Auckland label Georgia Jay is putting an artisanal, asymmetrical twist on the everyday handbag

WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT

“Fluidity, balanced asymmetry and directional-yet-functional features.”

In her eighth year of creating sustainable, premium leather goods, Auckland-based designer Georgia Jay Davison knows exactly what she’s doing. In her own words, her eponymous label has a reputation for “quality, refinement and a deceptively pared-back aesthetic”. While practical, a Georgia Jay handbag is never boring.

For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.

Made from buttery deadstock leather, her designs encourage you to look closer – to find the asymmetrical angled darts hidden in a simple mini bucket bag, or the meticulous tucks used to create volume in a chic ‘fortune cookie’ bag. Below, Georgia tells the story of her label so far.

What’s your fashion background?

My name is Georgia Jay Davison. I was born and raised in the Coromandel, New Zealand and l live in Auckland, New Zealand. My background in fashion is very limited to what we have created within the brand and how that naturally connects us within the fashion industry. I’m more interested in the language of design in a broader sense than fashion exclusively.

Tell us about your career so far and your professional background.

I officially founded the brand Georgia Jay in 2015. Until then, I had been self-learning leathercraft alongside other full-time jobs after I graduated in 2012. I had no expectations of how it would evolve then; I loved the craft and problem-solving aspect and was focused on developing my technique and style. I started selling small pieces to friends and friends of friends, naturally leading me into what would be my career.

My sister Ruby joined me after she completed her fashion degree. Years later, we still operate intuitively, continue to manufacture entirely in-house and ship our products to customers worldwide. The brand has evolved gently and naturally over the years; our essence was founded on integrity, innovation, exquisite details and craftsmanship, and our focus is on expanding within these parameters.

Why were you drawn to fashion, and more specifically leather handbags?

I completed a bachelor’s [degree] in design, where I majored in fashion. Leathercraft was something I had no prior experience with; I just fell in love with its natural integrity and the craftsmanship that goes alongside it.

There was also space within that category to focus more on intelligent design within the leathercraft discipline that felt reduced, refined and modern. That has always been something Ruby and I have been passionate about and is reflected in each product we develop.

What’s your favourite piece you’ve designed to date?

I have two. One was called Orla, a sentimental collaboration with a dear friend and woodwork artist, Talcia Emes. It was a combination of handcrafted timber handles and a lambskin handbag. It was a very sculptural meeting of two natural materials, both hard and soft. Each set of handles was entirely handcrafted alongside the bag, so we kept them exclusive and limited on release.

The second is our latest bag release called Jeanne. It’s one I am most proud of in terms of design and technicality. It’s proportionally exquisite and externally offers a chic, effortless elegance with subtly angled darts, folded seams, with a moulded and adjustable shoulder strap.

Internally we have fully specced it out with large hidden zip compartments and internal drop pockets, bordered with leather for the essentials. I love creating pieces that look incredibly refined and simplistic but offer the internal integrity that supports everyday practicality.

What are you most proud of in your work on your label?

Manufacturing entirely in-house within our design studio is the biggest challenge yet most rewarding advantage of what we do. There’s a fundamental relationship between design and how it’s technically constructed that requires an essential connection between the two and that we are intimate at every step. It has provided us with a design intuition that has defined the brand’s aesthetic over the years.

What do you wish you knew when you started?

There are many things I have tried and learnt from. But everything I have done has been intuitive, pivotal and essential for where I am now and will continue to be for the next phase. I’m not big on shortcuts, I like to learn by trying, feeling, learning and growing from that place of experience.

How would you describe Georgia Jay to someone who’s never seen it before?

Simple in design yet incredibly detail-focused, all of the small details create the Georgia Jay aesthetic. The fluidity, balanced asymmetry and directional-yet-functional features. Every creation has a reputation for quality, refinement and a deceptively pared-back aesthetic.

Go-to dinner party playlist?

For dinner parties, the Galcher Lustwerk radio on Spotify never disappoints. I created a playlist for a friend who hosts our regular yet always impromptu, late-night dinner turn-dance parties. It’s a bit of an ever-evolving playlist that always serves us when the time calls. A mix of Sault, Galcher Lustwerk, Moodyman, Chanel Tres, Bello Boo, Romare, etc.

Who is in your wardrobe right now?