David Gandy working on new luggage range

“It’s very hard to design bags for men – you guys are so fussy,” laughs Mariya Dykalo. The Ukrainian creative director of Aspinal of London says she injects “Britishness and London” into her designs, such as the best-selling Mount Street collection of men’s business bags. But above all, she states, practicality and simplicity are essential for men when they choose a piece of baggage.

For her Aerodrome collection last year, Dykalo collaborated with British model David Gandy. The range was inspired by the Spitfire and Dykalo took a breathless flight in the famous warplane as part of her research.

“I read all about aviation history and learned so much,” she says, adding with a smile, “the flight was incredible, I did a loop the loop.” Part two of the Aerodrome collection arrives in 2020 and Gandy has once again been involved. Pieces from last year’s range featured buckles and stitching from Spitfire seats while clasps mimicked the firing button on the WW2 plane.

“David travels a lot so he’s the best person to work with on a luggage collection,” says Dykalo. “He’s super nice, very polite and very English. He has great style – his look is English gentleman, but also contemporary and cool, I think men can relate to that.”