We find out what Saben designer Roanne Jacobson’s motivation was for teaming up with The Warehouse to create her line, Saben Says, and what her personal favourite is…
What was your motivation for teaming up with The Warehouse to create Saben Says?
Roanne Jacobson: The Warehouse presented me with an opportunity to design for another market segment. I have spent 10 years making beautiful handmade leather bags and during this time I have heard countless stories of people wanting my product but not being able to afford it, stories like girls having to wait for their mums to give them up, or for one to go on sale on TradeMe. I truly believe that good design should not only be for those who can afford high prices and people of any stage of life should be able to feel fabulous everyday.
How did you come up with the name and is there a meaning behind it?
RJ: Saben Says is obviously a play on Simon Says. We felt that it alluded to my established designer label Saben with an extra twist of wit and humour. The new collection is about having fun with fashion, not taking it too seriously. Saben Says make fabulous part of your everyday.
At the same time, it’s a genuine attempt give women permission to experiment, and give The Warehouse customer a sense of trust that I know what I’m doing and that they need to feel no fear in taking a leap with any of the accessories we present.
How does your Saben Says customer differ from those from your Saben range?
RJ: They are two different market segments. The Saben customer purchases a luxury leather handmade bag. The Saben Says customer may not have the income to afford luxury but they still deserve good style and the right to feel fabulous every day.
Why did you decide to not produce any leather handbags in this range?
RJ: The Saben Says bags are priced to be affordable fashion if you start making them in leather then they will no longer be affordable. The Saben Says bags are also fun because we can play with prints and playful fabrics. The essence behind the brand is to have fun with fashion, to try something new because it is priced affordably.
Can you give us any hints for what to expect next season?
RJ: There is a focus on summer fabrics and prints, and on combining canvas with faux leather trims. We have lots of playful pieces for evening so your Christmas calendar will be sorted for accessories.
What is your favourite piece from the range?
RJ: I love the ‘Genuine Imitation’ canvas tote bag.
Photos: Rebecca Zwitser, February 2010.
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