With celebrity support from none other than woman of the moment, Meghan Markle, it’s no wonder that Stow London and their luxury leather travel accessories have been placed firmly on the map.

So with our latest Stow offering going live on site today, we thought we’d take 15 minutes to talk dreams, strategy, adventures and the future with Founder and Creative Director, Carol Lovell…

Could you tell BrandAlley the Stow story and what inspired you to start the brand?

I launched Stow 5 years ago with a vision to become the destination for Wander-Luxe, a term we use to define our designs.

In 2013 I saw an opportunity to create a business that could capture the spirit of adventurous travel through the design of small travel accessories in bold colour contrasts and heritage shapes. At the time no one brand was solely focused on small luxury travel accessories.  I decided Stow would be the first. I started from home with a small sum from our savings and have been building the brand organically ever since.

In your eyes what sets Stow products apart from other travel accessories?

Our customers and retail partners tell us the craftsmanship is second to none and they appreciate the practicality of each piece we design. And of course the colours are always quite daring, to match my approach to setting up the business and the personalities of our customers.

How much of a driver has the ‘Meghan effect’ been on the STOW brand?

Megan Markle was introduced to Stow over two years ago and at the time gave me great confidence through her personal support that Stow was coming up with the right designs for the stylish and discerning customer.  Like all our Friends of Stow including Bobbi Brown, Karren Brady and David Harewood, I think she liked our ethos, the story behind it, and of course the First Class Tech case she has used on numerous occasions. Since her engagement to Prince Harry interest in Stow has definitely increased, especially in the USA which I am very grateful for.

Could you tell us a fun STOW fact that people might not know about the brand?

In our office, whoever puts the kettle on has to do 15 squat reps. It’s safe to say we’ve all cut down on our caffeine!

What would be your perfect travel adventure and which Stow accessories would you take along for the ride?

It would have to be a ride among the mountains and deserts of Patagonia. Wandering where the WiFi is weak until I reach a place to dig out my tech case from my saddle bags to charge my gadgets to contact home. I keep a Moleskine notebook in mine – perfect for keeping travel notes.

Finally, what’s next on the agenda for Stow? 

Apart from continuing to grow in the UK and overseas, later this year we are launching an exciting new range of  travel accessories.  I’ve been working on them for nearly a year and can’t wait for them to come to life this autumn. Watch this space for quite a change in direction!

Shop the latest Stow London sale now!