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Anthony Vrahimis with staff members Anuska, Michelle, Jane, Poliner and Anna at his Tolington Way business |
Anthony’s handbag-making courses prove to be a big hit
FORMER Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher kept the heart of government in her large leather handbag, and the Queen is said to keep good luck charms and photos of her family in hers.
One of Britain’s top handbag designers, Holloway man Anthony Vrahimis, spoke about the secrets of the trade at the packed Fashion Expo at Islington Business Design Centre this week. Born and bred in the borough, former Tollington schoolboy Anthony still lives and works in Tollington Way, where his business is based.
More than 500 people have gone through his apprenticeship scheme, and many have since gone on to work for top designers such as Nicole Fahri and Alexander McQueen.
Along with designing for big organisations, Anthony also runs popular handbag-making classes at his studios.
“A good looking handbag is an important accessory,” he said. “We offer the opportunity for women to craft their own bags, based on their own designs.”
The daytime, evening and weekend courses cost from £350, depending on size and quality of materials.
The course will teach you all you need to know in order to create a luxury leather handbag taking in design and 3D development, pattern-cutting, sewing, handles, closures, framing and construction.
“At the end you get your own excellent custom made individual handbag, which is unlike anyone else’s,” said Anthony.
He said he owes his success to the early encouragement of his mother, Christina, and late father, Costas.
“They were Greek-Cypriot immigrants who worked in the clothing trade,” he added.
“My mum taught me how to use a sewing machine when I was nine. And my dad taught me how to design and cut.”
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