in the bag

Saben has created what Roanne calls ‘unique investment handbags’ and ‘portable works of art’ for 10 years now, recognised for featuring beautiful leathers, striking colours and often playful, designs.

Tell us about your work.

I am the director and designer of Saben and my work entails creating two collections of unique accessories a year. Saben bags are fashionable investment pieces. We design bags that are both stylish and functional, for the fast-paced lives women live now.

How would you describe your personal style?

Obsessive, I seem to get hooked onto a theme, completely thrash it and move on to something else.

What is your favourite colour and why?

Blue. I think it has a calming nature, as it always reminds me of the ocean.

What is your favourite decorating colour or combination of colours and why?

White and shades of it. Boring I know, but we have a reasonable art collection at home and I always prefer to see art on clean backgrounds.

Have those choices changed during the years? If so, what influenced that?

The first time I had any control over my environment I was nine years old. I got to choose the colour of my room and my bedspread, and I was able to rearrange the furniture – but only after I had made a scale plan of the space and recorded the size of each piece of furniture. (Is it obvious that my dad aspired to be an architect?). Anyway, I chose dusty pink and have barely even acknowledged the colour since!

Is there a colour you would never use in your own home?

I never say never.

What are your three favourite colours from Resene’s The Range 2010, and why?

Resene Jalapeno (red), Resene Wicked (purple) and Resene Identity (grey). I am loving this colour combination together at the moment. It’s very Saben winter 2010. After all, why wouldn’t you redecorate to match your next handbag purchase?

Want to get your own free copy of future issues of habitat magazine?

Printed copies of habitat highlights are available from late March 2024 at Resene ColorShops and resellers, while stocks last. You can view back issues of habitat magazine online.

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