Ally Capellino: utilitarian chic

22^nd February 2013

Olivia Roberts

Olivia Roberts

22 February 2013

For the past 33 years Ally Capellino has been the go-to brand for chic utilitarian bags and luxe leather accessories. After graduating in fashion and textiles from Middlesex University Ally and her then-partner Jono Platt launched the brand in 1980 that went on to gain a reputation for high quality pieces.

Ally has collaborated with Tate Galleries and Apple Europe to produce beautiful purpose driven items like aprons, artists rolls and iPad bags and a love of cycling has inspired the Bags for Bikes range which was released in 2012. With cycling becoming increasingly popular, the stylish cross body satchels and rucksacks are bound to be a hit with the ever growing number of workers who are choosing to do their commute on two wheels.

Also available on her website are stunning belts, woven leather bracelets and key chains in muted colours. Most of Ally’s offerings are in subtle colour ways with minimal branding and low key fixings that give the brand a timeless appeal. A strong proponent of fair-trade fashion, Ally is always discerning when sourcing labour and materials.

Here is a taster of what Ally has in store for this year “A new modernity launches the Ally Capellino Spring Summer ’13 collection. Techy nylon is combined with veg-tanned leather and magnetic fastenings for a new take on a fresh capsule ‘Nylon’ group for men. Rothko colour blocks influence the contrasts of colour on the dark green/black and the navy with bright tan colour ways.

For women there is a sleekly simple group of bags made from luxury nappa with a glossy patent finish. The slim and pared down bags are in a soft putty or navy with a grey goatskin spine defining the shape. The tan bridle leather straps have a hand tied finish.”

Olivia Roberts

Why not pay the Ally Capellino online store a visit and see what takes your fancy here.