Sweet Disposition

Photos by Tony Collins

I wish I had been this composed when I first started blogging. Beau Adam, at just thirteen, stands in front of the camera with a pleasant combination of confidence, 

and an innocence so charming if she wasn’t my friend, I’d describe it as adorable. This, in contrast to me as a beginner, who knew nothing other than how to smile and

 ‘pretend walk’. My writing was only slightly more advanced. Topics ranged from my anticipation for summer (unlike anyone else’s surely) but somehow always returned

 to my obsession with breakfast – some things don’t change.

In the midst of exams – because for some reason that’s when I like to pick up the most work (??) – Beau agreed to meet up with Tony and I for an early shoot. 

We met at 9, holding long blacks for us, hot chocolate and marshmallows for Beau. It’d been a month or so since she first offered her help on my blog. I’d almost

 forgotten about it, until I began working with The Leather Satchel Company. I thought of Beau. 

Perhaps it was the few things they have in common. The Company is an old soul – producing satchels since 1966. With designs I would describe as humble in simplicity, 

yet high in class, The Leather Satchel Company too understates itself. Handmade in England, the pixie bags (above) and satchels are of the most genuine, quality leather. 

They come in a range of sunny colours, and sophisticated tones. They’re as effervescent as the young girl wearing them.

Like Beau, they evoke a certain nostalgic feeling. With her determined look, interest in fashion and music, Beau reminds me a bit of myself just a few years ago. The 

leather bags, however, resemble the one my mother gifted me for Christmas at seven years old. The only difference being this one was light pink, and certainly not 

genuine leather. There was also a big flower on the side, an outlandish feature that nowadays I stray from. At the time though, it couldn’t have been more perfect, more

 ‘Not a girl, not yet a woman.’ I looked up to my Mum. What she did with her bag for the family, I did with mine for my baby doll. When my baby was hot, I’d carry 

her cardigan, just like when she was hungry, of course I’d remembered a bottle of milk. That bag carried me through childhood. It was there hanging limply the

 evening I broke my arm, and it was there to carry my $17 the first time I “took care of Christmas”. 

Gifts like these are timeless. They hold everything, then still have space for memories. If you’re thinking of Christmas in November, 

or of Summer in the rain, you should really think of these bags. Check them out here, or at Johnstone’s Cashmere on Queen Street. 

Look out for more from this series soon.

McKenzie xx