Emmy's Expertise: The Story of the "Natasha" Clutch Bag
The Idea
When I launched Emmy London in May 2004 I focused on shoes only. I was a one-man band back then so I had to spread myself pretty thin, just offering bespoke bridal shoes to the luxury UK wedding market, so very much a niche within a niche. As the brand evolved, we became much more well-known for our elegant yet comfortable court shoes, which were more than just bridal shoes. Offering them in an array of shades was our route to reaching out to more women across the globe.
THE BIG BREAK
After a chance meeting with Carole Middleton back in 2012 in the run-up to Kate & Will's wedding, I found myself making the shoes for what was to become my biggest career moment ever.
THE PROTOTYPE
We made the first sample in soft grey suede, the same suede Carole Middleton had selected for her shoes, and I sent it as a prototype. That was the bag that she used on the biggest day of her life—and, as it turns out, my life, and certainly for the life of our Natasha Clutch! I did evolve the design slightly after the prototype's big debut. I tweaked the proportions, added softer rounded edges to the envelope flap, and added piping to create a more robust, more defined silhouette. I also added a detachable chain to make it more versatile for events beyond just weddings.
Emmy Scarterfield, the Founder and Creative Director of Emmy London, wrote this blog. Over the past twenty years, Emmy, together with her husband Dickie, has established Emmy London as a celebrated British luxury shoe and accessory brand, renowned for the perfect combination of comfort and beauty.