Alongside her husband Martin, Ela Aldorsson founded one of Canada’s top handbag collections, loved by celebrities both in high-fashion spreads and at fashion weeks across the globe. Here she dishes on her personal style and which bag trend will be hitting the runways this fall.
How would you describe your personal style?
When it comes to personal style, it’s all about that sense of ease. My personal esthetic is geared toward refined with a bit of a bite.
What inspired you to create your own line of handbags?
The reason (and inspiration) for launching a handbag brand was the opportunity that we saw in the affordable luxury segment of the business that bridged the gap between fast fashion and luxury. We wanted to offer pieces that were high in quality, functional, authentic in design and approachable that I myself was looking for.
Who are some of the celebs that you’ve spotted sporting your clutches?
Gwyneth Paltrow, Lupita Nyong’o, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jessica Alba, Meghan Markle and Jordana Brewster, to name a few.
What are your wardrobe essentials?
I’m usually on the go, so the essentials I focus on have to be unfussy like fitted jeans, an oversized T-shirt or cashmere sweater, a blazer or leather jacket and either pumps or a tonal pair of sneakers. I keep the basics interesting by sporting a great handbag, shoes or a bright lip.
Your bags are known for their function. How did you come up with the M.I.L.C.K concept?
The M.I.L.C.K. clutch was the first bag that I designed for ela. The idea was to focus on the classic and most essential shapes in a woman’s wardrobe, and the first bag that I thought of was the envelope clutch. I wanted a size that fit the most important cargo that a woman might need with a modern appeal and an authentic signature that anyone would recognize without a logo. This is where the asymmetrical shape was born and the name M.I.L.C.K. was formed — an acronym for money/I.D./lipstick/cellphone/keys.
Which style of handbag do you think will be the top trend this fall?
I think that both the hobo and satchel bags are going to be strong for fall and will have legs for the next few seasons to come.
