Cambridge Satchel Company

Cambridge Satchel Company began its journey in December 2008 with a modest budget of £600, marking the start of what would become a distinctive British brand known for its iconic satchels. From these humble beginnings, the brand quickly expanded, developing satchels in a wide array of colours that captured attention and set the foundation for its growth. A significant milestone came in 2010 when Cambridge Satchel’s Fluoro Satchels stood out at London Fashion Week, their neon colours reflecting the flashes of photographers’ cameras and highlighting the brand’s bold aesthetic. This exposure helped establish Cambridge Satchel as a notable name in fashion circles. In 2011, the brand took an important step by opening its first workshop in the heart of England. This move brought production in-house, a practice that they have maintained ever since, strengthening their control over quality and craftsmanship. Their story gained wider recognition in 2012 when Google invited Cambridge Satchel to feature in its Google Chrome advertising series titled ‘The Web is What You Make Of It’. This campaign brought the brand’s story to millions, significantly boosting its profile. Over the years, Cambridge Satchel has collaborated with distinguished names, including a notable partnership with Vivienne Westwood in 2013 and again in 2015, launching limited edition collections that featured the designer’s iconic squiggle print. These collaborations have reinforced the brand’s creative spirit and connection to influential fashion figures. The brand also established a physical retail presence by opening stores in Cambridge and Covent Garden, London, in 2013, allowing direct engagement with customers and showcasing their collections in key locations. Cambridge Satchel’s appeal has reached a global audience, with celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Alexa Chung, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor among those who have embraced their bags by 2014. This celebrity endorsement has helped solidify the brand’s status as a coveted fashion accessory. Several partnerships have enriched their product offerings, including a long-lasting collaboration with The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust starting in 2016, and creative ventures with Brazilian footwear brand Melissa, Brompton Bicycles, and luxury childrenswear brand Pepa London. Their collaborations often blend functionality with style, such as the Brompton collection designed to fit on bicycles, and playful collections like the Cambridge Satchel | Hello Kitty collaboration celebrating both brands’ anniversaries. The brand has also expanded its range by launching new styles over time, including The Emily tote in 2018, The Doctor’s Bag and The Sophie luxury collection, and more recent innovations such as The Artisan bridle leather bag and a series of Micro Bags introduced in 2023. Cambridge Satchel’s heritage is further celebrated through special collections inspired by cultural icons and literature, including partnerships with Ines de la Fressange, The Roald Dahl Story Company featuring Quentin Blake’s Matilda illustrations, and co-branded projects with Vintage Books. In 2020, the brand received a royal visit from HRH King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who were gifted bespoke bags created especially for them, highlighting the brand’s prestige and recognition at the highest level. Today, Cambridge Satchel Company continues its evolution under new ownership as part of The Swaine Group, backed by French business Chargeurs, maintaining its commitment to distinctive design and quality that has defined its journey since 2008. Through a rich timeline of milestones, collaborations, and expansions, Cambridge Satchel Company remains a standout British brand celebrated for its heritage, innovative designs, and enduring appeal in the world of fashion accessories.