The Finnished Product

Designer Tytti Peltoniemi is easy to spot in a crowd. Maybe it's the retro glasses, or the sharp blonde bob; or maybe it's the way she proudly swings one of her leather handbags over her arm and comes forth with squeals of genuine delight at being in your company.

Tytti Peltoniemi (pronounced "two-tee") Made-to-Order handbags have been making a bold statement in mainland Europe, and now its Scotland’s turn. Tytti moved to Scotland from her native Finland in December and is now setting up her industrial sewing machines and hanging colourful leather skins in her Aberdeen studio.

After graduating with a BA (Hons) in Fashion from Manchester University, Tytti moved to Amsterdam and created waves last year at the Amsterdam International Fashion Week (AIFW), collaborating with Danish designer Claes Iverson. Her current ‘Garbage’ bag collection (inspired from the humble yet practical plastic bag) featured recently in fashion magazine Grazia as the ‘must have’ black bag alongside fashion icon Marc Jacobs’ shoes.

Inspiration for Tytti's creations is drawn from everything from art to architecture, and even individual colours, shapes or textures. “One painting can inspire an entire collection with its mood or palette,” she explains. Her Aalto collection was inspired by the work of architect Alvar Aalto, using clean lines and natural shapes. The Butterfly pouchettes are stunning in their simplicity, with an antique 1950s butterfly brooch made from sterling silver and enamel gracefully adorning each bag.

Her tactile design aesthetic means you have to both see and feel her creations to best appreciate them. Super soft and very pliable, elk leather from Finland is one of her favourites amongst the diverse leathers she uses. When asked "Why leather?", Tytti answers simply: “It’s all about sustainability and supreme quality.”

Tytti’s gorgeous website showcases her whole collection and emphasizes the made-to-order concept, which keeps waste at a minimum. As Tytti explains,“I don’t make a bag if there isn't a wearer for it.”

Tytti already has her bags stocked in Che Camille in Glasgow; and with goals to run for the Scottish Design Awards, Tytti is a whirlwind of a business-person, with philanthropic goals and even better handbags.