DATE: 12/5/06

NEW DESIGNER BAG COMPANY LAUNCHES GALLERY VIEWING IN EXETER STUDIO

Newly formed Exeter Company, Stephe Gray Bags has already got off to a flying start with an established international client base and strong market in London.  Designer bags aimed at the discerning woman who appreciates unique, one-off, high quality bags at an affordable price, Stephe Gray utilises an eclectic mix of fabulous materials, which ensure they ‘stand out from the crowd’.  Every hand-finished bag is an absolute one-off, however, one thing they each have in common is the signature Stephe Gray Bag silk bow, which fastens the bag. 

To celebrate the launch of her new company, Stephe is organising a gallery viewing on Friday May 19th at Stephe Gray’s studio, 55 St David’s Hill, Exeter, which is open to all who request an invitation.  Wine and canapés will be served with softly playing background music where guests can view her latest range of bags in an informal setting. 

Quote from Stephe Gray:

“I wanted to take the opportunity of launching my company by organising a gallery viewing in order that everyone locally would have the opportunity to view the bags firsthand in a relaxed atmosphere.  I just love what I do and am constantly creating new ideas to develop the range to keep it fresh and original.”

Stephe has developed her delightfully unique bags, reaching out to all the senses including visual, texture, smell and even sound, whether from the rustle of silk or the scrunching of canvas from her new range of oil painted bags. Constantly looking at new ways to develop, Stephe is also experimenting with some exciting designs to include light and sound, as well as a range of bags focusing on touch and sound particularly aimed at the visually impaired.

The launch will feature her new range of oil painted bags.  Working closely with local artists who produce one-off works of art, Stephe incorporates these pieces into her bag designs.  

Quote by Stephe Gray:

“I like to think of it as a living painting with my clients carrying original art.”

Stephe is happy to welcome visitors at any time between 4 and 7 pm.  And if you wish to attend, please go on to Stephe’s website: www.stephegray.co.uk to register your interest and Stephe will send you an invitation which you can use to claim 10% discount on any bags bought at the event.  Alternatively, call Stephe on: T: 01392 215535

Contact :

Stephe Gray @ Stephe Gray Bags

55 St. David’s Hill

EXETER

T: 01392 215535

E: bags@stephegray.co.uk

W: www.stephegray.co.uk

Glen King

PR/Marketing

E: glen@glenking.co.uk

M: 07921 586 911

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

With a College of Arts background gaining a degree in visual arts at Dartington College of Arts and a background in art and design Stephe has 3 years training in creative therapy.    Stephe has been making things all her life.  When just 20 years old, a young entrepreneurial Stephe opened her first shop with a friend, selling textile products such as quilts and cushions, which were all handmade, and it was one of the early interior design shops and very innovative for its time.

Stephe Gray bags are ideal for gifting as each bag comes with a card and photograph giving a full history, detailing its making, including the materials used and its individual name, giving each bag its own personal passport.  

As well as her ‘stock’ bags, Stephe is often called upon to do commission work, for special occasions to accessorise and complement a particular outfit.  She has also designed and created a number of bags for Brides who want something they can cherish long after a wedding bouquet has faded and died.  This involves full consultations with the client to gain a deep understanding and feel for their needs.

Stephe works with fabulous textiles, such as cashmere, organdie, silk, mohair, suede, glove-leather, knitted metal wire and wool, making the bags very tactile, and they just beg to be picked up and caressed.  Using an eclectic mix of materials Stephe often decorates the bags with unusual features including feathers; charms and even dolls house furniture to give them that extra flair, which clearly sets them apart from each other, and adds to their integral character. 

Sourcing fabulous and sumptuous materials from London and silk houses in her native Yorkshire, Stephe occasionally uses vintage fabrics, as well as organdie, raw silk, cashmere, mohair and suede.  On occasion, Stephe will decorate bags with individual charms or feathers giving them extra individuality with flair. Although each is a one-off, there is a common theme of the Stephe Gray Bag signature silk bow, used to fasten the bags, finishing them off beautifully.   All the bags are hand finished and are both charming and very collectable.  Whether you are looking for a sparkling evening bag, an everyday bag, something for fun or just a little different, you will find what you need in Stephe’s extensive range.  If, however, you want to have a bag designed specifically for you, Stephe loves to work to commission.  She can design and create a bespoke bag to enhance a particular outfit, or for special occasions such as weddings.  Stephe gives personal consultations, and with 3 years training in creative therapy, she instinctively gets a real feel for the client’s wishes with amazing results.