What’s in your handbag? We take a look inside the much treasured bag of retail director Kate Morgan
After years working for big high street retailers, Kate Morgan has embarked on an exciting new challenge, swapping the shop floor and famous labels for classical music and less well known designers. In November, she became retail director at the historic Snape Maltings, home to Aldeburgh Music.“One day there was a recital practice going on next door to my meeting. I had to pinch myself, as it is so far removed from when I worked in London,” she laughs. “I relocated to Wymondham in 2009 to become general manager of House of Fraser in Norwich, which I absolutely loved. But it wasn’t just the job, I also knew Norfolk would be a lovely place to bring up my son.” She left House of Fraser for fashion brand Hobbs, but it meant more time on the road, so she decided to make a change.
As well as its reputation for music, with its concert hall hosting performances throughout the year, Snape Maltings also has shops, galleries and eateries.
“It really excited me and it meant I could stay in Wymondham. It is a bit of a drive, but the beautiful Norfolk and Suffolk countryside definitely beats the M25,” she laughs. “I do everything from overseeing the buying to the marketing. It is a really unique retail proposition and we like to support smaller fledgling local businesses.” Kate is very loyal to her handbag which she has had for 13 years. “I always wanted a Fendi Spy bag so when I was finally able to buy one, it was a big treat. So I can’t even look at another handbag, it feels wrong.” www.snapemaltings.co.uk
iPhone 6s, prices vary
I use it for everything, from email and banking to keeping up with my teenage son and doing social media for work.
Hobbs Italian leather pencil case, from £35
This was my leaving present from Hobbs, although I don’t just use it for pens, it has my lipstick, memory stick and mascara in it. I always know where my essentials are.
Amber by Laboratory perfume, £60
I am very loyal to perfumes. Certain fragrances always take me back to certain decades when I wore them. As soon as I smelled this I decided this would be my new scent. It is unusual and perfect for day or night.
Priddy handcream, £10
We started stocking it at Snape Maltings and the smell is just divine, my hands feel so soft and it is perfect handbag size.
Purse, £70
I bought this while visiting a friend in Italy as I wanted a memento of my trip. This is a great purse, big enough for all my bits and pieces, with a zip all the way round to hold it all in.
And a little something else….Aldeburgh festival brochure
I am trying to work out what I want to see, while trying to learn more about the music side of things here. My brochure is my little bit of homework.
