Katherine Emtage

Katherine Emtage is one of Scotland's leading designer / makers of handbags. She has been producing bags in Scotland since 2000, and has been working in Harris Tweed since 2004. She now sells her work nationally, and her customers hail from as far afield as Europe, North America and the Far East. Since January 2005, she has also been teaching the only Handbag Making course in Scotland.

Since moving to Scotland she has found constant inspiration here: in the country's heritage, its landscape, its traditional craft industries, and in particular in its textiles. In Harris Tweed, Katherine has discovered her perfect fabric.

Like Katherine, Harris Tweed is both strongly traditional and positively placed in the 21st Century. It stubbornly adheres to old-fashioned values - quality workmanship, attention to detail, and manufacture by hand. It is idiosyncratic and stylish, it is quintessentially British, it is ancient yet modern.
Katherine's designs are strong, simple, wearable forms. They are both practical items and beautiful pieces, combining contemporary style with a vintage sensibility. There are two ranges. The 'Beauty and Purpose' range comprises handbags and occasion bags for women. These bags radiate old-school glamour in the modern world. The look is feminine and timeless, the application practical and positive. The 'Purpose and Beauty' range features day bags for both men and women. It juxtaposes tweed with modern waterproof membranes and adjustable strapping to enhance its longevity and create a brand new take on the tweed look.

Attention to detail ensures that the bags are of high quality and are exceptionally strong. Each tweed is chosen to reflect the character of the bag, and the resulting designs are wearable, original and exciting. It's Harris Tweed as you've never seen it before.