What inspired you to start up Arm Candy?
It was my gorgeous girlfriend, now business partner Natalya who inspired the Arm Candy business. Natalya was introduced to the concept in the UK; designer handbag hire has taken off there in a big way as it has in the US. Everyone who has seen the Sex In The City movie was introduced to a world-wide phenomenon!
When asked if I thought the concept would be accepted by New Zealand women, all I had to do was look at my own and my girlfriends' ongoing handbag obsession and say yes!
Arm Candy is the first totally online designer handbag hire company in the country and we are both really excited and passionate about bringing this unique service to New Zealand women. We both now get to live in Handbag Heaven.
How many bags do you currently have in your own wardrobe?
I personally own eight designer handbags, I have always been a Louis Vuitton girl so of those eight, seven are Louis Vuitton and the eighth is my new addition a divine silver Versace evening bag (with matching shoes because Im a girl).
Natalya being a fellow handbag fiend has about the same but with slightly more eclectic designers like Anya Hindmarch and Tanner Krolle amongst her collection.
What are your top five Arm Candy bags?
The Purple Gucci Clutch, Purple Alexander McQueen Elvie, Red Miu Miu Frame, Jimmy Choo Ramona and Louis Vuitton Lex Fabuluen. ( pictured below)
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What is the one thing every handbag should have in it?
Lip gloss.
The big fashion debate, should your bag match your shoes?
This is only my personal opinion yes if it is for evening wear as it looks incredibly elegant, but not so for day to day wear. The right handbag can pull an entire outfit together beautifully without needing to match your shoes!
When is a bag not a bag? (Like, when its too small to be functional, or too big not to be called a suitcase)?
Too small if you cant fit your credit card and lip gloss and too big if it can carry a toddler. A lot of the size debate hinges on the size of the person your are. If you are petite a big tote will swamp you, If you are bigger you can carry off a big tote with ease but a small bag can give you illusion of looking bigger than you actually are.
If you tipped your hand bag out right now, what surprises would you find in there?
Toothpicks I never leave home without them.
What colour is hot and what is not this season?
Whats hot gold and silver metallics are huge as is purple and red, with cream making a big comeback for summer. Whats not plain black and brown, but only because we are soooo ready for fun summer colours. In saying that, black, brown, beige and stone are coming through for the winter season next year.
What shape is hot and what is not this season?
Whats hot – the large tote is as popular as ever and the top handle bag has made a comeback in a big way. Whats not huge oversized totes that you just cant find your mobile phone in.