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Mariya Dykalo, Creative Director of Aspinal of London
Joining Aspinal of London 15 years ago, as an intern, and at a time where the brand was solely known for its stationery and leather accessories, Mariya Dykalo saw an opportunity for a new beginning - handbags.
She was proficient in pattern making and had the ability to design. The two qualities allowed her to create Aspinal’s very first handbag collection. The Mayfair bag; Aspinal’s iconic bestseller, was the third handbag Dykalo ever created.
She worked through the ranks; becoming a designer, then head of design, before landing her current role as Creative Director, which she was appointed to in 2013.
Like most, 2020 has been a year of change for Aspinal. “Like many others we faced an unknown situation, this year forced us to stop, take a step back and reflect. We spent our time valuably, revaluating where we are, how can we improve, what is important to us as a brand, and most importantly what our future looks like. Our priorities have refocused, under my leadership we have worked to create a strategy which puts sustainable business practices at the forefront.”
Aspinal who are making incredible steps towards shaping a conscious future for the brand, plan that by the end of 2020, single use plastic in Aspinal’s supply chain will be reduced by 35% and by the end of 2021, it will be reduced by 80%.
“Waste reduction has also been a huge focus for us in 2020. In the three collections we have developed this year, we have utilised our existing leather archive to upcycle leather we already have within the business, integrating into our future collection, which is due to launch in 2021. 2020 gave us space and time to put thoughts into actions. I am looking forward to the exciting change 2021 will bring.”
For the busy mother of two, 2020 has allowed her the opportunity to spend more time at home, and time with her children re-discovering their local area of West Sussex. “My home and our Aspinal head office look onto the beautiful South Downs National Park where we have spent much of this summer learning about our local wildlife and trees.”
In 2021, #IPLEDGE to be continuously committed to living a conscious, sustainable lifestyle where I possibly can. In 2020, I have educated myself and implemented change, in 2021 #IPLEDGE to cement my knowledge and continuously grow.