Coffee With Jackie Cawthra
of Belen Echandia 
 Jackie Cawthra is co-founder of luxury bag label and best-kept secret, Belen Echandia . Jackie trained as a lawyer before founding Belen Echandia in 2004 when she finally succumbed to her preference for fashion magazines over the financial pages.
We had a coffee with Jackie to find out what inspired her to set up her own business, dig deep about all about her shopping habits and discover where she likes to shop online. What inspired you to create Belen Echandia?
After trips to Spain, surrounded by beautifully soft, colourful leather I realised the UK really was missing out. Full of ideas and inspiration I decided to bring it home and Belen Echandia was born.
What makes your product unique?
It’s sounds clichéd but we offer a genuinely personal service which is so important when you’re spending £500 on a bag and ordering over the internet. Customers are always surprised when they get me on the end of the phone talking them through colours and styles.
 How do you get a good work/life balance?
I’m not sure I do! And I’m not sure that dichotomy exists. But work for me isn’t work, I’m lucky in that I love what I do so it isn’t a chore. I’m often far happier at my computer than in the pub every night.
What’s your best selling range / product?
Our Take Me Anywhere (pictured left) is our best seller to date but the Love Me in Pewter is this season’s best seller and isn’t far behind.
How would you characterise your fashion style?
I don’t really have a set style as it changes every day. But I’d say I’m quite classic with a twist.
Where do you buy your denim and why?
Pepe . Their jeans are good quality, a fab fit and a great price. And Made In Heaven - the girls there are lovely.
Where do you buy your cashmere and why?
I’m not that loyal when it comes to knitwear but the last place I bought a piece was Mirage London.
 If you’re buying luxe lingerie where do you head and why?
If I had it my way my boyfriend would buy it all for me but as you can’t always have what you wish for I’d head to all time favourite, Damaris . I love their silky bow back knickers .
Heels or flats and where do you buy them?
I have a serious soft spot for Georgina Goodman’s shoes and would love to wear her heels more but when it comes to comfort and running around like I do, nothing beats a good pair of flats.
Do you live an eco conscious lifestyle?
In Sweden, where I spend half my time, you get paid to recycle so I try to live the same lifestyle over here but it’s just not as easy.
 What about ethical fashion?
I’d love to wear ethical but I still think it has a long way to go. At London Fashion Week I did have a good rummage through People Tree’s rails; they have some gorgeous pieces.
What beauty products are currently in your bathroom?
A Jo Malone Organe Blossom Candle (full marks to the boyfriend), Jo Malone Wild Fig and Cassis Bath Oil and.. some more Jo Malone!
Which skincare brand do you depend on?
I’m not really a slave to beauty products but I do rely on Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream and Kiehl’s Crème de Corps .
What are you three must-have make up products?
Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara (has to be brown), Lancome Star Bronzer Bamboo Powder and Lancome Colour Fever Lip Gloss.
 How would you describe the style of your home?
Scandanavian chic. Simple, cream, light and airy.
Where do you buy your furniture and home accessories?
The Conran Shop and Sasha Waddell - she does beautiful Scandinavian style furniture.
 What kind of linen do you go for and where do you buy it?
I recently bought some new linen from the Egyptian Cotton store . It’s heaven.
What’s your attitude to online shopping?
I live in front of my computer so I do and buy everything I can online. It’s a godsend.
Where else do you love to indulge?
Matches , Mukluk (my favourite place to buy warm comfy winter boots), 20 Ltd – a recent find, Cowshed and Hush Homewear .
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