In the Studio
Party Like It’s 1998: 25 Years of Radley London
01 September 2023
Forgive us for getting nostalgic, but it is our 25th birthday after all. We’ve been doing the thing we love - creating expertly crafted designs you trust to carry your life in - for a quarter of a century. If you haven’t been with us from the beginning, let us tell you a bit about it.
PARTY LIKE IT’S 1998
Against a soundtrack of Britpop, we got our start in Camden Lock Market. From day one, London - and the women who live there - have inspired our designs. Nothing less than the finest quality and functionality will do when you’re setting off across the city every day.
WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS
Walk into our London Design Studio and you’ll find life behind the leather seams. This is where every single one of our designs begins. Zizi, our Creative Director, knows what makes a Radley special.
“What makes a great handbag? Quality craftsmanship, attention to detail and amazing design both inside and out. The size, colour and shape are obviously important, but the handbag has to work with the needs of modern life.”
LEATHER IS IN OUR DNA
We never stop striving to set a new standard for quality. As many as 20 skilled craftspeople work on every single handbag we make. And we’ve been working with some of these partners, now friends, for as long as three generations (even before we were officially Radley London). We wouldn’t be where we are without their expertise, enthusiasm, and our shared love of what we create together.
CELEBRATE WITH OUR SCOTTIE
He’s always the life and soul of the party. You’ll find him proudly placed on every design, and he’s popping up in stores with a new look to celebrate our birthday. Our balloon Scotties will be there to greet you at the events we have planned across the UK and US. Keep an eye on our social media for more details, but we can tell you there’s going to be presents, manicures and cocktails in true Radley fashion.
PROTECTING OUR FUTURE
We want to make the handbags and accessories you love in the most responsible way to protect the future of our planet. That’s why all of our leather comes from Leather Working Group-accredited tanneries. They’re responsible for the leading environmental certification for the industry. And in our sustainable Radley Responsible range you’ll find materials such as BCI-accredited cotton, organic cotton, and recycled polyester made from plastic bottles.
It doesn’t stop with our designs, click through to find out more about our sustainability commitment and our goals for the future.
CRAFTED FOR THE NEXT 25 YEARS
We’re just getting started. Which bag would you choose today to see you through the next 25 years? There’s no wrong answer but we’d recommend starting with our special edition birthday designs. From the new London-inspired colours of our bestselling Pockets 2.0 and Summerstown, to the intricately crafted Liverpool Street 2.0 Minis.
In celebrating our birthday, we also have to remember our guests of honour. All of Team Radley. Get to know them and read some of their stories from over the years. One of our longest serving team members is Zizi, our Creative Director. Discover her favourite moments from 20 years at Radley London.
Last but not least, we want to thank you. We wouldn't be where we are today without our loyal customers, many of whom have been with us since 1998. We hope you're as proud to carry your Radley, as we are to make them. Here's to the next 25 years.
