As a stylist it is always a joy to find a brand with a difference. One that has a unique point of view, one also offering premium product, one that is making a difference too.
By Sara Christie a British brand that offers fashionable bags (made per order) and jewellery is my find of the year. You can imagine my excitement to have the opportunity to speak to her about her eponymously named brand.
Sara who trained to be a fashion designer then got into the sector of being of designing the embellishment (embroidery and beading) on product in India. This led to the opportunity of become an assistant designer for bags and accessories. She then became a design manager. In 2017 due to manufacturers being driven by the high street to lower their prices and lessen their profit margins, Sara decided to leave the high street. The high street was incessantly demanding newness at rock bottom prices, the 6 season per year trend meant that the pace of fashion at this time was getting faster and faster.
Sara set up a consultancy and had the time to think of designing her own accessories and handbags. She thought that her designs would be seasonless designs that were marked by simplicity, style and versatility.
Over lockdown in 2020 a search for a chain necklace that was of good quality but below a certain price point led Sara to designing her own. She had designed the perfect chain necklace! The ‘Boss’ chain necklace (seen in image two). She made some for herself and friends and shared it on Instagram. Her followers started requesting them and when she had more made up for them, they sold out.
Sara wanted her designs to be of quality but at accessible prices. Her ‘Boss’ necklace for instance retails for £89 whereas many other brands might sell a similar piece for over £300.
As a person, Sara is special and inspiring. Her reasons for what she does stays with you and so does her work and her warm ethos. Her jewellery and bags have her personal story weaved into their collection names and design. Take her ‘Duchess’ (see image three) range for example. This jewellery collection is a play on a beloved family member’s pearls. The name of the ‘Boss’ chain necklace and bracelet as conceived during lockdown connotes being self assured and seeks to boost self esteem. Sara shared how she very saw the need to design accessories to be worn above the waist during the Zoom necessitated lockdown.
Sara’s brand encourages slow fashion. Her bags for example are made as per order. Also interesting to note is the fact that she welcomes custom orders. There is soul in her work with her wanting to keep her brand accessible (it is primarily sold on her site) with regards to who stocks it and her price points.
I love her work and ethos and thus invite you to experience By Sara Christie here.
Images courtesy of Sara Christie.