We had the pleasure of asking Liam Bowden of cult label Deadly Ponies some questions...
Established in 2004 and now acclaimed globally by girls waiting to get their hands on one of your creations! Did you see the brand getting to this elite level, what is your ultimate goal?
''What we aim to achieve with everything we make is something that is of the highest quality and will be used and loved for many years to come."
The Deadly Ponies handbag for many is the 'it bag' staple in their wardrobe. What is your favourite piece/staple in your wardrobe?
"My favourite piece in my wardrobe is some track pants I got at Barneys years ago. When working late nights in the studio they always keep me comfortable."
What bag are you most fond of out of all your collections you have created and why?
"The one I am most fond of would be Mr Sleepover. I use it everyday and it looks great with just my diary and laptop in it or I can pack it full with a change of clothes if I'm heading away for the weekend."
What are the inspirations behind the latest collection 'Dead Bolt'?
"It is inspired by a recent trip to Europe where there was marble everywhere, so we used this as the starting point. Working with a traditional book binder, we created our season's signature marble prints then matched them to a number of precious gemstones. We then worked to create more structured bags and colour palette inspired by the stones."
Do you have a muse that you use when designing a collection?
"When designing we start by looking at our archive and eyeing ideas and shapes we are interested in portraying that season. We don't have a muse as such because we don't target a certain type of person, we just focus on creating modern designs using age old techniques - it seems to appeal to all ages. Last week we had a regular customer in her 20's buy a piece of ours for her 73 year old grandmother, so we are never surprised at who is drawn to our products."
What is next for Deadly Ponies?
"Big year ahead already, we are currently working on a few collaborations which is always exciting, and working with key stockist in Europe and the US to expand further over there. And some where along the line we need to move into a bigger workroom!"
Describe a typical day in the life of Liam Bowden...
"Wake up look at emails, usually have a morning meeting over breakfast. Then head off to the workroom, check on production and see how everything is looking for the week. As all our bags are made in house it gives us a lot more control on the quality and finish of our products, which is really important. I have a meeting today with a New Zealand artist who we are working with on some one off pieces to be displayed along side our Dead Bolt collection. Then off to lunch - our office are right by the waster so I usually eat by the sea. Following that I head back to the workroom where my afternoons are usually filled with going over sample swatches and working with sewers on new and exciting designs for next year. Then it is back to my emails. The length of my days varies but if I'm lucking I finished work around 4:30 and get outside for some exercise, then out to dinner, then home where there are usually another long list of emails waiting for me to go over."
Our selection from Deadly Ponies 'Dead Bolt' collection is in store now at Bessie Head!
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