I met the lovely Loulou Bontemps at an exciting showcase event in Soho House on Wednesday night. Loulou joined forces with fellow London designers MYSMUT and The Ugly Kids Club to show-off their new releases and to ofcourse share some bubbly.

Before entering the scene, Loulou was unknown to me until all things bright and beautiful from her side of the room grabbed my attention and showed that this designer is big in the game herself. Loulou showcased her gorgeous collection of vintage-inspired, leather clutches each hand made by her.

Textured leathers mixed with vintage fabrics or satin dominate the collection giving the bags a luxurious and time-less style. Over-sized bows and contrasting gunmetal spikes are also key to the exclusive collection. The spikes update and harden the look, a look which I’m sure Rihanna would approve of.  Each clutch is finished off with a touch of embellishment or a handpicked antique trinket.

My favourite bag from her collection had to be the Batlow Clutch. Loulou collaborated with Mr. Batlow from UKC and the results were dope! Batlow gave Loulou’s clutches some much needed patriotic and neon-coloured spray paint in true UKC style and creates a masterpiece (a few of them actually). These customized chocolate brown clutches have the power to liven up any outfit.

Loulou doesn’t stop at handmade bags. She also buys vintage jewelry and customizes them to create real one-off pieces. She also promotes impressive pieces made by undiscovered designers who I believe are the real hidden gems.

I saw this statement piece by Gemma Dane at the showcase event and couldn’t keep my eyes off it. It’s original. It’s gorgeous. It’s beautiful. I bought it. Done.

Check out Loulou Bontemp’s collection and blog:

http://www.loulousboutique.com