A bit of local loving: Why we’re crushing on HEIO London
I was recently thinking about the fact that whenever I leave the house I take a bag with me. Nipping to the shops, going to the gym, on my way to work – I always have a bag. Well obviously, I hear you cry. Because we need to take things on our daily adventures, so obviously we use bags. Yes, yes I know – but I was starting to notice the hoards of people who just make do with pockets. I was, truth be told, a bit jealous. I wish I could just pop my card, phone, and keys in my pocket and be on my way. No backward glance thinking about whether I should grab a packet of tissues or whether I should bring my bulky purse rather than my neat card holder because who knows when you’re going to need that points card you hastily signed up for to get a 20% discount?
Anyway, I tried doing the whole pockets only thing for a while. I learnt two things: pockets in female clothing are extremely lacking, both in frequency and design; and I was very misguided in thinking bags are for utilitarian purposes only – because bags are beautiful. Grab a clutch and you’re ready for cocktails in the nicest of bars. Throw on a great backpack and you’re gym gear becomes sports-luxe. Sorry bags, I get it, you’re more than what you carry; you can be a statement, an investment, and you can turn my everyday uniform of denim and a slouchy tee into something a bit more special.
So, love affair with bags fully rekindled, I’ve been keeping an eye out for handbags that catch my eye – and I’ve found a winner. HEIO London. As the name suggests, HEIO is a London-based brand, and there’s nothing I like more than a bit of local loving.
HEIO’s designs are distinctive, sophisticated, and contemporary. They have crafted bags that are truly unique without compromising on the minimalist aesthetic. This is rare; usually pattern or embellishment is turned to in order to make a bag design stand out. Not so with the Cube collection. Instead, subtle colour ways, contrasting piping, and origami-style fragmentation creates an individual and immediately recognisable collection.
The inspiration for the Cube comes from the landscape in it’s various forms, the design is an homage to “the beautiful singularities of different places in the world” – as describe by HEIO themselves. I mean, when a brand speaks that beautifully about its products, its no wonder the designs are equally gorgeous. Certainly, the influence of nature is apparent in the carefully selected colours – expect hues of sand and sea, of stormy New York skies and rich, dusty earth.
The detail of the bags, though simple, is exquisite. Finished to an incredibly high standard, each bag is handcrafted in Spain by experienced artisans. I am particularly drawn to the incredible stitching which draws attention to the construction of the bags themselves; and the striking piping that separates the panels and offsets the colour scheme – ensuring these bags are simple but far from plain.
My pick of the collection – though it is very difficult to pick from – would be the Cube Mitjana large tote. The classic shape is versatile, the oversized feel keeps things modern, and the deep green colours are luxurious – like a forest in the wake of a much-needed storm. I’ll be using this bag for weekends away, to go shopping, and I won’t have to hide it in the office when I meet friends for after-work drinks – it will proudly sit beside me; see what I mean about versatility?
With the exciting promise of new backpack and clutch designs, HEIO London is an exciting brand, one that appeals to my inner minimalist, and certainly one to keep an eye on.
The ‘New York’ and ‘Menorca’ collections are shoppable at www.heiolondon.com!
