Autumn/winter ’19 marks the return of effortless style, which extends to your accessories too. Case in point- Jimmy Choo’s new VARENNE collection of bags. A timeless addition to the brand’s repertoire, these capacious holdalls come with all the trappings of your average ‘It’ bag. They are crafted in suede and calf leather in rich autumnal colours like bordeaux, rust, dark green and cuoio, and are handmade in Italy by six separately skilled artisans. Plus, the British craftsmanship make these bags not only utilitarian but also elegant. ELLE speaks to Sandra Choi, Jimmy Choo’s global creative director, to get the lowdown on what went into this range.
ELLE: What was your inspiration for VARENNE?
Sandra Choi: The VARENNE bags are sleek, ladylike and refined. My inspirations blended the idea of a modern British heroine with equestrian references. I feel these bags will be the future classics that reinforce Jimmy Choo’s expertise in creating highly designed accessories.
ELLE: The collection sports the new bevelled edge JC monogram; what does it signify?
SC: After designing various collections for over 20 years, it was apparent that we needed an emblem to give an authoritative visual ownership to our signature designs. The JC logo is quite literally our monogram, which is consciously designed to be representative of the multifaceted identity of the brand and of the Jimmy Choo customer.
ELLE: How has the equestrian theme influenced your designs?
SC: The VARENNE bowling bag was inspired by the bits and bridles of dressage. The harness both secures and decorates the accessories forming the basis for shoulder straps and high curved handles, and crisscrosses the leather decoratively, like the reins that temper the power of a horse.
