If you caught our giveaway over the summer, you already know how much we love British handbag designer Emma Gordon. But do you know how much we love her new fall/winter collection of darling handbags? (Here's a hint: we really really REALLY love it.) We recently caught up with Emma to find out more about how she got started as a designer and where she gets her inspiration.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work. My name is Emma Gordon and I set up my handbag label 'Emma Gordon London' in 2003. I work long hours from my lovely little studio in England and I love it. I am very creative and enjoy making things. It makes me smile to think there are lots of girls out there using my creations. My signature style is 'lady like with a twist' using pretty colors, quirky detailing and delicate trims. As every bag is handmade by me, this achieves a unique 'one-off style' that has always proved so popular with my customers.



How did you get started as a designer? I was tired of only being able to buy mass-produced goods that were being worn by thousands of other people so I decided to do something about it! I began by setting up a small stall on Spitalfields Fashion Market in London. I was soon noticed and approached by several boutiques that wanted to stock my bags. I began to get a big of press in magazines from these shops and it started to grow from there. I now sell my bags to boutiques around the world including UK, USA, Singapore, Dubai, Spain and Hong Kong.

What inspires your work? I take my inspiration from everything elegant and ladylike. I love to mix this with quirky detailing to keep my bags cute and humorous. I love the light-hearted glamour of Audrey Hepburn in 'Breakfast at Tiffanys' and the gorgeous pin-up girls of the 1950's.

Who are your favorite designers? My absolute favorite designer label is Moschino Cheap and Chic. I love the way they mix elegant shapes and immaculate quality with quirky patterns and details. For classic styling I love timeless styling of Chanel.

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? My fashion must-haves are definitely accessories. I wear quite plain, simple clothes but I always accessorize. Whether it's a bright bag, a fantastic pair of heels or a large bow in my hair, it's something small that shows my style. Beauty must-haves are mascara and blush!

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? My advice to aspiring designers is to get a website! Once your collection is ready and photographed put it on your website - this is a 24 hour portfolio that is available to everybody in the world. You could have the most beautiful products, but if no one can see them you can't sell anything.

Where can people find your work? My bags are available through my website www.emmagordon.co.uk as well as my new Etsy shop. Both are currently offering free worldwide shipping.

We love all of the amazing independent designers out there and we wanted to find out more about what makes these creative types tick. If you do too, check out more of our Indie Designer Interviews.