The first book to fully integrate the creative process of bag design with all the necessary practical business skills to enable designers to successfully establish their own brands.

Turn your passion and inspiration into a must-have bag collection and launch your own successful brand. Handbag design is more than just a creative pursuit—it’s also a business. This book is a practical guide to developing your design skills alongside the vital business know-how you'll need to avoid costly mistakes. Ann Saunders leads you through the whole process from initial concepts through to sampling, manufacturing, marketing, and retail. You’ll learn how to navigate the challenges of sourcing materials, finding a manufacturer, creating a bespoke brand, developing a sales strategy, and growing your business. Throughout the book Ann's former students, who have established their own successful brands, share their real-world insights into the challenges of becoming a designer/entrepreneur in today’s highly competitive accessories market. With more than 150 images, charts and illustrations, Design, Manufacture and Sell Your Bag Collection includes detailed advice on: The Creative Process, Researching Your Brief, Knowing Your Customer, Designing Your Bag, Critical Paths, Materials, Hardware, Understanding Bag Construction, Completing Your Design, Planning a Range, Sampling, Manufacturing, Branding, Marketing, Business Planning, Sustaining Your Business, and Sustainability

"Ann Saunders has written an all-inclusive guide for anyone wanting to enter the handbag industry. From first idea to finished product, readers are directed with an expert hand, making this the ideal manual for aspiring designers" - Julia Poteat, Professor of Fashion, Parsons School of Fashion, USA

"Design, Manufacture and Sell your Bag, is the ultimate accessories book! A comprehensive guide that will transform you into a bag designer, taking you from conception through to realisation, marketing and sales" - Jennifer Prendergast, Programme Leader, School of Design and Creative Arts, Loughborough University, UK