Forbes

Mariya Dykalo certainly knows how to design accessories, as she holds the post of Creative Director of the much-loved British brand, Aspinal of London.

Known for her glamorous handbags in particular – very much in line with her glamorous self, her pieces are worn by everyone from celebrities to the discerning and fashion conscious. From Pippa Middleton to Victoria Beckham, Taylor Swift and Olivia Palermo, they’ve all been after accessories that merge classic elegance with a modernity for the women who want it all.

Accessories make every outfit look better, and they say a lot about the personality and lifestyle of the individual.

What was your first fashionable memory?

I have so many! I used to make clothes for my dolls when I was a child, and when I turned 13 I began sewing classes. I was so pleased when I made my first dress, and since then I have always loved creating my own clothes.

How did you get into the industry?

I graduated from design college in Ukraine, where I learned design and pattern making. Then after another seven years of studying, I graduated from Lviv Academy of Art & Design, at the age of 28, with a Master’s in Art & Design. When I came to England, I wanted to improve my English, so I went to study at the Chichester College and after that I got a job as an intern in design at Aspinal of London.

What is it about accessories that you love? 

Accessories make every outfit look better, and they say a lot about the personality and lifestyle of the individual.

How would you sum up your aesthetic? 

Classic, feminine and timeless.

And your personal style?

Crisp white shirt, charcoal leather pants and metallic silver stilettos.

Talk us through the AW18 collection…

This season, the AW18 collection was inspired by the idea of a traditional English country house, which looks out over a wonderful and enchanted garden scene. The key detail of the collection was the lion door knocker, which can be found in so many traditional English houses and which appears as beautiful brass lion head on many of our new designs. Peacocks were the inspiration behind our seasonal palette of rich and vibrant colors. Scarlet, yellow, amethyst, orange, mustard, turquoise and topaz were set off against ivory, tan, claret and chocolate brown, combining to form a harmonious mix of brights and classics. Hand embroidered trunks and micro hat boxes are very much stand out pieces in this collection too, with trunks and hat boxes as the key shapes.

Who are the supporters of your brand? 

Harrods, Selfridges in London, Galleries Lafayette in Paris, Rinascente in Milan, David Jones in Sydney.

Which is your favorite item/s from your new AW18 arrivals? 

I love them all, but the ‘Lansdowne’ bag with a lion clasp is my favorite new bag, as well as transparent trunks with lion heads.

Which is your favorite item/s – past, present or future? 

Past, it has to be the large ‘Marylebone’ and now, the ‘Trunk’. As for the future, it is our mid-sized ‘Editor’s’ tote.

What were the greatest lessons learned when it comes to fashion? 

Be original and unique. Learn all parts of the business, not just designing.