Interview With Sanna Kantola From Lumi on 14

Lumi Accessories was founded in New York City in 2000 by Sanna Kantola and Bruno Beaugrand. Lumi Accessories relocated to Helsinki late last year.

I met Sanna Kantola and Bruno Beaugrand 2 weeks ago at their boutique, Lumi on 14, and it was Fab! Walking into Lumi on 14 is like being Alice and definitely you are in Wonderland. Seriously, as you walk in they have a beautiful array of fabulous bags and other accessories, large and small, then you walk down a tunnel that leads you to the mother-ship! Ladies and gentleman, if you love gorgeous accessories and fashion that you won't see on every corner, please make your way to Lumi on 14! You will not be disappointed.

Today, I want you to meet the designers! We will start this interview with Sanna Kantola, Head Designer for Lumi.

Finnish born designer Sanna Kantola graduated from the University of Art and Design Helsinki with a Master of Arts degree in 1998. She started her career in Finland as a freelance designer for handbag brand "Three Bags" and designed cell phone cases for Nokia. During this time, she also worked as Fashion Editor and stylist for various Finnish magazines. She then moved to Paris where she did internships for Promostyl and Louis Feraud followed by New York where she became the sole handbag designer at Ralph Lauren.

Supermarket Bag in Turquoise

1. Who were your influences or mentors in the design world when you began your career? Did you have a mentor? If Yes, who?

'I appreciate the work and style of such designers as Marc Jacobs, Marni and Donna Karan, but I did not have a mentor per say, although working as the sole Handbag Designer at Ralph Lauren New York did teach me tremendously of this business. My former boss at Ralph Lauren was the head of Product Development and she taught me enormously about running the handbag business. '

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2. Who is or are your favorite style icon/s?

Grace Kelly, SJP, Kate Moss, Kylie

3. What are your greatest sources of inspiration? What inspires your designs?

Colors in art and nature, materials, especially leather, and everyday life. I also get inspired by looking at vintage objects and clothing.

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4. How would you describe your style?

Feminine, casual and playful. I am a free spirit when it comes to dressing up, so you will not see me in very formal wear. I love mixing up styles, high heels and big colorful stones in jewelry. I love authentic pieces and quality materials and will keep wearing the same thing for years, but mixing it up in a new way every time.


5. What are the essentials a woman should have in her wardrobe?

A pair of killer heels; roomy and personal handbag in quality leather; a dress to complement her figure; well-fitted jeans; classic beige trench coat; a bunch of funny t-shirts.

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6. What do you enjoy most about your work?

Variety: designing a different collection for every season; traveling to places and getting inspired by landscapes, food and colors; meeting different people; independence.

7. What inspired you to go into the accessories business?

I was initially trained to be a fashion designer but was always inspired by accessories. When I was looking for my first job in New York, I had everything in my portfolio but the employers were instantly interested by my handbag designs, and so I ended up working with handbags and accessories. I love the fact that accessories, especially handbags, need to have a function, and that they are often made in leather, and that a woman can carry them every day. They can be collector items just as a designer chair. I love also the fact that handbag and accessories circles are smaller throughout the world, and I do not wish to design clothing any more at this point of my life.

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8. Who is your target customer?

A woman (or man) who is esthetically educated and who appreciates original design, function, and good quality, and who dares to be different.

9. In your opinion, what are the elements of a well dressed woman?

Personal style that reflects her personality and complements her figure, skin tone and hair style. I also think it is good to have one funny element and not to take dressing up too seriously.

10. What is your philosophy when you design a new piece?

It needs to be functional, unique, beautiful and long-lasting.

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11. What advice do you give a woman on choosing a new handbag?

Think about what needs to go inside the bag for the size and shape. Do you want to carry it on your shoulder? Then go for long straps that are wide enough and comfortable to carry. Does the bag need to close entirely? Then go for a bag with zipper closure. Check that the zipper runs open and close smoothly. Then check the quality of the materials. A good quality leather feels moist and nourished and looks and feels natural – this will also mean some natural defects which are visible, and this is OK. If you are looking for a perfect, even surface, then it is better to opt for plastic or fabric than natural leather. Last but not least, dare to wear something personal and colorful, if you wear lots of black and neutrals in your clothing, go for a colorful bag!

Supermarket Bag in Bottlegreen

12. The handbag industry is very competitive these days. What advice would you give to young handbag designers trying to break into the industry?

1. Be unique. Nobody needs another copy of the latest handbag trend.

2. Be persistent. Serious buyers will not splurge into a new brand at once but want to see consistency within the brand.

3. Be prepared to work hard. There will be problems every day but they are meant to be solved:)

13. You are not just the head designer of Lumi you are also cofounder of Lumi Accessories and Lumi on 14. Can you please tell us a little bit about Lumi on 14?

Lumi on 14 is the Helsinki flagship store of Lumi and Mhann but also a destination store for some very unique findings in Helsinki. We have carefully hand-picked about 15 other brands of clothing, shoes and jewelry, to complement our handbag collections, from around the world.

We want to offer our customers the full picture of our vision of our world of design and thinking and to bring another cool spot to Helsinki for people who love beauty, good design, good service and good life.

You can check the current brands and happenings at Lumi on 14 and Tyylitaivas.

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©All photos property of Lumi on 14 reproduction without the owners consent is prohibited