Sydney label Affaires is creating locally made bags inspired by ’90s minimalism
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAUDIA SMITH
WORDS BY CAIT EMMA BURKE
“I’ve always sought to connect with those who hold a preference for simplicity and practicality, without sacrificing design integrity.”
Finding an everyday bag, whether it’s for work or a handbag for post-office outings and weekends, can be a real challenge. If you want something you’re going to reach for season after season, opting for a design that’s classic, practical and sturdy is your best bet. But too often prioritising these elements can mean compromising on aesthetics.
Thankfully, this isn’t the case when it comes to the sleek, ’90s-inspired bags created by Affaires. The Sydney-based label makes the type of handbags and crossbody bags you can envision yourself owning forever – the silhouette and colour palette are timeless but effortlessly cool and relaxed in a way that’s hard to achieve.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
The label makes each bag locally and prioritises the use of natural fibres and fabrics like flax linen and pure cotton, so you can be sure your bag will stand the test of time. Below, Sally Butler McPhee, Affaire’s Founder and Creative Director, shares the story of her label so far and the strong ethos behind it.
How did the label get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
View this post on Instagram
Affaires began in early 2023 from the desire to create collections that showcase my vision for understated, simplistic design. The development process came quite organically for me, as I was able to pull from my background in accessories design but with a completely fresh vision, which has been really exciting.
In creating my pieces, I have passionately called upon natural fibres, exploring various types of Oeko-Tex wool, flax linen and pure cotton fabrications that not only feel soft and lightweight when worn but uphold the desired shape and are robust enough to withstand frequent use. It’s also been really lovely to draw inspiration from the texture and form within historic Australian architecture, as well as incorporating colour palettes and tones that I have always been drawn to within ’90s [and] ’00s cinematography.
View this post on Instagram
As for challenges more generally, when you’re putting all of yourself into a new creative project, naturally anxieties will arise and I think it would be unwise to ignore them. I feel you owe it to yourself to adopt a sturdy-minded approach to the inevitable growing pains that come hand-in-hand with bringing a novel idea to life. Remember that there are so many more layers to fashion than just style itself, that extend way past design, from production to finance, and one must be prepared to speak these languages if you’re an early-stage brand.
What were you trying to achieve at the time?
The essence of Affaires has always been clear to me, with [the] primary focus being on embodying silhouette through clean lines, designing pieces that transcend through seasons, are timeless and first and foremost function as a beautiful carrying solution. With an obvious nod to ’90s minimalism, I’ve always sought to connect with those who hold a preference for simplicity and practicality, without sacrificing design integrity.
How has it evolved and what are you trying to communicate through the brand now?
View this post on Instagram
Given our age, I think we’re only in our early evolution stage and [I] feel really excited about the future of Affaires. As we continue to grow, I hope to continue to communicate a sense of humble wearability, with our designs remaining clear of loud logos, recognised primarily by our signature relaxed silhouette, born from precise tailoring and countless modifications. The Affaires form is proudly self-expressive and aims to subtly elevate our wearer’s outfit, working in collaboration with our wearer’s existing intuitive sense of style.
Where did the name come from?
Affaires means ‘belongings, possessions’. I think the name perfectly captures a balanced feeling of simplicity and form within the practical nature of bagwear, which is our original product.
What are you most proud of in your work on your label?
Local production was at the heart of our foundation from the very beginning, and I hold a great sense of positivity when I think about the core ethos that we have instilled as part of our brand identity as a whole, as well as remaining consistent in following through with our promises to those who buy from us.
View this post on Instagram
My intention behind this project was to nurture the consumer’s desire to bridge sculptural form with functionality and comfort, and I feel proud to have achieved just that. We are committed to releasing thoughtful, considered collections that are compact in nature and aren’t reliant on trends or seasons, in an effort to avoid overproduction and wastage. I also feel grateful that Affaires has been welcomed so graciously and that the response has been so positive, even in the short time that we have been here.
How would you describe your brand to someone who’s never heard of it before?
We aim to offer expansive silhouettes that are notably slouchy yet strong, soft in texture and pieces that our wearers are able to build upon within their own wardrobes, gradually throughout time.
How can we buy one of your pieces?
View this post on Instagram
Explore our world via our online store affaires.com.au and on Instagram.
You can browse Affaires’ range here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
