by Christopher Raeburn.

With the blue lit buildings, and the orange creature, I think i have been right on the money with next seasons leather colours!

Sneak Peek at whats coming up...

2011-02-19T11:19:00.002Z

Hand-cutting at the workshop.

And a peek at our new 'Westbourne' Bag. I love the handle detail, and the buyers seem to love it too!

I'll keep you posted when it's in the shops!

Pure, London

2011-02-16T20:42:00.003Z

We've just finished the show at Olympia.

It was lovely to see lots of our existing buyers once again, and were very pleased with their reaction to the new bags.

We also met lots of new shop owners who would like to stock the Tamara Fogle brand, so all is looking good for the coming seasons!

www.purelondon.com

Styloko.com interview

2011-02-01T18:31:00.000Z

I had a chat today with the fabulously fashionable folk down at Styloko.com. Their overview of our collection looks great on their 'Buzz' section. Thanks guys.

Check it out here
http://www.styloko.com/buzz/3-questions-to-tamara-fogle/

Thamarat Phokai

2011-01-27T22:52:00.000Z

Reclaimed Teakwood of different textures and tones, hand-cut and pieced together with dove-tail joints. This Bangkok based artists work, can be seen at Anthropologie on the Kings Road in London.

Lovely.

Sandown Park Antiques fair

2011-01-22T00:47:00.001Z

Antique fairs are a constant source of inspiration for design. This was a new one for me.

The day seemed to involve quite a few pointing fingers...

Including on this lovely glass sign I fell in love with.

Top Drawer, London

2011-01-20T18:39:00.000Z

I visited the trade show Top Drawer yesterday to keep an eye on what is going on in the gift and interior market.
I usually steer clear of 'trend forecasts', but this display area happened to be right up my street.

Winter Warmers was the theme. Lovely textures.

Jauntsetter, NYC

2011-01-17T13:47:00.000Z

Well into the New Year now, it's a nice to start with some complimentary words from New York travel site, Jauntsetter. They loved my bright Orange Short Weekender!

http://www.jauntsetter.com/posts/fashionable-traveler-tamara-fogle-weekenders

Lamps

2010-12-20T11:27:00.000Z

I have an addiction to lighting.

I acquired this inspection lamp today, and am very pleased.

Drop-Dead Dress, 50 days underground.

2010-12-17T18:59:00.000Z

This decomposing fabric displayed in a light box really caught my eye.

It is a beautiful work at the Science Museum in London, illustrating how some fibres will decompose quicker than others after being buried underground for 50 days.

The Temporium Christmas Shop

2010-12-13T10:10:00.001Z

I love the concept of pop-up shops, filling otherwise un-used spaces with interesting things.
This is a fine example on Brompton Rd, open for just 10 days in December. It was certainly busy.

http://www.dezeen.com/thetemporium

Christmas lights

2010-12-09T17:45:00.000Z

Christmas is appearing everywhere.
I love this utilitarian take on Christmas tree lights at Loft on Westbourne Grove.

Winter Favourites

2010-11-30T18:09:00.000Z

I've been getting so many compliments lately from happy customers, and it seems to be my oversize clutch bag, made with Antique German Flour Sack fabrics, that is proving a particularly great hit!

You can see more 'German Double Clutch' bags at http://www.tamaralovesleather.com/german.htm

Everything is going to be alright, Martin Creed

2010-11-23T18:48:00.001Z

Positivity is such an important thing. Martin Creed has been telling us this, through his installations for over a decade. I love their sheer scale.

www.martincreed.com

Vintage Collection.....again.

2010-11-09T12:41:00.000Z

Any combination of 'bags' and 'typography' is a winner in my mind. This Bookies Bag from around the 1940's is packed full of style and inspiration.

Plus, it looks great here at the Studio!

Paris v New York

2010-11-05T21:39:00.002Z

Such a difficult choice. And so brilliantly illustrated with these wonderful images by graphic designer Vahram Muratyan.

www.parisvsnyc.blogspot.com

Vintage Collection

2010-10-26T21:06:00.000+01:00

Another gem I couldn't resist. It even has the key! Now that is a rarity.

Affordable Art Fair, Battersea, London

2010-10-25T19:53:00.001+01:00

It was the last day of the last day of the fair yesterday. There was a lot to take in.
I absolutely fell in love with this Adam Bridgland print 'While we have this moment say something cinematic'.

Maps and marbling are more weak points of mine.

Elisabeth Lecourt 'Dans Les Nuages'

Helen Ward 'Paper Entymology'. Lovely marbled paper.

Bobbins galore

2010-10-24T17:38:00.000+01:00

Who could resist buying these?!
As i have more 'things' than i know what to do with, my friend bought these for a window display in her shop...It's going to look great!

