BAGS FIRST
ALWAYS.
The Bag Department is a specialist handbag design and development studio founded by handbag designer Axel Anglin.
After spending more than 15 years designing handbags, Axel Anglin founded The Bag Department with a simple ambition: to create a studio dedicated entirely to the design and development of bags. By specialising in one product category, the studio offers brands a level of creative and technical expertise that spans the entire journey, from concept development and product strategy to technical design, sampling and production, helping transform ideas into commercially successful products.
Every project begins with the brand. Working collaboratively with founders and design teams, The Bag Department develops handbags that reflect each brand's identity while balancing creativity, functionality and manufacturability.
Whether supporting an emerging label launching its first collection or an established brand expanding its accessories offering, The Bag Department provides specialist guidance throughout every stage of the product journey, helping bring exceptional handbags to market with confidence.
Services
Every project begins with a strong idea. Seed is the discovery and concept phase, designed to establish a clear creative direction before development begins. Through research, exploration and collaboration, we define the foundations of the product shaping everything from silhouette and functionality to materials, positioning and purpose. This phase is about asking the right questions, challenging assumptions and uncovering opportunities, ensuring every decision made later in the process is grounded in a clear and considered vision.
Seed
This is where concepts begin to take shape. Growth focuses on refining and developing the chosen direction, transforming initial ideas into considered, commercially viable products. Silhouettes are resolved, details are explored and materials are selected, with every element working together to strengthen the overall design. Through an iterative process of review and refinement, the concept evolves into a clear and confident product direction, ready to move into technical development.
Growth
Bringing the vision to life. Bloom is the technical development phase, where designs are prepared for sampling and production. Every detail is considered, refined and documented to ensure the product can be accurately realised while maintaining the integrity of the original concept. Working closely with trusted development partners and manufacturers, this phase bridges the gap between design and production, supporting the journey from idea to finished product with clarity, precision and care.
Bloom
Advisory Session
For brands seeking strategic guidance, design feedback or support with an existing project. Whether you're refining a concept, reviewing a collection, navigating development challenges or preparing for production, advisory sessions offer focused, one-to-one expertise tailored to your needs.
Every great bag starts with a conversation…
Tell us about your project and we'll explore how we can work together.