Atelier Annick - luxury handbag designer

Whilst working as the head of the Luxury Goods Department at the Financial Times newspaper in Paris, Annick Adjo spotted a gap in the market of high quality handbags and accessories. Annick decided to create her own exclusive handbag label “Atelier Annick” which would fuse the vibrancy of Africa whist maintaining the high quality craftsmanship of Europe.
The inspiration for this eclectic mix is down to Annick’s own cultural background. Born and raised in Paris, French chic comes naturally along with the preference of good quality products and attention to detail. This is reflected in her collection which only uses the finest leather from Italy and France with luxurious silks. Annick’s strong ties to the Cote D’Ivoire through her parents bring an African influence to her designs. Annick states: “I went to visit my relatives in the Ivory Coast, and was really struck by the creativity there – the art, sculptures, colours and textures – and by the quality of the craftsmanship. I started looking around and I discovered this incredibly talented man who makes woven strips, called Kente. They became a signature theme for my bags”
At this September’s pop-up showcase hosted by micro-boutique hotel 40WiNKS, Annick launched her Spring/Summer 2010 collection “Riviera Glam”. This collection recalls the opulence and artistry of the French Riviera. The collection comprises of two new ranges standing alongside her classic signature line. The ranges are Bassam and Opeli. Bassam is a large day tote made of especially treated raffia and fringed with luxurious Italian leather. The choices of colour are natural/aqua and natural/beige. With the tote is a matching purse to ensure complete co-ordination.
The Opeli at £265 is a versatile evening clutch in gold Italian leather with a detachable gold chain. There are 2 separate inside compartments .Depending on the occasion and the outfit worn the clutch can be held 3 ways: 1. as a shoulder bag with the gold chain 2. As a handbag using the wooden handles. And 3 as a clutch with the wooden handles folded and the chain detached.
Since launching her label over a year ago, Annick has celebrated several achievements, one of which was the Best Start Up Business at the Precious Awards in Nov 2008 - these awards recognise enterprises by women of colour. Since then she has exhibited at the highly acclaimed Prêt a Porter show in Paris and also the London and Paris Fashion Week in 2009.

One of Annick’s designs, Bebe, has developed a following and now has a waiting list thanks to Cheryl Cole who bought it in red. This patent leather handbag is made of zebra print pony skin with caramel lining and costs £725. It also comes in brown and black. No mean feat for a new designer!