I first saw a Dazed Dorothy bag at the launch of the Glasgow Craft Mafia group. I remember I was struck by this gorgeously fabulous oversized leather clutch bag with coloured petals and cascades of vintage buttons. I asked around to see who had made it and someone pointed me in the direction of Corinne Roberts. I spoke to her very briefly on that occasion and she explained me how she had come up with her brand and showed me a few bags, belts and purses she had made. Corinne’s bags are made in leather and decorated with frills, beads and buttons. 
Delicate bows have recently appeared on the bags and clutches from her new collection, and the young designer has also launched 100% cotton re-usable shopping bags embellished with leather details, buttons and beads. A few months after we first met, I spoke to Corinne again and did a brief interview with her. I’m posting here an extract from that original chat we had.
Can you tell us more about your design background?
I graduated in 2006 from Loughborough University with a degree in Multi Media Textiles. Previous to that I gained an HND in stitched Textile and Fashion Design from Glasgow’s Cardonald College where I received fantastic knowledge of all aspects of design including pattern cutting, hand stitching, sewing machinery and so on.
When did you start Dazed Dorothy?
I was given a bag of leather offcuts from my parents, which they brought back for me from a day trip to a Scottish isle. From this I begun making leather bags to sell to friends and family to fund my degree show. 
I started thinking seriously about Dazed Dorothy, started designing and making accessories for it in March 2007. Ever since I was little I have had a passion for design and fashion and have always known I would love to do something along those lines, while working for myself. So, after gaining practical experience within an accessory company in Amsterdam, I was inspired to take the chance and just go for it.
How did you choose the name for your brand?
Many of my friends call me “Dorothy” as a nickname, which they got from the main character from The Wizard of Oz, as I have an obsession with red shoes. It is a personal name, with a personality and story behind it, just like the accessories I create for the label.
Where do you get the inspiration for your creations?
Everywhere. One of my collections was inspired by the theme of the ‘Secret Garden’. 
This arose from when I was digging the foundations for my new studio and I was unearthing lovely bits of broken china, glass bottles and lots of curios, so that led me to work with a palette of earthy tones and incorporate various charms and vintage jewellery pieces into my work. Other huge inspirations for me have been the playful colours and frivolities of carousels, beautiful vintage couture and old button tins.
Can you describe us your new studio/the environment you work in? 
It is a button and bead heaven at the bottom of my garden. I have a bookshelf filled with art books, magazines and jars filled with colourful buttons and embellishments. I have a beautiful vintage Singer sewing machine table in it, which belonged to my great aunt. It is a very creative space as my dad uses the other half of the building to do wood turning and carving in.
Are there any icons from the fashion world you particularly like for their accessories/style?
I don’t have a particular icon as my tastes are very eclectic. I think it’s very important not to get caught up in other people’s style, instead just take inspiration and concentrate on creating your own.
Is there a famous accessory designer you would like to work for one day?
I would love to be involved in creating limited edition collections for various large designers, I would particularly like to be involved in a luggage collection as I have a great interest in suitcases. Ultimately, I would like others to want to work for me.
How did you come up with the idea for the “Perfect Parties”?
When I was young my mum often hosted ‘Pipadee Parties’, where a lady would come to our house with rails of fabulous clothes. It was great to have new and exciting items brought straight to your home, so I was inspired by that. 
Besides, often nowadays people have very hectic lifestyles and they don’t necessarily have the time to go out searching for unique pieces and up-and-coming designers, so it’s nice to be able to bring that to them. There has been a great reaction to them so far. I have actually had lots of groups booking a Dazed Dorothy party as part of a fund-raising effort with their 10% commission going to their chosen charity.
According to you, what’s the best bag you created so far?
There are so many I make and then would like to keep for myself. Some of my favourites are within the collection inspired by carousels, they are extremely bright, fun and frivolous and to me they embody the word ‘fabulous’, which is what Dazed Dorothy is all about.
Is there a celebrity you’d like to see carrying one of your creations? 
I would love to see my bags being carried on the red carpet by someone like Keira Knightley.
Which is your favourite fashion magazine? 
I have a subscription to Vogue and absolutely love it when it’s time for it to arrive in the post. I adore its sumptuous fashion spreads.
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