Forever blowing bubbles
Raffaella Zoppelletto on Tissa Fontaneda and her iconic Nappa Bubble bags
Interview: Clare Finney
Originally from Munich, Tissa Fontaneda began her design career in Paris before relocating to Madrid and joining the Spanish luxury brand Loewe. There, she learned about handbag manufacturing and leathers from some of Europe’s greatest artisans. She launched her eponymous label in 2010, and her signature Nappa Bubble collection is now one of the most distinctive and intriguing luxury brands in the marketplace.
Though I am Italian by birth, I have spent 20 years in London, running a fashion business. I fell in love with Tissa’s handbags, and managed to establish her brand in Chelsea, in my shop Ella Boutique.
Tissa and I discovered that we were women who shared a very similar vision. I love her style and approach to fashion, and I love that she is a woman who wants to support other women: women make up 99 per cent of the people in her company. We decided to partner and open a flagship store on Marylebone Lane which would be the London home of the Tissa Fontaneda collection and a carefully curated selection of brands we love.
With Nappa Bubble bags, it was Tissa’s dream to create something classic, timeless and luxurious, but with a twist. She worked very closely with leather technicians to develop the idea, and spent a long time finding highly skilled artisans to produce it.
The Nappa Bubble bags are made from the finest buttery soft nappa lambskin, which is sourced from the top tannery in Spain. The bubble effect is achieved through a lengthy and complex steaming process, where each section of leather is individually handcrafted. Each bag takes about three months to produce, a process characterised by impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Because of the quality of the leather, these bags age like a fine bottle of wine; they get better and better over time. I travel everywhere by public transport and although I have lived in London for over 20 years, I always forget my umbrella. Yet even when I get caught in the rain, the bag remains beautiful and perfect.
Use lukewarm water and a natural soap with a soft cloth to clean the bag every two to three weeks and don’t forget to always store your bag inside the dust bag when not being used.
We were supposed to open just before lockdown hit, but everything was delayed. Throughout the first lockdown, I went to the store once or twice a week to dress the mannequins in the window. I would style them in colourful dresses, bags and accessories, and leave the lights on. When we finally opened in June, I had so many people coming in to thank me for brightening up the lane. The reaction still moves me to tears. Times are tough, but we will get through it!