In the Studio
Let’s Talk Dopamine Dressing: The April Edit
14 April 2023
April showers, what are those? We’re only seeing spring sunshine with our new April Edit. Especially after we heard about the incredible details behind these styles from the people that know them best. Our Radley London Design Studio. Let’s talk handbags.
What are the key colours for April and how do they make you feel?
Lucy: Our colour palette makes me think of dopamine dressing, these are such happy shades. Wild Rose is a pink that really pops. These near-neons - as we call them – will have us all ready for summer. We’ve used them in splashes against neutral colours to make them wearable.
Liz: It makes me think of a pack of highlighters, that’s something that really brings me joy!
What else should we look out for in April?
Zizi: Psychedelia is having a huge moment, we’ve really embraced that kaleidoscope of colour on styles like our new Book Street, Nature Tripping.
Lucy: It’s sensory overload in the best way. One of my favourite shapes from the April Edit is Mallow Street. It’s so pillowy soft.
Tell us more about Mallow Street, we like the sound of this bag.
Alice: The construction of it is key to get the ultimate puffy shape. The studs and poppers gather it all together to make it extra mallowy.
Lucy: And it’s so functional too, there’s three compartments inside.
Zizi: The buttons on it remind me of a Chesterfield sofa, I just want to sink into it.
What do you love about our raffia-effect styles, and where do you see yourself wearing it?
Lucy: Park Place and Newport Street are just incredibly crafted, the stitch techniques to get this effect are so intricate. I just want to take myself off to the beach with one of these styles. On Park Place we’ve used a material that looks like raffia but is much sturdier and will wear better.
Alice: I have my eye on Park Place for my upcoming holiday to Mauritius, but I’ll be wearing it all around London too. Maybe for a picnic in Green Park opposite our office.
Liz: You can carry that one and I’ll have my Newport Street Stitch. I love the slightly hidden front pocket, it’s perfect for holding my Oyster card.
Lucy: The craftsmanship on this one is incredible too, the trim on this is raffia and each hole punch and stitch were done by hand.
Let’s go back to the new Book Street you mentioned, tell us more about Nature Tripping.
Lucy: Nature Tripping is all about the psychedelic colour palette. We’ve imagined our Scottie mascot in a slightly hazy dream world. It’s like an alternate version of our London skyline so if you look closely you’ll make out some of the landmarks, and even a King’s Guard soldier or two.
Zizi: This is the perfect Spring-Summer statement piece. I’ll be wearing it with my casual T-shirts and jeans to transform it into a really cool look.
Okay Design Team, one last difficult question for you all. What one bag would you choose from the April Edit, and why?
Liz: Has to be Audley Drive Patchwork for me. I love the retro, almost Rubiks Cube effect of all these pieces stitched together. And also the contrast of that against the beautiful, quite ladylike bamboo-effect handle.
Sophie: I’m going for Knolton Bay. I love the accordion construction, with that unexpected pop of colour on the sides. Plus you can wear it as a shoulder or cross body, so convenient.
Alice: I love Sloane Street Woven. I’ll be able to fit everything I need for a day out in there, and it’s so versatile to style.
Lucy: I’m a fan of Fan Street. It’s the perfect summer bucket bag.
Zizi: I’m making plans for a picnic with Audley Drive. I love the mix of the gingham and the bamboo-effect handles. And I love the branding at the front, I’ll be wearing it with pride.
As will we, thank you Designers.
We've got lots going on this Spring. Make sure you keep up to date with the news on Radley Stories. You’ll find all of these bags plus many more in New Arrivals.
