Q&A with Emma Garner – Winner of the Footwear & Accessories Award 2016

Q: Why did you decide to take part in the Fashanne Awards?

A: I had just started developing bag samples in my final year when Anne pitched the Awards to my Textiles course – I jumped at the opportunity to strive for the Footwear and Accessories Award as I enjoy a goal and focus point. It was especially appealing to have my bags down a catwalk and to experience the whole event as I’d never participated in anything like this before. The exposure was brilliant and I gained a bit of press which was great having only just graduated.

 Q: Career wise, what did you do after the event?

A: I went to All Saints as their Bags Design Assistant for a couple of years before heading to House of Fraser as their Handbags Designer. Then four years after graduating I took the leap to launch my own handbag brand Isla de Gar. All our bags are made to order in our East London studio. Focusing on woven mediums, we design contemporary, sculptural bags made using satin ribbon.  

Q: What do you find most fulfilling about your current position in your career?

A: I am creating something that didn’t already exist – it’s a pretty cool thing to think the bags and brand I’m building are totally from scratch. I have full autonomy to design the bags that I want, rather than working for someone else under their restrictions. Secondly the community we’re building and relationships I’ve made along the way from working in this side of the industry compared to the fast fashion side.

 Q: How do you think the Fashanne Awards helped your career?

A: Winning the Accessories Award cemented faith that I am capable of more than I think. It encouraged me to realise I can strive for more and that I am a strong, innovative designer and maker. One of the judges said he was impressed by how structural my bags were at the awards – I’ve taken this forward into the bags I design for IDG.

 Q: What advice/tips would you give to this year’s students entering the Fashanne Awards?

A: Combine originality with commerciality. Amaze the judges by showing them something they’ve never seen before. A whole new process or surface design – people love to see innovation and risk takers.

Q: And finally, what’s next in store for you?

A: With IDG we’re striving to become THE wedding bag brand this year – it’s becoming a huge part of the business and revenue driver. To focus on our community by hosting customer focused events, whilst elevating the brand and taking it to wider audiences.