WHO ARE YOU

She loves… “Awkward colour combinations.”

It’s a bag thing

Amanda started designing bags because she could never fi nd one she loved.

AMANDA BRISKIN-RETTIG A-ESQUE

Made by hand Petal Pure bag (at right), $700, and Box clutch Star Stud in Navy (below), $600, A-Esque.

FIND OUT WHAT MAKES OUR FAVOURITE CREATIVES TICK

AMANDA BRISKIN-RETTIG, OWNER OF LEATHER GOODS LABEL A-ESQUE

A BANK BALANCE OF $5000, A HANDFUL OF BAG DESIGNS AND A PLANE TICKET OVERSEAS LAUNCHED AMANDA INTO THE AUSSIE FASHION INDUSTRY WITH HER HANDBAG AND ACCESSORIES LABEL MIMCO. NOW SHE’S UPPING THE ANTE WITH HER HIGH-END LEATHER GOODS BRAND A-ESQUE.

Were you creative as a child?

“Yes, I loved to play, daydream, window shop and dress up, stomping around in clogs trying on dress after dress, experimenting with hair, frocks, jewellery and my nanna’s bags.”

What are you currently

working on? “I’m in a constant state of evolution, creation and, sometimes, frustration with my work. Today my mind is on micro cases and new appliqué patterns.”

Who/what are your creative

infl uences? “An eclectic mix of creatives spanning various aspects of design, interiors, architecture and fashion. Peoplewatching, everyday people and memories tend to be the greatest infl uence for me. I soak it all up all the time, I always have.”

What is the strangest place you’ve found inspiration?

“A building site. There’s something about the purist nature of bags that are made for purpose, like toolbelts. I really enjoy seeing industrial, functional bags in use.”

Your most treasured item?

“My engagement ring. It was my husband’s grandmother’s. She left it to him in a safe with a note: ‘For your wife’. It’s romantic. I love the story so I treasure the ring.”

What’s your favourite colour?

“For me, colour and texture are paramount. Awkward colour combinations have always been my thing. The colours on my Petal Pure bags exemplify this. I love thinking about the clash and mix, and work hard to achieve it.” Favourite space? “Our home. It inspires me daily and remains a sanctuary for our family life. The fact that we love being together under the roof of our home makes it my favourite, most valued space.”

The most inspiring space you have ever walked into?

“Villa Necchi in Milan. The 1930s heritage-listed villa (which is now a museum) was the backdrop to Luca Guadagnino’s movie I Am Love. The juxtaposition of textures, the mix of polish, industrial and worn is exquisite.” Who’s your hero? “I enjoy Tilda Swinton… her attitude, her hair, here wardrobe, her ‘take’ on life.”

Finish this sentence: I never

leave home without… “My perfume – Baudelaire by Byredo – my phone, and my bags.”

So, what’s inside your

handbag? “I have bags in my bags. I often carry around new designs – playing, road testing and thinking about them. I’m usually at a loss to fi nd my keys and wallet.” A-esque.com R

See colour The A-Esque store in The Strand Arcade, Sydney.

Face off Wyatt keyring, $100, and Box clutch Midi E-motion, $700, A-Esque.

Best seat The Hunting chair by Danish designer Børge Mogensen.