#NicasInspirations: Go behind the Lauren grab with Nica Kim

I hope that you’re loving our latest A/W 14 collection? I’m very pleased with the results, and of course, I have lots of favourites! One style that I just can’t put down is the Lauren grab. So, this week, I thought that I’d give you a little more of an insight into its design!

I love the Doctor’s bag shape, which is a style that comes and goes out of fashion, and I wanted to infuse its classic shape with a Nica twist! I decided to give it more of a minimal feel, and so, I looked towards sleek, linear influences.

Travels aside, when I'm designing, I often turn to sources such as Pinterest as it’s the quickest way to pull together lots of different kinds of inspiring images that I could never find in just one trip away. I love sharing my design influences with you.

I'm going to start sharing some of my Pinterest design mood boards with you too. First up is the beautiful Lauren grab! You can view its board here. 

As to stick to the non-conventional Doctor’s bag theme, I finished with a zip top closure, and added a detachable crossbody strap. The result is an ultra-modern twist upon a vintage feeling style that’s both stylish yet easy to carry around with you. - Be it as a crossbody or a grab.

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I’d love to hear what you think about our new A/W14 collection. Take a look at our full range here and let me know which ones are your favourites by getting in touch @Nica_Handbags on Twitter and @nicahandbags on Instagram.   

Love Nica

- x - 

Nica's Design Inspirations: The Classic Satchel with a Twist

From its origins as part of a Roman legionary’s luggage to the bag that many a school girl was forced to carry as part of their uniforms, there’s no denying that the satchel has done a 360, and gone from solely functional to an on-trend must have.

Fashion Blogger @leannelimwalker styles the Alicia satchel

These days, the most stylish way to wear your satchel is classic with a twist, maintaining the functionality of its traditional design yet transformed with on trend finishings. I love the possibilities presented by re-creating a classic, and so, each season I've taken the classic satchel design and infused it with a seasonal Nica style twist. From my unique watercolour prints adorning handy lightweight canvas satchels to bright pops of neon lemon or hot pink illuminating the classic leather feel satchels. 

*Amy Satchel* Other Image Source

For S/S 14, my small Amy satchel was perhaps one of my favourites to design. The shape of the Amy satchel is an absolute classic satchel shape, and I've brought it up to date with bright summer feeling colour pops, and then, finished with a simple splash of laser cut detailing - another of my favourite finishing details for this season. As always, my travels have helped to influence my designs, from the beautiful colours of flowers in bloom at botanical gardens to the intricate shapes upon buildings that inspired my laser cutting. The Amy satchel is also available in classic bone or tan for those who just can't resist a classic wardrobe staple. 

I've also thoroughly enjoyed seeing just how versatile my satchels are to style up into an outfit too, and we've had many fashion bloggers provide us with some gorgeous satchel style. As you know, I love bohemian style, and so, I thought that this was a great #OOTD by the Fox and Feather fashion blog. 

If you're looking for some satchel style inspiration, why not head over to our Pinterest and check out our fashion blogger gallery. 

Love Nica 

- x - 

Discover Nica's Design Inspirations: The Vintage Botanic Print

'Ideas can come from anywhere, you can take inspirations from anything.' 

 - Paul Smith - 

Last week, I spent an afternoon at London’s Design Museum exploring the Hello My Name Is Paul Smith exhibition. Paul Smith is one of many designers who produces work that I love, so, I wanted to go along and get a real insight into his world and what inspires him. 

Just like I often explain, the exhibition demonstrates that ideas can come from anywhere and inspiration can be derived from anything, with Paul often referring to film, artists, photography, and making general observations. One of the best parts was getting the chance to walk down a long corridor decorated with a sample of Paul's own personal collection of inspiring art and photography (above). And as the sign suggests, it really did feel like I was taking a trip inside his head! 

Similarly to Paul, I often refer to beautiful pieces of art or photography for design inspirations, and most recently, I've been looking towards finely illustrated watercolour nature motifs, which led to the creation of our latest print the Vintage Botanic. They make me feel very nostalgic, and bring back happy memories of growing up in Korea!

Do you have a favourite source of design inspiration? Simply tell me below, or tweet @Nica_Handbags. 

Love,

Nica x 

Discover Nica's Design Inspirations: Oriental Prints

by Nica Kim

All of my prints are unique, and whilst I was designing this season’s watercolour collection, I turned to beautiful oriental prints for inspiration, as I love the feel of the rich with vibrant colours and patterns that stay so close to nature. Just like these inspiring ones that I found on Pinterest below.

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Whilst developing my own oriental influenced prints, I decided to add in elements of animals to make it feel a little more quirky and more like a typical Nica print.

Take a look at my beautiful prints for this season, do you have a favourite? We're always looking for inspiring new prints, so, why not share your favourite prints with us @Nica_Handbags on Twitter, or on Pinterest. 

Love, 

Nica Kim 

x x x