An interview with Ibby
Why did you create Ibblotta? It all started as a conversation with friends over a cup of tea at our kitchen table in Bristol. I was talking about my fruitless search for the perfect bag and a friend said ‘why not make one yourself?’ So that is what I did. You know when you see the perfect dress/painting/cake you know you’re going to love across the room? And you catch your breath and rush towards it, to see if it’s as beautiful as you thought. Not because its showy, but because it is just right. And then, occasionally, just occasionally, you reach out and it’s as perfect as you thought it was. That is what I wanted to feel about the perfect bag.
What or who is your inspiration? William Morris once famously said, ‘Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful’. I love this ethos and the feeling I get when I am using something that is both practical and pleasing to hold.
What do people love most about an Ibblotta product? Probably the beauty of the leather, because that’s what they first see. Then they pick it up and it feels and smells wonderful. And the thoughtfulness and practicality of the design; pockets just where you need them to be, beautifully made hardware, the satisfying feel of a zip that slides well, a lining that is just the right colour and is going to stand the test of time. The quality speaks for itself and I think our customers instinctively know when something is well made.
How hard is it to be sustainable? It has been a real eye-opener for me to see how much plastic and single-use material is involved in events and retail. I think it’s easy for all of us to be overwhelmed by the enormity of the climate crisis. But on a personal level, we can, all of us, look for and choose a sustainable option. That is what we do at Ibblotta. One decision at a time.
What’s the nicest feedback you have had about your products? People have been SO lovely and said so many kind words. I think when someone says ‘I’ve been looking for YEARS and this is just what I wanted.’ it makes my day. It really does!
What’s your advice for buying the perfect leather item? Buy the things you love, regardless of fashion.
photography @dominiquefontenat