This festive season, step up your gifting game with Concept Fleet, a one-of-a-kind handmade beaded bag bis that is our new favourite IT girl accessory. Founded by the talented Abby, Concept Fleet is all about celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and individuality with a pop of colour.
We caught up with Abby to delve into the story behind Concept Fleet, her creative process, and why her handmade bags are the ultimate statement gift this Christmas. Warning, you will fall in love with these bags!
Hi Abby! Tell us a bit about yourself and Concept Fleet.
Hello! I’m Abby, a 26 year old and like most people I really struggled to find a job that I loved. I’ve worked in hospitality, pilates, media and sex education before the birth of Concept Fleet – a fashion brand aimed at decorating the arms of people with custom beaded accessories.
What inspired you to start Concept Fleet, and how did your journey into handmade beaded bags begin?
What started as a hobby to distract from the anxieties of my job quite quickly became my full time gig. I’d always been super into fashion and the positive impact it can have on your mood is pretty cool (hello dopamine dressing!) but I’ve always struggled to find unique pieces – and so Concept Fleet was born! I was thinking to myself, how cool would it be to make people these beautiful pieces where no two are the same and they can be worn with jeans, a dress, to coffee, out to drinks – literally anywhere!
Each of your bags is a stunning work of art. Can you walk us through your creative process, from idea to finished product?
Thank you!! I put so much heart and soul into each piece and I love that every process with each client is always so different. Sometimes they leave the creativity completely up to me and sometimes what they want is very specific. We always start with the purpose, shape and size of the bag and from there all the fun bits come into play like colours, straps and any additional fun touches.
Making handmade beaded bags is such a unique skill! What do you enjoy most about it?
I love it because it’s part mathematical and part creativity. And although it’s super time consuming and fiddly work (the beading blisters are real), I love how therapeutic it is and most of all I love the genuine excitement when people first see the finished product. Something that is truly personalised and all theirs.
Do you have a favourite piece or design you’ve created?
My heart lies with my first ever design. It is so impractical but so beautiful and was such a pivotal moment in my life now looking back.
Concept Fleet bags make for a beautiful Christmas gift. What makes your bags the perfect present this holiday season?
There is something so special about designing a gift for your loved one. When people come to me with their family, best friend, bridal party or partner’s favourite colours it makes me smile inside. These people have thought in depth about what they’re want to design and gift. And no two pieces are the same.
Why do you believe supporting small businesses like Concept Fleet is so meaningful, especially during the holiday season?
Fast fashion is such a way of life now so to support small businesses, in particular those that are embracing a more sustainable model, you’re changing the way of the world. We’ve all received a pointless gift that we never needed or cared for, so to be able to create one-of-a-kind treasures that people will carry for years is a much more valuable investment in my eyes.
Get in touch with Abby to design your dream bag below.
Read more of our Gift Guides and articles from our 12 Days of Christmas series here.
