Friday 15 November 2013

Catherine Aitken Edinburgh - Bags & Accessories

Catherine Aitken makes amazing bags, manbags, toiletries & shoe bags as well as accessories from her studio in Leith, Edinburgh.  See the full range here. I recently became aware of Catherine's bags when I entered a competition to win one - sadly I didn't (but I'm saving up for Hobo Renaissance Annie (£185) or Bow Clutch Tweed (£65).

Catherine works with heritage cloths - Harris Tweed handwoven in the Outer Hebrides, Linens woven in Fife, Waxed Cottons from Dundee, Mohairs and Tartans from the Borders and Deerskin Leather from the West Coast.

Catherine previously worked in film and TV producing feature films and TV dramas.  She first designed and produced handbags to promote a film she was financing at the Cannes Film Festival. Three years ago she gave all this up to concentrate making her own handbags and accessories.

The Renaissance range is made from recycled vintage jackets. My favourite from this range is the Hobo Renaissance Annie (£185)


This bag is created from two vintage Harris Tweed jackets. The original flap pocket is on the front of the bag and the top jacket pocket is on the back - ideal for storing your mobile, bus fares or lip balm.

Heavyweight black waxed canvas creates the base. The inside is lined with with Scottish linen.  There is double slot pockets inside and a zip across the top with a leather puller. The bag is finished with brass fittings and a brown leather handle.

The Bow Clutch Tweed (£65) in Green Check is another bag I'm lusting over. Just perfect for taking for a night out or for using during the day.
This bag is made with Harris Tweed and lined in silk. The same silk is on the bow. It's a pouch style bag which folds over and closes with a magnetic snap. 

You can see the full range (including manbags) here
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*photos courtesy of Catherine Aitken

7 comments:

  1. I like the Clutch Tweed, great for makeup on a night out x

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  2. The hobo bag is delightful! What a great idea to reuse the jackets! x

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    Replies
    1. Gorgeous isn't it. I love a bit of recycling x

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  3. Wow, these are gorgeous!

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