First look: Laura Bailey for Radley

Model Laura Bailey has strict requirements for her handbags. She looks for ‘timeless chic with a bit of an edge,’ and her chosen bags also must be ‘practical and stylish, and age gracefully.’

Bailey, who epitomises the values she seeks in accessories, just gained an archive of classic bags to choose from through her new role as the face of Radley’s spring-summer 2012 campaign.

‘I’m proud to work with a great British brand and such an amazing team,’ she tells us. ‘Radley accessories offer desirable designer luxe at affordable prices—a pretty perfect combination. I love the eclectic collection and can’t wait to mix the bags up with my summer wardrobe.’

As BFC Cultural Ambassador, Bailey promotes British fashion on a global scale. Besides attending LFW events and the British Fashion Awards, she devises new ways for the BFC to support and encourage British design talent. These days, she’s readying for LFW, looking forward to taking in Stella McCartney’s special London presentation and the Christopher Kane and Burberry shows.

We have a good idea of what she’ll be wearing. ‘S/S ’12 Christopher Kane is what I’m lusting after most. It was a haunting and mesmerising show,’ she says. ‘The blue and silver skirts and dresses were my favourite looks, and yet another pair of perfect jeans which I definitely don’t need.’

But if they match her new handbags, all bets are off.

Click through the gallery above to see images from Bailey’s campaign shoot, styled by Katie Hillier and shot by Angelo Pennetta at Camber Sands.