Eddie
Harrop grew up in
Hong Kong and travelled extensively as a child before moving to
the UK to study at the London College of Fashion. She worked at
British Vogue and Gucci before embarking on a trip around Asia, where the idea for her
eponymous luxury luggage brand was born. She moved to Saigon to set
up the business and now splits her time between there and London – always
carrying her iconic Voyager bag, as seen on the arms of the stylish
globetrotters around the world.

Name:

Eddie Harrop

Designer:

Eddie Harrop

Origin:

Vietnam

Homebase:

London

Type of brand:

Travel accessories

Where can we find your designs?

Net-a-Porter, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges

Why did you decide to start designing
luggage?

I’ve always thought luggage has a reputation of being a bit dull
so I wanted to make it more exciting and raise it to the style
stakes of handbags.

How did your upbringing influence your
brand?

My father was in the army so I travelled a lot growing up,
living in Hong Kong, Ireland and Shropshire. My mother’s bohemian
Irish side influenced my free spirit.

How did your experience at British Vogue and Gucci help
you start your own business?

I was in the PR office at Gucci so learnt the logistics of
editorial, while at Vogue I worked with the stylists prepping and
styling shoots. It was interesting to see how both sides of the
industry worked and how a design became popular. I try to have my
stylist head on when designing for my own brand, creating items
which are both practical and fun.

Your business is based in Saigon – what are the
differences between Asian and British style?

I think Asian style has more of a “dress up” culture, certainly
in Saigon. Nights out are the time to get the glad rags on and as
it’s so hot it’s easier to wear a dress without feeling over the
top. They also love an obvious designer label – anything branded is
in. I think British style is probably a bit cooler and subversive,
in that you can tell a designer piece by the cut and quality
instead of obvious branding.

How do you combine the two in your own
style?

I’m a jeans and trainers girl but love adding a bling accessory
to pack a punch.

Who is the ideal Eddie Harrop customer?

Someone with an open heart and mind who loves to travel and look
stylish.

Which are your favourite Asian destinations for each
season?

Spring: Tokyo
because it’s sakura (cherry blossom) season in Japan.

Summer: Sri
Lanka because summer comes just before the second rainy season
and it’s the perfect time to head up to the Ceylon tea trails or
down to the cooler hangouts of Galle Fort.

Autumn: Cambodia
– you may get a few showers but it’s worth it. Take the less
obvious path and head down to Kep, where you can get stuck in at
the crab market and then head to the islands around Ko Rong for
total relaxation.

Winter: Vietnam.
Head to Phu Quoc island and stay at Mango Bay Resort
which is one of my favourite places in the world. Order a
passionfruit martini and some chilli squid – totally amazing.

What’s your go-to airport outfit?

White Alexander Wang T-shirt, Madeline Thompson cashmere jumper,
some comfy leggings, Alice Temperley leather jacket, Golden Goose
trainers and, of course, my Eddie Harrop Voyager bag.

When and why did you decide to add hats to your
collection?

We wanted to introduce a lower price point and at the same time
keep focused on travel accessories. Again we’ve made the
traditional a bit more fun by introducing prints.

Do you plan on adding any more
categories?

Yes, we’re very excited to launch our new Cruiser carry-on bag
that is smaller than the Voyager weekend bag but a great shape to
fit everything you need for hand luggage.

Where’s next on your bucket list?

Mexico. I’ve never been and they have loads of cool boutique
hotels, such as the Nomade, which I’m desperate to visit. I also love all
the colours and prints out there, even on their tiled floors – and
I can’t say no to a margarita!