The Journal

Competition Time and Q&A with TROY!

It’s competition time! When TROY got in touch with us this year, it was a match made in heaven. With their expertise in timeless, stylish coats and warm winter wear, our love of handcrafted accesso...

By Liv Bonsall

Posted on 04 Nov 2022 14:32

Competition Time and Q&A with TROY! - Cambridge Satchel

It’s competition time! When TROY got in touch with us this year, it was a match made in heaven. With their expertise in timeless, stylish coats and warm winter wear, our love of handcrafted accessories and both of our commitments to producing in the UK, a joint giveaway was a no-brainer. There will be more about what to win and how to enter at the end, but first, let us introduce you to Rosie van Cutsem, co-founder of TROY…

Rosie van Cutsem (left) and Lucia Ruck Keene, co-founders and sisters.

The Cambridge Satchel Co.

Where did the idea for TROY come from?

Rosie van Cutsem

As sisters, Lucia and I have both always had an interest in fashion and design and realised there was a gap in the market for beautifully made clothes that look as good as they perform. We wanted our designs to meet the needs of busy people and couldn’t understand why it was so hard to find waterproofed coats that also look good. We get on really well so the idea to set up a label for those who share our love of the outdoors was too tempting. We spent a year developing the brand and the initial designs in the evenings and weekends and launched the website in 2015. We have since expanded our collections to include soft knits, shirting and accessories for all the family, and are lucky to have our designs worn by stylish people all over the world. 

CSC

What is your role within TROY and what does your average day look like?

RvC

I run the business day to day, managing our small but perfectly formed team from our offices here in Norfolk. I drop my children at school and then walk to the offices, which are fortunately just a short stroll from my house. Each day, I keep a keen eye on production, but spend the bulk of my time focused on marketing, planning for growth and looking for opportunities to introduce our brand to new audiences in the UK and overseas. 

CSC

Like our own products, TROY items are handcrafted exclusively in the UK. Why is this important to you? 

RvC

On starting the brand, it felt necessary to work with local seamstresses and factories as it allowed us to learn more quickly, staying close to the process and building strong relationships. We have since made the decision to keep all of our production here in the UK. There are costs that come with this but we feel that there is such a depth of craftsmanship and skill here and we are passionate about keeping these hubs of excellence thriving.

Lucia (left) and Rosie.

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Could you describe TROY in a sentence? 


RvC

Timeless, effortless clothing, of a distinctly British flavour. 


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Where do you get your inspiration from when creating new pieces?


RvC

In designing our collections we look to contemporary styles as much as vintage archives. There are themes of British heritage throughout and we tend to keep the colour palette tonal and muted to ensure the pieces are timeless and versatile.


CSC

What is your approach to sustainability?


RvC

Sustainability is really important to us. We source our fabrics from the UK as much as possible,  limiting our carbon footprint by keeping our production on British soil and ensuring that our packaging is both recyclable and recycled. Most of all we try to design so that our pieces remain relevant and treasured for years, standing the test of time through their quality and style.


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And of course, our joint giveaway has begun. Why did you choose to work with The Cambridge Satchel Co.? 


RvC

The Cambridge Satchel Co. is a hugely impressive story of British design and of course, family enterprise. Their focus on quality, soft leather worked into beautiful shapes, and never compromising on the important things is undoubtedly the foundation of their success. 

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We are excited to launch our giveaway with TROY, with their Stock Shirt in Burgundy and our Poppy in Oxblood up for grabs. Enter here by Friday 11 November at midnight (GMT) to win this beautiful pair of handcrafted items!

By Liv Bonsall

Posted on 04 Nov 2022 14:32

Made in England

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Sustainably sourced leather

Sustainably Sourced. Exquisitely Crafted. Redefine Your Style Responsibly with Premium Leather Satchels.