Radley: reimagined for a new era
The brand’s new Design Director, Fernando Soriano Iglesias, tells us why autumn chic isn’t complete without one of Radley’s new bags
Some things never go out of style – they just transform. Radley London is one of those things; established in London in 1998, the British brand’s identity is rooted in heritage. Now Fernando Soriano Iglesias, the Spanish designer who has created accessories for LOEWE, Carolina Herrera and Calvin Klein, has joined the British label to redefine Radley’s accessible British luxury credentials.
We sit down with the newly appointed Design Director, in Radley’s London showroom, to talk all about balancing his work and personal life, as well as his challenge to elevate Radley to gain recognition as an expert in handbags and accessories.
Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I lead an active lifestyle. I love running, swimming and playing tennis – it helps me maintain a work-life balance and also perform my best in my work life.
What do you wish you’d known before starting in your industry?
This industry is highly competitive, and so many brands are striving for excellence. I don’t think I realised quite how much talent there would be! But I’m not saying if I had known how competitive it would be I would have chosen to be a tennis player [laughs]. A competitive industry is great because it pushes you to perform at your best.
What do you wish you knew more about?
I love history and I’m really passionate about art. I love Pablo Picasso; his work and colours are so inspiring to me. I’m actually quite good at art – not amazing though [laughs]. I would love to deepen my knowledge of ancient times because everything is connected. In the creative industry we always take so many references from the past, so it’s important to understand it.
Tell us something about Radley that you didn’t know until you joined…
I was really impressed to learn that the brand has worked with the same suppliers for the past 26 years; this highlights a long-term commitment to craftsmanship and the love for the leather. This tight relationship is really amazing, and I’m looking forward to going to India soon to meet the expert craftsmen who have worked with Radley for so long.
What is the name inspiration behind the bags?
Radley’s home is in London and all the bags are named after London streets – sometimes I find them very difficult to pronounce [laughs]!
What should everyone know about Radley in 2025 and beyond?
It’s a really exciting time for the brand. The new Radley is taking inspiration from the past and staying true to the core of the brand, which is the craftsmanship, the long-term suppliers and the leather quality. We’re taking all these elements but bringing a contemporary approach.
How do you know when a bag is well-made
Feeling the leather, the finishings, the colours, hardware, the details, the edge paint, the stitching… all these elements tell you a bag is well-made.
And how do you know if a bag will become an iconic style?
You can only hope! Design, the proportions, the attention to detail, the craftsmanship…The bag needs to be aspirational and make someone feel empowered, confident and stylish.
Fernando’s favourites
The Romilly
“This is the bag I hope becomes an icon. I love the style – the proportions, the mixed materials, the functionality, the softness. It’s really beautiful.”
Broadway Market
“I wear this beautiful oversized shoulder bag all the time, because it’s so lightweight and easy to carry. l love the thick stitching and the shiny black and pine-needle-green leather.”
The Belsize
“This shoulder bag is smaller in size. I love the smooth leather, gold hardware and the fact it’s multifunctional – you can wear it on the shoulder or cross-body.”
