Sustainable brands tend to be more expensive, however, Roop is a label which is “trying to keep things green,” while creating beautiful handbags for under £100. Londoner Natasha hand makes everything by herself, using deadstock or vintage fabrics, and the only thing she purchases brand new are the clasps and elastic.
Roop has just been picked up by Selfridges, a big backing considering Natasha only started her label last September. Her bags now sell out almost instantly, as each design is limited edition and so they are becoming one of the hardest items to track down in fashion. Here, Natasha explains how she built her brand and how she is adjusting her business in the current climate.
Introduce our readers to your brand. When did you start it, and why?
I’m Natasha, and I’m the woman behind Roop, which is also my nickname, I started making the bags last September while I was off work with a bad back (it’s a glamorous story). I was inspired by a shoe strap I saw on Instagram and the beautiful art of furoshiki. Roop is a beautiful mix of everything I love!
How has social distancing and stay at home orders affected your business? How have your priorities shifted?
I feel guilty saying this, but it kind of made Roop into what it is today. Firstly, it gave me the time to focus on and execute what I wanted to do with the business, and secondly, the rise in support for small businesses put me in front of more people. Lastly, my brand is happy, colourful and for anybody. I think those qualities make it really appealing in a time like this.