South of the River, London

2010-10-19T22:56:00.003+01:00

Meetings took me south of the River today. The Thames looked 'Postcard Perfect', and definitely deserved a photo.

South London Architecture is so far removed from the familiar West London Terraced streets where i spend so much time. Industrial feeling. Now lacking it's original grittiness, but still very aesthetically pleasing to my eye.

...and I just can't keep away from lovely typography.

Savile Row Field Day

2010-10-14T00:35:00.001+01:00

As part of the 'Campaign for wool' this week, Saville Row was turfed over, and made home to 2 flocks of sheep and a barn!
What a brilliant PR event to raise awareness of British Wool, and to tell us that Saville Row tailors are no longer stuffy and old fashioned, but up for a bit of fun alongside their long established heritage, quality and tradition.

These rather scruffy but endearing Bowmont sheep produce a wool akin to Merino. Soft and fine.

These handsome Exmoor Horns, produce a more coarse wool, suitable for tweeds and carpets.

Tailor, Richard James' interpretation of the day was great fun too.

Anish Kapoor, Kensington Gardens

2010-10-07T01:44:00.000+01:00

I think it's great that this kind of Art is brought into truly public spaces like Londons Parks. Anish Kapoors sculptures were a wonderful surprise on my early morning dog walk the other day. I have been to see them every day now. They look so different, in varying weather and light.

The exhibition started on Sept 28th. Anish Kapoor himself came to visit, and was unhappy with some of the imperfections he could see in the upside down mirror.
The fellow in this picture was flown straight over from the USA where the sculpture was built, to re-touch to Kapoors high standards.

Lamb's Conduit Street

2010-09-27T21:27:00.003+01:00

So, during London Fashion Week and London Design Week does seem the perfect time to lunch a new shop, or celebrate the opening of a concept store...and there were several in the last few weeks.
After the show finished at Fashion Week the other day, we popped up the road from LFW exhibition headquarters at Somerset House, to Lamb's Conduit Street. One of my favourite streets.

There was a party to launch 'A season of darkness and light' at new concept store, Darkroom.

A strong black and white theme. Very 'focused' buying made the store look a little more like an exhibition than a shop....but then...what is the definition of 'concept store' these days?
It was fabulous nonetheless.
www.darkroomlondon.com

Just across the road was the new Womenswear store belonging to the fab label, Folk.
If I'm honest, there were too many people inside to get any good photos. The champagne and shoes (displayed on vintage pottery shelves - just my cup of tea) were both delicious!

www.folkclothing.com

Sauvterre, France

2010-09-15T18:43:00.002+01:00

Always on the hunt for new inspiration and new fabrics, I took a quick trip to the Midi-Pyrenees region of France last week, just before the mayhem of London Fashion Week starts.
Sauvterre, near where i was staying with family, is the prettiest little town, with a michelin star restaurant. Well worth a visit for a typically pretentious French, zillion course meal. Delicious.

A couple of hours further South, to Montpellier, we went to a fantastic and reknown antique fair. There weren't many fabrics to be sourced though. Rather, high quality antique furniture and decorative pieces. I did manage to find myself a gem for my vintage bag collection. Lovely.

Camouflage real

2010-08-23T12:51:00.002+01:00

It's really feeling like Autumn is here, especially in Hyde Park.
Despite the rain, these colours and camouflage patterns really struck me this morning.

The colours are not quite the same, i know, and camouflage is not everyones cup of tea, but these fabrics are authentic, and full of history.
These military ground sheets I have a good stash of, are making up into fantastic bags.
Perfect for a rainy autumn.

1950's jumpers

2010-08-20T13:24:00.003+01:00

I had a wander around Portobello's Friday Market this afternoon. You should really go in the early mornings, but handbag deliveries took precedence this morning.
I fell in love with this American 1950's jumper, in fantastic condition. It is definitely small enough for a girl. I had to buy it.

I might wear it with an English Bridle Leather belt that I am sampling for a future collection. Winter is coming after all.

Lovely Keys

2010-08-19T21:47:00.000+01:00

Naturally indigo dyed antique linen, and some decorative keys i found at the weekend.

I'm no sure what I'm going to do with them, but for now, wear one around my neck as a necklace. They are just so decorative.

Red

2010-08-05T23:12:00.000+01:00

Inspiration is everywhere.

We're having so much fun with colour right now.
Our choice of A/W red was inspired by this flag in Stockholm. The brightness toned down with the chocolate brown, and antique brass frame.

Coming up for A/W 2010

2010-07-27T23:06:00.001+01:00

A little of what is to come....We're proud of the results.

The Waxed Canvas 'Lancaster' Bag

The Waxed Canvas 'Explorer' Bag

The pillar box red leather 'Marlow' Bag