Lydia Millen’s sell-out Fairfax & Favor handbag collection, the Town & Country line, has returned after both previous launches sold out in approximately 10 minutes. The burgundy clutch emerged as the standout bestseller, and repeated restocks indicate sustained shopper demand.
Inspired by Timeless British Craftsmanship
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Express, Millen explained that the collection was designed to transcend fleeting trends. “The starting point was creating pieces that genuinely fit the way I live,” she said. “I live in the countryside and head to London regularly, so I wanted a collection that blurred the line between town and country without compromising on elegance.” She added that the bags should work equally well for a walk to the village pub or a dinner in Mayfair.
Millen emphasised that commercial success was not the driving force. Instead, every silhouette, colour, and finishing touch was inspired by her own lifestyle, aiming to create handbags that move effortlessly between countryside and city life.
Partnership with Fairfax & Favor
Fairfax & Favor, a British family-run leather goods atelier, has built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship over more than a decade. The brand blends classic countryside styling with contemporary elegance, earning a loyal following including Zara Tindall as a brand ambassador. Millen noted, “As a brand, Fairfax & Favor have been at the forefront of beautiful British design for over a decade. Their sense of self, detail and quality craftsmanship is something to be admired and respected.”
Design Philosophy: Heirlooms Over Trends
Millen’s philosophy centres on creating future heirlooms rather than chasing seasonal trends. “For me, sustainability begins with creating pieces you’ll genuinely treasure and wear for years,” she said. “Throughout the design process, we focused on longevity - choosing quality materials, timeless silhouettes and thoughtful craftsmanship so these are bags you’ll still be reaching for many years from now.” She added that if the cost per wear becomes pennies, the bags will have been “lovingly used in the way I so want them to be.”
Best-Selling Designs and Restocks
The clutch bag, available in burgundy and black, was the first piece to sell out during launch. According to Fairfax & Favor, the burgundy colourway became the collection’s biggest bestseller. The label has carried out three to four restocks across the core range, plus a further restock of the newest chocolate colourway. Other popular pieces include the tan top-handle bag (£375) and the micro top-handle bag (£345), both featuring gold-toned hardware and detachable straps.
Personal Favourite: The Clutch
Millen described the clutch as her favourite design from the collection. “It’s the bag that I’ve always dreamed of but have never been able to find - it feels incredibly personal because it solves a problem I’ve spent years trying to solve in my own wardrobe!” She noted its dimensions offer ample space while transitioning seamlessly from day wear to occasion wear.
Future Collaborations
When asked about potential future collaborations, Millen remained tight-lipped. “Working with Fairfax & Favor is such a dream because it’s been a truly collaborative partnership from day one. I can’t give anything away, but right now I’m incredibly excited to see this current collection out in the world and being enjoyed,” she shared.
Millen hopes these bags become part of women’s lives, gathering stories and character with every wear, proving that enduring luxury is defined by craftsmanship and longevity rather than logos.
