Coffee With Susannah Hunter
of Susannah Hunter 
 Susannah Hunter founded Susannah Hunter bags in January 2000 after completing her degree in fashion at Saint Martins. She lives in London with her daughter Violet and spends her time running between her studio and keeping little Violet occupied.
We had a coffee with Susannah 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 Susannah Hunter?
I’ve always had a love for bags and drawing so when I graduated from St Martins I wanted to be able to combine the two in some way.
I’d always noticed that there were lots of ‘pretty’ little bags around but not many you could use all day and still feel comfortable taking out at night.
The flower aspect of it came because I believe that flowers are forever so my designs will never date. The world is full of flowers so I could carry on designing bags for the rest of my life and never run out of ideas, and it’s a great excuse to have my house and studio full of fresh ones!
What makes your product unique?
All our bags are painstakingly handmade. I draw the flowers and then make them into templates which are cut out in all different shades of leather and then incorporated into the bags.
I suppose they also differ from most bags on the market because we don’t use any buckles or trimmings; they're also pure leather and incredibly light. Some people have even started to collect them now.
How do you get a good work/life balance?
I don’t suppose I really do actually but then I see work as life and life as work, not two separate things.
I love gardens, flowers and drawing so I’m really lucky that I can combine them all for my work.
 What’s your best selling product / label?
Our Overnight Bag . I actually use it as a handbag as well but it’s definitely big enough to put a few extras in when you’re going away.
Violet (her three year old daughter) and I went away for the night a couple of weeks ago and used the bag for both of our stuff but it’s also great if you’re one of those people that likes to carry round their life in their bag everyday.
We're about to launch our Chelsea Flower Show Bag (pictured - Susannah has been asked to design it especially for the show - she's working with florist, Jane Packer) and I'm hoping that will be a best seller!
How would you characterise your fashion style?
It depends on the season and what mood I’m in. In the summer I love dresses, prints and colour but in the winter I wear more muted colours and a lot of knitwear which I love to layer.
Where do you buy your cashmere and why?
I adore cashmere and have a huge selection from Queene & Belle . I’m good friends with them so I'm a little biased(!) but I really can’t rate their knitwear highly enough. It’s completely handmade and Scottish like me, so their way is very similar to ours!
 Heels or flats and where do you buy them?
Flats. I’m always running after Violet or running for a bus so they’re a must for me. I love French Sole and have them in all colours and patterns. They’re brilliant for adding a bit of colour to a simple outfit.
I do think it's important to try and wear heels every now and then to make you feel special and I always head to Emma Hope - her selection is irresistible.
Where do you shop for children’s clothes?
Mini Boden has some really cute little clothes and I adore Sonya Rykiel Enfant . I love shopping for Violet and she’s got a very generous uncle who spoils her rotten on the clothes front. In fact her wardrobe is much better than mine.
Do you eat organic and live an eco conscious lifestyle?
I do eat organic, especially meat and I try and live as eco consciously as possible. I have to say it’s not as easy as I’d like in London; when I stay with my parents in Scotland I realise how much easier it is up there. I do make an effort though and I really try to encourage Violet so that she learns from a young age.
Do you ever buy food online?
I use Ocado.com for all the essentials but we have such amazing delicatessens round us that I just love going to. I think it’s really important to actually see and feel the vegetable you buy.
What beauty products are currently in your bathroom cabinet?
 Clarins , Clarins and more Clarins! Their stuff is brilliant for my skin and I’m addicted to their Flash Balm and Eye Contour Balm .
What’s your signature fragrance?
Aqua Di Parma Iris Nobile , I’ve worn it for years.
What are your are three must-have make up products?
Let me have a rummage in my bag...
Obviously Clarins Beauty Flash Balm , Laura Mercier Mascara and Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss lip gloss.
How would you describe the style of your home?
Full of colour and pattern. I have lots of my mother’s paintings, some chunky wooden pieces and a couple of bits of my Susannah Hunter furniture. And of course my home is always full of fresh flowers.
 Our next door neighbour is, by pure coincidence, a florist so I gave them a bag in return for a never ending supply of flowers! It was one of the best deals I’ve ever done!
Where do you go for home furnishings?
I love going to markets for my furniture and could spend hours in Alfie‘s Market on Church Street in London, and I adore all the antiques markets in Scotland.
For the kitchen I actually think that nowhere beats John Lewis , they always have exactly what you’re after.
And finally, where else do you love to indulge?
Valvona & Crolla , Soul Jazz Records and Little Fish Toys for Violet. |
