Royal mums are firm believers that just because we are mothers doesn’t mean we aren’t interested in keeping up with the latest trends and styles. Fashion for some of us is a definition of who we are and working with luxury hand bags everyday, to be caught wearing a not so aesthetically pleasing bag is a big NO NO.  We have all had the struggle of changing our stylish hand bag to a big ugly changing bag. So can you imagine our excitement when we came across Tiba and Marl’s changing bag in Harrods; super excited. With a new baby on the way and the thought of having to go back to big and bulky changing bags is super daunting, but not any more, when we saw the sleek and stylish black leather Elwood Backpack we had to double check to see if it was actually a changing bag. And hang on one minute a bag that dad’s can actually carry; genius. And it didn’t just stop there being a family that frequently travel the Raf Holdall is one of its kind, a changing bag and at the same time the perfect weekend bag and not only that it is super light. There is nothing more irritating then a travel bag weighing a tonne when you have kids to carry as well as nappies, change of clothes etc. It gives me no greater pleasure then to introduce you to the amazing women and mothers behind Tiba and Marl.

RM: Tell us about the people behind Tiba and Marl?
T+M: TIBA+MARL was created by London Duo Anna Tizard and Lydia Barron. Anna is the ex bag buyer for Topshop and Urban Outfitters, and Lydia an ex designer for Sigerson Morrison and Kurt Geiger. Both Mothers, we spotted a gap in the market for fashion inspired changing bags that could be used beyond the nappy changing days. We spent the last year developing the brand, and bringing our babies (now 1 year old and 10 months) to each and every business, factory, warehouse meetings plus to trade shows and networking events! We launched 4th September – and the reaction has been phenomenal.

RM: How was the brand Tiba and Marl born?
T+M: Having been friends for many years since working together as a Buyer/Designer team, upon having having children we found ourselves discussing the bad rep of changing bags, i.e. why would fully grown stylish women only be given the option of large coated canvas bags with owls and cupcakes on them, or frumpy ‘trying to look like’ a leather handbag (circa M&S 1987!) type nappy bags…? With a group of fashion-forward friends who happened to be parents we already had the perfect market research circle, that combined with our fashion background -and experience of having 4 kids between us – we decided to create a trend-led collection of functional yet fashionable changing bags for the hipster generation Mum and Dad.

RM: If you had a favourite bag from your collection what would it be?
T+M: Too hard to choose. We literally use a different bag for every occasion. A trip to Harrods would probably mean using the chic Mabel tote. For a weekend away either the Raf holdall or the James satchel, as they both are the perfect size for carry on. If we are running about with all the kids and need our hands, we’ll grab the backpack. I’ve (Anna) been using the Floral Raf holdall a lot recently, despite never having anything floral in my life before – but the prints digital and edgy and the style is the perfect size for all the millions of nappies/ pants/ snacks I need to haul around with me!!

RM: What inspired you to start your own line of baby changing bags?
T&M: The lack of choice for fashion conscious Mothers! And also the opportunity to gain a better life/work balance – so we could spend more time with our young families.
RM: Who are your inspirations?
T+M: So many! All areas of fashion – street style, cat walk, blogs. Designers.. we love Christopher Kane, Alexander Wang, Chanel, Christopher Raeburn, Fendi (especially the accessories!), Stella McCartney etc etc . Stores like Colette, Opening Ceremony, Goodhood. Street style – particularly in Hackney, Peckham, Notting Hill. Our kids, our lifestyle. Other kids brands like Mini Rodini, Someday Soon, Ruff and Huddle – and kids stores like The Mini Edit and Hip little People. We spend hours on Instagram (much to the displeasure of our husbands) and get lost in the world of Man Repeller, Mothers Meeting, Sophia Webster and Meringue Girls! Also can’t beat (guilty pleasure) a cup of tea and a copy of Grazia!
RM: How do you manage being business women and managing a family?
T+M: Fortunately Lydia and my situations are very similar, both each have a young child and a baby, no family near, and husband’s that work long hours – so we support each other and make all our meetings and events work around our lifestyle. We are also lucky in that both our husbands are creatives so they both help with the business. We even get the kids to model for us and wearer-trial the kids mini backpacks!! Everyone chips in and we make sure we have each others back when one of us is having a bad day.

RM: Can you tell us about your plans for the future of your brand?
T+M: We have more amazing stockists confirmed, with the likes of Selfridges and Alex and Alexa taking our Spring/Summer collections. We’ll keep introducing new prints, and cool new styles as we know we need to stay ahead of imitators! We have an amazing bumbag (yes really!!) due late November as well as #twinning mini backpacks for kids.

To read more about Tiba and Marl and to see their amazing selection of bags please click here. If you would like to see their collection first hand then you will be happy to know you can visit their pop up store in Harrods on the 4th Floor.