Sash and Belle: a new local label feeding your handbag addiction

Posted on 30 April, 2014

Every woman loves a good handbag or two…dozen. But, as much as we may love to own every single Chanel handbag in existence, heartbreakingly our pay cheque may dictate otherwise.  That’s why Sash & Belle, the newest locally established handbag label, is perfect for us Canberra ladies.

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How many times have you thought to yourself “I want something that looks expensive, but isn’t…”? Founder of Sash & Belle, Kristy McPhillips, knows exactly how you feel, and her philosophy is that you can never have too many handbags (a philosophy, she says, which is true of footwear and clothing too). Kristy took that philosophy as her inspiration and created a fashionable, chic, and above all, affordable handbag label: Sash & Belle.

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Kristy set out on a mission to bring her dream to life just under a year ago. With the help of her friend and mentor, Leanne Shea Langdown, known for her Cheer Chick Charlie book series, Kristy mapped out the future of Sash and Belle and begun the design process. A mere 10 months later, Kristy has designed, produced and launched an entire collection of handbags and purses. For a first-time business venture, this is not only impressive, but it speaks volumes to Kristy’s determination, vision and action.

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The current collection encompasses a great variety of purses, clutch bags, hand bags and totes which are classic and functional, but also bold and striking. You will see some bright and vivid colours, stand-out patterns and prints and hard-hitting structured bags throughout the winter collection. You will also see a beautiful range of relaxed and simple, classic designs such as the Ivy Tote (pictured at top).

[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H5WXE3bQKY0/U19s6bKrrvI/AAAAAAAACIM/wqL4pL6WRoQ/s144-c-o/tj.png” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/SashBelle#6007640178916306674″ caption=”Model, Tahlia Jane” type=”image” alt=”tj.png” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_img_align=”center” pe2_caption=”1″ ]

Kristy has had great support from local Canberra businesses throughout the construction of her brand. Sash & Belle collaborated with photographer and makeup artist Kerry Sleeman and model Tahlia Jane on the set of their latest photo shoot. Scissor and Roc Hairdressing and one of Canberra’s top nailists, Nailed It by Leanne, were also involved in the process.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-teO_rNXO4NA/U19s5ds_WwI/AAAAAAAACIE/s8cF06sM3pI/s144-c-o/kristy.png” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/SashBelle#6007640162417203970″ caption=”Pictured left to right: Leanne Shae Langdown, Kristy MPhillips, Kerry Sleeman” type=”image” alt=”kristy.png” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_img_align=”center” pe2_caption=”1″ ]

Kristy says she has since been approached by a number of other local beauty and fashion businesses such as Dilkara Hair and Mussen, who are keen to contribute to the Sash and Belle label. Kristy and mentor Leanne agree that Canberra is a great place to start a business because businesses “collaborate rather than compete against each other”. Kristy describes her experience as fun and rewarding, and urges anyone aspiring to start their own business to just do it!

The future of Sash & Belle is bright, so be sure to stay tuned for the spring/summer collection. You can expect pastel colours, perhaps to marry with some spring-racing style clutches. Kristy also hopes to introduce some bridal bags, and maybe even baby bags!

If you’d like to get your hands on some cheap and chic merchandise (sorry Moschino, I don’t mean you this time), then head to the online store. You can also catch Sash & Belle at Fash’n’Treasure this Saturday 3 May at Exhibition Park, Canberra.