WHO: Roanne Jacobson
WHAT: One of our leading handbag designers
WHERE: Grey Lynn Park
WHY: Her new line takes designer fashion to the masses
Saben handbags grace designer boutiques – with a price tag to match. Not The Warehouse. Until now, Roanne Jacobson explains to Sophie Bond.
I've just clicked to the serious advantages of being a handbag designer. The revelation comes as I spot the coat-hooks behind Roanne Jacobson's door. There is not a coat to be seen and there wouldn't be room for one, anyway, as at least a dozen bags jostle for space.
"These are the bags that I choose from for day-to-day wear," says Roanne as though having such a sumptuous choice in the mornings is the most natural thing.
The smell of leather wafts out as I rifle through them, ooh-ing at buttery patchwork leather, and a bright red patent clutch. Each carries a small metal plaque: "Saben by Roanne Jacobson". Each is unique and any one of them could accompany me home.
"I think the reason I never have a problem creating for Saben is because I'm always creating something different and everything I create really is something I would want to own."
We don't do the interview indoors because Roanne has some interior photo shoots coming up for magazines and doesn't want to give anything away. But I can tell you there's a big ceramic swan in the kitchen and a funky painting of dripping cows on the wall.
Australian-born Roanne has lived in the roughcast villa for six years, and in Auckland for 18. We pop across the street to Grey Lynn Park, where her son, Jack, is being entertained by the nanny.
Roanne, impeccably groomed, slings a new season Saben bag over her shoulder and I'm glad my big, shabby hold-all is not around for a comparison.
"First and foremost, the opportunity with accessories is to make a statement. Functionality has got to play a key role, of course, because you carry your life around with you most of the time."
Four-year-old Jack is getting tired but indulges us with big smiles before shuffling home up the hill.
We sit in the sun to discuss Saben's beginnings while a snotty-nosed toddler ambles up and tries to grab my pen.
"I had gone to New York to try and make it as an artist and spent my days wandering around the streets. One day, I stumbled upon the fabric district and a shop dedicated to handbag accessories."
The first bags she made were hand-sewn and she realised she would need a machinist to really bring her ideas to fruition.
"I never had a big business plan or anything. It was something I just started doing. It was a hobby for a long time and just grew bigger and bigger."
Now there is a team of three in New Zealand and a small business in Indonesia doing most of the production. Suddenly, an alarm pierces the air and Roanne whips around, curls flying. "I think that's my house alarm. Yip, it definitely is." And we're off up the hill, arriving just as it stops and the nanny is coaxing Jack out from under the porch stairs.
Back inside, Roanne produces a small, faux suede bag. It's one of her designs, but doesn't compare to the fabulous creations hanging in the hall. Probably because it comes at about a tenth of the price.
This is from a new range for the Warehouse called Saben Says. I ask why she's producing a cheaper line. "It was something we were interested in doing before they approached us. It's going on all over the world. Some of the designers overseas that I respect, most have gone into markets like Target and H&M.
"The Saben Says range is a lot more humorous and spontaneous.
"A Saben bag is an investment piece because it's got longevity. Women want to be able to wear it season after season. Saben Says was always meant to be fun and witty and not to be taken too seriously. I hope it will enable people to feel comfortable taking a risk."
What's it like for the designer to see someone walking down the street with a Saben over their shoulder? "I love it. It makes my day, especially when they are doing it well and I think, 'Love the outfit and love the bag'."
Jacobson says Saben was her grandmother's maiden name. "She was a wonderful woman, a true inspiration. The bag that turned me on to accessories was a little mesh bag my grandmother gave me when I was so high," she waves her hand at hip level. "That was the turning point."
Roanne is not letting anything slip about possible future ventures. "There are a few things in the pipeline."
She gives a big grin and I get the feeling it's shoes. But that could be wishful thinking.
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