An English heritage lifestyle brand founded on the principals of fine craftsmanship that creates beautiful objects of unsurpassed quality and quintessential English design for both home and living, Aspinal of London’s arrival to Kuwait elicits our utmost attention. From sophisticated stationary to stylish leather handbags and accessories, Aspinal of London delivers English chic right here in Kuwait. We interview CEO Andrew Marshall and Mariya Dykalo from Head of Design to better introduce us to the refined world of Aspinal of London.
Andrew Marshall- CEO, Aspinal of London
Is the Aspinal store in Kuwait the first outside of the UK? If so, why did the brand choose the Gulf for its first overseas foray?
Yes, this is our first stand-alone concept store overseas. Based on the great customer feedback we received from regional visitors in the UK, we decided to launch first in the GCC, starting with Kuwait. What we love so far is that we don’t even need to explain the concept to local clientele because they already love it! We’re also opening our next store in Abu Dhabi in August.
How does Aspinal of London define, ‘quintessential English chic’?
From Day 1, the real attributes of the brand are ‘Englishness’; projecting a style attitude that is all about celebrating English symbols, humor, whimsical elements that revive the classic English charm.
What does Aspinal have to offer its Kuwaiti customers?
From beautiful women’s handbags and small accessories, men’s luggage and business briefcases, to various small leather goods, stationery and gift boxes, luggage and travel leather goods. All emit the Aspinal of London attitude: refined, classic, English chic.
Can you tell us about your partnership with Liwa Trading Enterprises?
After a mutual introduction, we found a synergy with Liwa Trading Enterprises as they were looking for new brands to bring to the region, and we felt that the company would represent us effectively in the region.
Personalization forms a key part of Aspinal’s service in the UK. Will this be available here?
Absolutely. Embossing or stamping, these personalization services are part of our core brand elements. This can be done in different colors to make any piece from the store a customized and complete one off item.
Mariya Dykalo- Head of Design, Aspinal of London
How would you describe the experience as the Head of Design at Aspinal of London?
English elements, like the stunning English country, filled with nature and symbols of tradition, always inspire me. Heritage houses, beautiful landscapes, the gardens. London alone is vibrant with theater and cultural innovation. For example, our limited edition collection based on the traditional novel, The Secret Garden, is a tribute to English literature. In celebrating the novel’s centennial, we created a beautiful floral collage that appears on our handbags and small leather goods. For our Kuwait collection, we hand painted beautiful roses, an icon from the English countryside, on top of these collages to make each piece a collector’s item.
What are the most common design elements present within the different collections of handbags?
Aspinal is a classic brand with a twist. The bags are all lady-like, some are named after British areas of significant interest with styles like the Marylebone and Brook Street. Other elements include classic horseshoe buckles, and all exhibit our signature contrast lining that is highly apparent and sometimes appears in bright colors to make for a beautiful surprise on the inside of our bags. Most, if not all, of our bags share chic compartments for practicality purposes.
What’s the most wanted item from the Aspinal of London product ranges?
Even though all pieces are highly coveted, the Marylebone and Audrey Totes are really popular. Also, our convertible clutches are some of our top sellers. For men, our stationery and leather goods are really popular for their functionality, yet understated elegance.
What should customers expect to see in the store right now?
Besides our collection that is currently available, all of this summer’s most loved colors, like vivid corals, will be present in various styles, along with a beautiful collection crafted with exotic leathers and travel luggage.
How can one take care of their prized Aspinal of London leather goods?
Besides looking after it, the bags are waterproof. Also, you can bring your item to the store to help service and repair it if anything was to go wrong with your leather goods.
Aspinal of London is located on the ground floor of The Avenues-The Mall. Please call 2220 0740 for more information or visit www.aspinaloflondon.com.
