Stalking In Progress: Davina Mulford

Last weekend I was shooting on the streets of my favourite area in London, Notting Hill, for Davina Mulford's latest collection of bags. Some of you may remember this talented chick from a earlier post I did on her venture into millenary and now she has added another string to her bow and has brought out her own bag line. 

Lots of outfit changes later amongst colourful mews houses we shot away until the sun set, with a stop in at Pearl and Grove to refuel after an afternoon of shooting.

I caught up with Davina, the designer to find out more about her latest venture.

Why did you decide to venture into bags?

I’ve always been a bit obsessed with bags, the first one I ever made myself when I was 17 for my A Level Textiles project, a little hand embroidered number, inspired by India, which I still have.   

Then last Christmas I started selling my own design gold leather clutch and purses at Christmas fairs, which proved really popular, and customers asked if I had any other styles in my range, so I decided to enlarge the range gradually, starting with a capsule collection of Cross Body Bags in 3 colours- designed to ‘fit your life’.

Notting Hill offers a brilliant backdrop for styled product photography like this with it's vintage stalls and brightly coloured houses it's a dream to shoot in. 

I love this shot below, the rusty chairs from Pizza East pick up the colouring of the bag beautifully. 

Which do you prefer designing, hats or bags?

Hmmm, tricky one as the processes are so different:  I love the whole creative process of designing hats for special occasions, it lets me and the customer get really creative, playing around with form, textures and colour.  My customers are often buying a one-off piece, to go with a specific outfit, and want to stand out from the crowd in their own bespoke design.

With the bags, it’s a different process, I start off by working out ‘what people need’, the bags have to fit people’s lives.   Above all, the bags have to be practical and of the highest quality design and leather. I work with a factory in Portugal, who are amazing.  Through a sampling process, they help me transform my sketches into the finished product.  

What's next for the brand?

I’m in the process of designing next Summer’s collection of hats, and i’ll be bringing out my winter Fedoras in September - the fedoras are handmade, from the softest peachbloom felt - they are great for adding a bit of individuality to your winter wardrobe, as they can be made in any colour and trim.

Refuel time at the gorgeous Pearl and Grove who do the best cakes in Notting Hill. 

Giggles after a hard days shooting..Davina, the talented designer and Vinnie the model.

Why did you decide to shoot your latest collection with that street style feel, what do you like about that kind of photography?

I didn’t want a formal photo shoot, I wanted to show off the bags in their ‘natural environment’, so the location had to be London, and Notting Hill on a saturday afternoon just has such a great buzz and atmosphere.  I like that the photography really brings the bags to life, and captures the essence of the brand.

If you're keen on this style of photography for a product of yours, do get in touch here!