I’ve been making things for as long as I can remember.
I started creative crafts at seven. By ten, I was sewing on a machine, making small pouches before moving on to patchwork quilts and detailed hand embroidery. I was the girl crocheting in French class, more focused on texture and construction than vocabulary tests.
At sixteen, I entered Junk Kouture and created a dress entirely from reclaimed materials, mostly sourced from old Jaguar cars. The leather seats became the structure of the garment. That experience changed how I saw materials. I became fascinated by transformation and by the idea that something overlooked could become something powerful.
In my Higher year, I fell in love with Product Design. I was drawn to how objects are built, how structure determines longevity, and why some pieces endure for decades while others do not survive a season.
That curiosity led me to leave school early to study Fashion Design at university. My graduate collection was inspired by my grandad and his life as a craftsman. It explored heritage, storytelling, and the belief that well-made objects gain meaning over time.
After graduating, I considered moving to London and following the expected path into the fashion industry. Instead, I chose to build something of my own.
I saw a gap for heritage-inspired handbags that felt genuinely Scottish. Not costume. Not trend-driven. Structured, refined, and built to last.
Kiera Jane was created from that decision.
Each bag is named after a Scottish castle, grounding the collection in strength, permanence, and place.
I have never been interested in making more.
I have always been interested in making better.
The Bags
Every Kiera Jane bag is designed and handmade in Scotland using carefully sourced deadstock leather and heritage tweeds from UK mills.
Deadstock
Deadstock refers to brand-new fabric that remains unused from mills or manufacturers. It may be end of line or surplus production, but it has never been worn or reprocessed.
This is different from recycled fabric. Recycled materials have already lived a life and been broken down and remade. Deadstock is original, unused material that would otherwise go to waste.
Because deadstock exists in limited quantities, each fabric is finite. Once it is gone, it cannot be repeated.
This ensures every bag is naturally one of one.
Leather
All bags are made using real leather.
Leather is durable, repairable, and designed to age with character. Over time, it develops a natural patina that reflects its journey rather than deteriorating.
Faux leather is plastic-based and typically cracks or peels within years. Real leather, when cared for properly, can last decades.
The leather used is a by-product of the meat industry, meaning it utilises existing materials rather than creating new synthetic alternatives. The focus is longevity and responsible use.
These bags are made to be carried for years, not replaced each season.
Tweed
The tweeds are sourced from mills across the UK.
Traditionally woven in a tight twill or herringbone structure, tweed was developed for durability and resilience. It is defined by its construction as much as its appearance.
Combined with structured leather, it creates strength and texture that holds its shape beautifully.
Craftsmanship
Each bag is cut, constructed, and finished by hand in Scotland.
They are sewn on a 1940s Singer machine, originally foot-operated and later motorised. Machines from this era are engineered for power and precision, making them ideal for heavyweight textiles and leather.
All materials are personally sourced. Finding the right deadstock takes time, research, and careful selection.
Because each piece is made individually and materials are limited, availability is naturally restricted.
There are only so many bags that can be produced at this level of craftsmanship.
Why Invest in a Kiera Jane Bag
Each piece represents considered design, limited materials, and intentional construction.
Designed and made by a trained fashion designer
Created from finite deadstock fabrics
Constructed with real leather designed to last decades
Produced in small quantities in Scotland
Built with longevity in mind rather than trends
These are not seasonal accessories.
They are pieces designed to stay with you.
As the brand grows, pricing will evolve to reflect increasing demand, refined skill, and limited production capacity. Each bag requires hours of sourcing, pattern development, and construction.
Quality takes time.
Time has value.
Custom Orders
Custom pieces are welcomed.
If you are looking for a specific tone, texture, or structure, you can submit an enquiry via the Contact page. Materials will be sourced specifically for your project while maintaining the heritage aesthetic and structural integrity of the brand.
Due to the nature of deadstock, exact fabrics cannot always be replicated. Lead times apply.
Collaborations
Kiera Jane is open to creative collaborations, limited capsule projects, wholesale enquiries, and editorial features.
All professional enquiries can be submitted via the Contact page.