From fashion statement to ‘indispensable’ carrier, a woman’s handbag has always been a wardrobe staple. It’s easy to see why: purses and totes are essentially private pockets of personal style – the easiest way to express yourself, and let the rest of the world take notice.
Bags make great additions to a simple jeans-and-t-shirt combo, instil oodles of self-confidence, and can be a talking point at any event where you have to look the part. But they’re also, just as importantly, useful companions we can trust with all our daily essentials – keys, phone, wallet, lipstick.
Which is why we’re pretty hyped about our latest collab: the ISSIMO x Tanner Krolle Annabel bag.
Compact and pleasingly boxy, in the softest Italian calfskin leather and the brightest of summer colours (the “Il Pellicano” yellow, a homage to our favourite hideaway in Porto Ercole Hotel Il Pellicano), this top-handle vanity case is the stuff (bag) dreams are made of, and a perfect little accessory to sport around on vacation.
It’s not just about its looks.
Annabel’s retro silhouette is based on an archived 1960s style Tanner Krolle originally designed for Aston Martin and, decades later, favoured by none other than Diana, Princess of Wales. It is also named after the exclusive London private members club Annabel’s, where Lady D was photographed carrying her Tanner Krolle case. In other words: it’s got a tried and tested appeal that goes way beyond fleeting trends – and plenty of historic references to boot.
Tabitha Simmons, Tanner Krolle Creative Director. Credit to SHOPenauer
Tabitha Simmons, creative director of the British heritage luggage label, drew from the classic design to create this joyful update, which features a few added extras for today’s ChicISSIMO tastemaker: a square mirror inside the lid to apply some gloss after a day at the beach; a natural cotton linen canvas lining to keep your things safe and plush; and smaller dimensions compared to Tanner Krolle’s archive, to make it more adaptable to different situations – pool day, chic alfresco dinner – and eminently easy to carry.
“It was wonderful to collaborate with ISSIMO, as I so admire the way Marie-Louise has elegantly curated a range of products representing the modern Dolce Vita” Simmons told us. “Our Annabel in Il Pellicano yellow perfectly encapsulates the effortless Italian-chic clientele of the Pellicano Hotels.
It also reflects ISSIMO’s very own modus operandi when it comes to spotlighting Made in Italy.
Founded by German saddlemaker Fredrich Krolle in 1856, Tanner Krolle has in fact long been celebrating Italian artisanship in its creations (which are all made here), shaping each and every bag with the help of highly skilled craftsmen from the boot country, and with only premium materials.
“We celebrate Italian craftsmanship at ISSIMO and Tanner Krolle uses some of the finest ateliers in Italy” says Marie-Louise Sciò, our CEO and Creative Director. “The quality of the product is second to none, and the Annabel is the most perfectly formed small bag: it is timeless, elegant, versatile and easy to wear throughout the Italian summer.”