Olivia Seed
Editor6 years ago
Here at MyBag we are lucky enough to not only launch the new Hill & Friends collection, but we also got the chance to catch up with the leading lady herself; Emma Hill CBE. Learn her favourites in the range, how the brand started and how Hill & Friends manged to create its luxurious status whilst backed by such a creative and friendly philosophy.
At first glance, we can see that Hill & Friends is not an average handbag range, how would you best describe your brand?
We like to think that we have fused the quality, craftsmanship and desirability of a luxury brand with the democratic, emotional appeal of a brand created for people like us! We have a clear philosophy, a distinctive aesthetic and a deeply rooted creative culture. Frustrated by ever increasing prices, with no discernible increase in quality, our price architecture is carefully planned to fill what we see as a big market gap. Independent, luxurious, unexpected, female-founded, subtlety, witty and, of course, friendly!What brought you to create your own range of handbag styles?
A wine-fuelled evening, back in 2015, with my business partner Georgia Fendley!
How does your previous experience in the fashion industry impact and influence Hill & Friends?
I’ve been lucky enough to get to choose to work with all my favourite suppliers!Out of your collection, which is your favourite and why?
It’s impossible to choose between the bag babies, but if forced I would choose our Black “Happy Tweency” and our Oxblood “Slouchy Tote”. I just love the whole ‘twinning’ aspect of carrying these two styles together - allowing me to embrace my secret inner hoarder tendencies (filling the super soft, super slouchy, to the brim with all my daily essentials - which, with a young son, a puppy and my own business, I have a lot of!) whilst simultaneously allowing me to put all my true essentials in our multi-purpose Tweency - perfect to pop out during the day or straight to an event after work - the very best of both worlds!What is your most favoured bag trend for AW18?
Monogrammed, animal print, mini bags and metallic.
What does the signature Happy logo represent for the brand?
I think that it perfectly represents our brand philosophy, especially when applied to our “Happy Wink Twist Lock” and “Happy Plaque” - the juxtaposition of a playful, witty twist applied to something truly luxurious and handcrafted - an effortlessly cheeky sign that you don’t take yourself too seriously.Could you explain the technique that goes into the creation of your bags and why this is such a focal point for your brand?
We are a truly new generation luxury brand - combining exquisite quality and impeccable attention to detail with a witty, playful character. I follow my heart and only design things that I truly love and want! Our seasonal development process takes a good six months - beginning with initial creative ideas, followed up with an intensive development process, partnering with our artisanal factories, hardware suppliers and exclusive European leather tanneries.
Given the level of craftsmanship employed, how best can a customer care for their Hill and Friends bag?
With love - it’s your new best friend!! We have an incredible in-house customer care and store team that give knowledgeable and in-depth advice to all customers. Advise really does vary on the style of bag and which leather it is crafted in.Hill and Friends is said to embrace personality and help customers ‘walk a little taller and feel a little stronger’ – where did these values come from and why did they first come about?
We are a female-founded brand and therefore fiercely believe in the concept of a ‘H&F Girl-Gang’ inclusivity!What can we expect from Hill and Friends in the future?
Watch this space!!Words by Olivia Seed
Olivia Seed
Editor
A minimalist fashion fan with high interests in the odd print or check. Constantly trying to make my home look like a catalogue; you can find me shopping for cute bedding, candles and other Instagrammable interior accessories.
