In my shed there’s a Chandler’s bucket, Made from very heavy sail cloth with a wooden base it would’ve been able to carry water originally, now it’s full of trowels. It’s the inspiration for the first Ally Capellino bucket bag.

The bag inspired me to create the first bag for our collection. I made it at my kitchen table, using an old roll of leather. I used my pattern punch to make holes in it so that it wasn’t so plain. The bag was an instant success and marked a transition from focussing on clothes to focussing on accessories - it was Ally Capellino Mark Two if you like. Bucket bags have been part of my collections ever since.

Janey, shot by Donald Christie

I remember the campaign shoot for that first bucket bag distinctly. We shot it out in the street, local to where I lived in Mile End Park. I thought the car was mine - an old banger that had been gifted to me - but turned out to be my neighbours'. Janey wore an Ally Capellino Silk and Rubber dress from one of our first collections.

Janey, shot by Donald Christie

The headless girl was 15 or 16 when she first modelled for us. She was a skateboarding friend of my son Hamish. She continued to be beheaded for Ally Cap for about 10 years. The skateboards are rarely out these days, they’ve both entered the parent game.

An AC bag has to be functional and practical. Discrete elements are worked into the design such as hidden magnetic closures at the top, adjustable carry straps that allow you to choose the length that best works for you and gives flexibility as to whether to wear it cross body or over your shoulder, and little details such as zipped internal or external pockets that mean you are not endlessly scrabbling around looking for your keys or bank cards. 

I love the simplicity of bucket bag. They are practical; you can literally sling everything and anything into them without worrying about order and take advantage of their depth too. Their slouchy, fold-flat design appeals to me, they are easy going and effortless, with a sense of freedom.