Fitting Your Life in Your Bag: An Interview with Becca Morgan
- Daria Slikker
- Feb 25
- 4 min read
Designed for mess and made to last, Becca Morgan’s bags sit at the intersection of function and play. Reimagining classic outdoor gear through a city lens, her handmade designs prioritise practicality without sacrificing colour, character, or craft. From waterproof, spill-proof interiors to joyful, unexpected palettes, each piece is built for people who do a bit of everything – commuting, freelancing, wandering, and forgetting where they left their keys. Rooted in sustainability and thoughtful design, Becca’s work reflects a modern urban lifestyle that’s busy, creative, and unapologetically messy.
What inspired you to start creating bags and keychains, and how did your own lifestyle influence the look and functionality of the brand?
I started making bags because I needed a Christmas present for my boyfriend and had no idea what to make. I ended up sewing a small black side bag with a crochet paracord strap. That was two years ago – he told me I should sell them, but I didn’t until I went freelance and had the time to really commit. They’ve since become my core product.
The keychains came from polymer clay (FIMO), which you bake in the oven. It’s quite niche, but I used it as a kid and used to make doll’s house food when I was seven. Making charms felt like a natural extension of that, just more refined, varnished, and wearable.
Lifestyle-wise, it’s funny because I dress almost entirely in black, but I love colour. Bags are where I get to play with bold combinations and have fun. I also like keeping everything handmade and made-to-order. I really value sustainable craft and thoughtful production.
Your tagline mentions “Designed for mess. Made to last.” How do you balance durability with aesthetics when choosing materials and silhouettes?
I almost design in reverse. I’ll start with an idea and make the first iteration, then think about how it actually needs to function day-to-day. Life is messy – things spill, you’re busy, you need something reliable.
That’s why the exterior fabric is waterproof and PVC-lined, and the inside has a water-resistant lining so spills can be wiped clean. For me, practical design shouldn’t mean compromising on how something looks. People want things that last, but they still want them to be beautiful and I think that’s what’s really resonating now.
Do you have any brands that inspired you?
I’m really into functional sportswear at the moment. There’s a climbing brand called Kawa whose colour palettes I love. I’m drawn to outerwear that feels technical but playful.
I used to work in vintage wholesale, so I’m often inspired more by vintage silhouettes than specific brands, things like old outdoor shapes, or references like Prada Sport.
How do you approach colour and form when reimagining classic outdoor gear through an urban lens?
A lot of it comes down to working within limitations. Suppliers only offer a small range of colours, and custom colour runs just aren’t realistic for me right now. With this waterproof fabric, I have about twelve colours to work with, so it’s about making the best possible combinations.
I think a lot about what works with shades like burgundy or cream. One of my favourite tools is a Japanese dictionary of colours. It’s an amazing reference point, even if the final result doesn’t match exactly. It’s all about mixing, matching, and letting colour be playful.
Can you walk us through your creative process from the first sketch to the final product?
Honestly, I’m still figuring out how I work. I’m trying to get better at putting ideas on paper, but a lot of it still lives in my head. I’m working on a new bag right now and there are no drawings at all. I just know exactly what I want.
From there, it’s lots of sampling and refining. You test things that you think will work and realise they look wrong or aren’t practical. Sometimes something you expect to be complicated turns out really simple, which is always a relief, especially when fabric is expensive. I usually start with colour straight away and build everything else around that.
What are the most important practical features you focus on for everyday use and why?
My favourite feature is the key hook, because I chronically lose my keys – it’s basically my reputation at this point. Having a dedicated hook you can clip them onto just makes life easier.
I also include an elasticated water bottle holder. That came from experience: when I was writing my dissertation, I put a water bottle in my bag with my laptop… and you can imagine how that ended. I wanted something that actually holds it upright and secure.
Who is the ideal person you imagine using your pieces, and how do you hope your brand fits into their daily adventures?
My audience is mostly women at the moment, though I’m moving more towards unisex. Typically, it’s women aged 24-35 who work nine-to-five, maybe freelance on the side. They’re playful with their style even if they wear mostly one colour, they want a statement bag.
They value sustainability, practicality, and longevity. Very city-based, a bit funky, adventurous, slightly scatty and are trying to stay organised while fitting their whole life into one bag. I relate to that a lot.
What are your plans for future bags?
I’m working on a more developed festival-style bag. I already make smaller side bags, but I want one that really contours the body – something you can fold, scrunch up, or expand depending on your day.
I love the idea of a bag that adapts: small when you’re just carrying a book, but expandable when you’re doing a food shop or out all day. I also want to add more pockets. A lot of outfits don’t have phone pockets, and I hate having to throw everything into one big space. Multiple pockets just make life easier.
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