Profile
After working as a fashion and accessories designer for several years in London, Italy and China, Anna Vahey’s passion for handbags and love of Ireland led her back to her native Sligo to start designing and making her own collection.
In Autumn 2008 Anna launched her first range of exclusive handmade leather bags under the name ANA FAYE.
The label enjoyed instant recognition, winning the Best Product at Showcase Ireland 2009, along with Best Product in the Fashion, Knitwear and Accessories category.
Anna’s innovative creations are outstandingly refined and elegant – using pure clean geometric lines juxtaposed with elegant curves.
“I wanted to set up a designer accessories label for a long time that was strictly made in limited numbers, so I could guarantee my customers that they would not see everyone with the same bag. This is very important to me, that I am giving my customers the right to express their own individuality through limited edition designer pieces and bespoke orders.”
The Name…
ANA FAYE is the name Anna was christened and which was somehow lost after her father’s death and her mother remarried. She decided to revive and use this nostalgic name, with the aim of it growing to stand for and embody the label’s emphasis on innovation and exquisite silhouettes using the finest materials – Italian leather being the preferred medium.
The Past…
Anna trained as a fashion designer graduating from Limerick School of Art and Design. In 2004 her unique designs and attention to detail brought her recognition from Ireland’s fashion elite and she promptly won the prestigious Persil Designer of the Year Award. After receiving this accolade and a substantial amount of price money, Anna invested this in furthering her education at Central Saint Martins – London’s most revered art and design college - where she was awarded a Master’s degree and specialised in Innovative Pattern Cutting.
The Future…
Confidence, quality and originality are at the centre of Ana Faye’s foundation.
Ana Faye strives to give women the power and confidence to express their own individuality through high quality limited edition bags. Working with the finest materials – leather being the preferred medium – Ana Faye’s designs are outstandingly refined and elegant, using pure geometric lines juxtaposed with elegant curves.
The philosophy in action is seen in the details of every Ana Faye handbag or accessories. From exquisite silhouettes to pleasurable elegant lining, each bag is a statement piece, but essentially practical - exemplifying the ideals of the 21st century woman.
As fashion evolves, so does the Ana Faye label. With the ‘It’ bag craze on the decline and a move towards limited edition logo free designer creations, it is increasingly the bag, not the label that makes the statement. Ana Faye is keenly placed to take advantage of this movement by focusing on its core strengths of individuality, strong craftsmanship, style, exclusivity and understated luxury.