Guiding principals: Hills & West design

Coming from a city that is thriving in entrepreneurialism, innovation and technology, where usability is key to every tech solution, combining my tech guiding principals to accessory design seemed rather logical.

The entrepreneur and global explorer in me was always on search for the perfect, practical yet stylish, workbag; and it had become a bit of an obsession.

A bag that had multiple clever pockets, was versatile, durable, made with quality craftsmanship and large enough to carry my computer, gym gear, notepad, camera, glasses and other daily necessities. It was this seemingly impossible feat that formed the foundations of Hills & West.

Last year, after going to Milan to learn from the traditional leather artisans themselves (a bucket list dream), I resigned from my global director role in tech to focus solely on Hills & West – creating lifestyle accessories that make our multidimensional and frantic lives that little bit easier.

Designed for function and form, with versatility for the busy entrepreneur, Hills & West’s first collection comprises of superbly crafted staples including cardholders, folios, clutches and a backpack that can be worn multiple ways, with a whole array of unique features. The Morgan debut collection, with four distinct styles, was designed specifically for the modern woman and man on the go.

For him, the Morgan Business finished with gunmetal black hardware, is the cornerstone to every man’s working wardrobe. The handsome slick leather design and multiple compartments help you effortlessly tote your tech, notes and accessories with ease.

For her, a sophisticated backpack to hold all the daily necessities, and a folio and clutch to protect her tech, however also versatile enough to travel from the gym, to the boardroom and transform to the perfect evening accessory.

The collection uses high quality leather, premium hardware, handmade locally in Sydney by artisans who hold true to heritage leather good standards, ensuring the upmost quality in each and every bag.

The principals behind the Morgan collection motivate me everyday, especially when working with different businesses. I always want to make sure that we find the simplest solution, providing the greatest functional value; that the solution requires minimal maintenance and is of the highest quality; and that we create the optimal user experience. I believe you need to make your customers feel special, adore your product and integrate it into their everyday. And why not make their lives a little easier at the same time. If you think of this every time your start a new project, design a new product or work to improve a current process, I don’t think you can go that wrong.